The Building counter is open Monday-Friday from 7:30-5:30. The cut off time for permit issuance or plan submittal is 4:30 p.m.

The Building Division counter is closed the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of each month from 3:30-4:30. We will re-open from 4:30- 5:30. On this day we stop issuing permits at 3:30.

Building inspections are performed Monday through Friday from 7:30a.m. - 3:30p.m. You can request an inspection by using our online inspection request platform, Accela Citizen Access Accela Citizen Access or by calling the inspection request line at 562-904-7141. The deadline for next business day inspections is 3:00. If the inspection is requested after 3:00 p.m., the inspection will be scheduled on the second business day. Generally, our Building Inspectors are available for questions in the morning between 7:30-8:30 a.m.

While we are not able to provide specific times for inspections, we do make every attempt to accommodate an applicant’s request, such as AM/PM when possible. The inspectors determine the order of their route in a manner that is operationally most efficient. Your inspector will call you the morning of your inspection to provide you with a three (3) hour window for when they will arrive for your inspection.

Other than emergency work, no construction, repair or remodeling shall take place between the hours of 9:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day, and no repair or remodeling shall exceed 85 db(A) across any property boundary at any time during the course of a 24-hour day.

Per section 105.3.2 of the California Building Code: An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued. The building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 90 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrate.

Cut and fill less than 50 cubic yards and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than five horizontal to one vertical, or less than three feet in depth, not intended to support structures, which does not exceed 50 cubic yards on any one lot and does not obstruct a drainage course.

Per section 105.5 of the California Building Code: Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days.

Plan check and permit fees are based on project valuation; the total value of all construction work, including finish work, for which the permit is issued. You may refer to our Fees page for currently adopted fee schedules. Please note, in addition to the fees charged by the Building Division, there may be additional fees charged by other city departments, planning fees, development impact fees, state fees, school fees or sewer fees. The initial discretionary fee(s) associated with the Planning Division approval(s) are charged independently of the Building review submittal and permitting.

Permitting staff use the description of work provided on the plans and filled out by the applicant on the permit application to ensure you are charged correctly. So, it is important that the description of work is accurate, detailed, yet concise.

• One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, shade structures and similar uses, that do not exceed 120 square feet.
• Walls or fences less than forty-two inches (42”) in height, measured from the top of the wall/fence to highest finished grade.
• Retaining walls that are not over four feet (4′) (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
• New or replaced sidewalks, platforms, decks and driveways less than 800 square feet. Does not disturb additional area and maintains the original line and grade, hydraulic capacity and original purpose of facility.
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy or a one- or two-family dwelling, that are less than twenty-four inches (24″) (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
• Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
• Swings, other playground equipment and tree houses accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than fifty-four inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3 occupancies, a one- or two-family dwelling, and Group U occupancies.
• Replacement, repair or overlay of 100 square feet or less of an existing roof covering within any 12-month period on the same building.
• Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions five feet nine inches or less (1,753 mm) in height.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work where disabled access requirements do not apply.
• Minor repair work such as: clearing of stoppages, repairing leaks in valves, drains, waste or vent pipe provided such repairs do not involve or require replacement or rearrangement.
• Portable heating or cooling units
• Replacement of any component or assembly of an appliance which does not alter its original approval and complies with applicable requirements of the Mechanical Code.
• Any portable evaporative cooler.
• Refrigerating equipment which is a part of equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of the Mechanical Code.

Approval from other city departments and governmental agencies may still be needed even though a building permit is not required.

Exemption from permit requirements does not grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the Code or other laws or ordinances.

Projects can vary in complexity from the construction of a new building to an interior kitchen remodel, or a re-roof.  Similarly, the types of inspections that a project may require also vary significantly. The following is a list of common inspections at various stages of construction. It is meant only as a guide and does not include all inspections that may be required (inspections are listed on the project job card). If you are unsure whether an inspection is necessary, it is best to ask your inspector.

• Foundation inspection: When the excavation for footings is complete and required reinforcing steel, hold-downs, and structural embedment’s are in place, but before any concrete is placed. (Also needed are separate underground electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspections).
• Roof Sheathing Inspection: When all roof framing members are installed and the plywood or other sheathing is complete. All plumbing and mechanical vents are installed and flashed.
• Re-roof Inspection: Sheathing inspection and building final inspection.
• Wood Framing Inspection: When all roof, walls, and floor framing, fire blocking, draft stopping and all pipes, chimney, vents and duct work are in place, but before any work is covered. Wood framing inspection will not be approved until rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections are completed.
• Insulation Inspection: When all thermal insulation is in place but before it is concealed. Inspect state energy requirement stated on the approved plans.
• Lath and/or Gypsum Board Inspection: After all lath and gypsum board is in place but before any stucco is applied, or before gypsum board joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
• Reinforced Masonry Inspection: In grouted masonry before any units are laid up, all steel must be tied and in place ready for concrete foundation pour.  Grout inspection is required after units are laid. Final inspection is required after cells are grouted and cap is installed.
• Structural Steel Inspection: When structural steel members are in place and required connections are complete but before concealing any members or connections. Certificates of Compliance shall be given to the City Inspector.
• Electrical Inspections:
o Underground: After conduit or cable has been installed in trench but not covered.
o Rough wiring: Before any part of the work is concealed and prior to framing inspection.
o Final: When all fixtures, appliances, and systems are in place and connected.
• Plumbing Inspections:
o Underground or sub-floor plumbing: After material has been installed and tested, including sewer. Sewer Cap, is inspected for demolition projects.
o Rough plumbing: Before any part of the work is concealed (including shower pan hot map), prior to framing inspection and after roofing is installed.
o Gas piping test: After lath or gypsum board has been installed.
o Shower pan
o Final: After all fixtures are in place and connected.
• Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Inspections:
o Underground/Sub-floor duct inspection.
o Rough: Before any part of the work is concealed, metal fireplace rough, prior to framing inspection and after roofing is installed.
o Final: All appliances and equipment are in place and connected. Performance test may be required.

The California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes are available for review at City of Downey Building and Safety counter. They may be purchased from the  International Code Council, BNi, or International  Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. The last 4 code cycles are also available to view by going to the California Building Standards Commission website.

One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet are exempt from building permits. However, any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical in these structures, regardless of size will require separate permits. A plot plan showing where the structure is located is required to determine if the shed is allowed in the specific location. Planning will review it for setback requirements and applicable zoning requirements.

Property lines can only be accurately located by having your property surveyed. For more information, and to verify the license of a surveyor, please refer to the California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors website.

The process of obtaining building permits is basically the same for additions/alterations as it is for new structures. This process begins with determining what type of structure meets the zoning requirements of the site. The applicant shall provide a dimensioned plot plan illustrating an overhead view of the property with all structures outlined and distances to property lines and between structures identified. The existing and proposed construction should be clearly indicated as well. Once the land-use questions have been resolved, an applicant will need complete construction plans for the project. These plans are then submitted to the Building Division to be routed to all city departments involved for a concurrent review. Any corrections needed to bring the plans into compliance will be identified. Once the plans are approved, a building permit can be issued and the construction and inspection phase of the project begins.

Yes.  It is your responsibility to ensure that the “Approved” set of construction plans is available on the job site whenever an inspection is scheduled.  The approved plans must be stapled and in order. The inspector will not be able to perform the inspection without the approved plans.

No. You will just have to bring in the approved set and (2) copies of the sheets that have been affected by the change. Revisions to construction plans shall comply with all of the following:

• Plan revisions shall be clouded and provided on the same size sheets as the original drawings.

• Detail revisions shall be provided on the same size sheets as the original drawings. Minor revisions to details may be accepted on letter-size sheets at the discretion of Building & Safety.

• Revisions shall be consistent. If a revised item appears on several sheets, all affected sheets shall be revised.

• Revisions to plans prepared by a licensed professional shall be sealed (stamped) and signed by that licensed professional.

A block wall or fence with a max. height of forty-two inches (42”) does not require a building permit. However, it does require approval from Planning and possibility Engineering. Block walls/fences over forty-two inches (42”) require a permit from the Building Division in addition to the approval from Planning and Engineering.

Commercial fencing requires approval from Planning, Building, Fire and Engineering.

• Height Measurement residential wall or fence. Residential walls or fences shall be measured from the existing or finished grade, except within the front or street side yard, where the maximum height of a wall or fence shall be measured from the top of the nearest street curb elevation. When there is a difference in the ground level between two adjoining lots, the height of any wall or fence constructed along any interior side or rear property line shall be determined by measuring from the lot with the higher finished grade directly abutting the wall or fence.

  Maximum height:

  • Maximum height of a residential wall or fence inches in the front and street side setback area is forty-two inches (42”).
    • Except within the corner cutback where the maximum height is 30 inches (see figure below).
  • Walls or fences exceeding forty-two inches (42”) in height shall have five-foot triangular setbacks abutting driveways and alleys within the required setback area (see figure below).
  • Seven feet (7’) on interior side and rear property lines when not located in the required front or street setback. (see figure below).
  • In addition, on a street side yard, walls or fences not exceeding seven feet in height may be constructed not less than three feet from the side street property line nor closer than thirty-five feet (35’) to the front property line (see figure below).

If you are adding or modifying any part of a lighting system, mechanical system or building envelope, it is likely you will need to provide energy calculations. The state now has a website, Energy Code Ace, that can help you determine what you need. Please find the Trigger sheets on the state website to help you determine if you need to provide energy calculations. Also visit the Forms pages on the state website to figure out which forms you will need.

Business & Professions Code Division 3, Chapter 9. Contractors, Article 4. Classifications

7057. (a) Except as provided in this section, a general building contractor is a contractor whose principal contracting business is in connection with any structure built, being built, or to be built, for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in its construction the use of at least two unrelated building trades or crafts, or to do or superintend the whole or any part thereof.

A “B” General Building contractor may contract for projects that include roofing; however, unless they possess the appropriate specialty license, they must subcontract to a C-39 roofing contractor if the roofing is a standalone contract, not included in a larger project such as home construction, room addition, or remodeling.

• For example; A project that includes re-roofing and new windows would be an acceptable project for a general contractor, roofing and window installation are two unrelated trades.
• Conversely, a project for re-roofing that included a new electrical outlet or hose bib as a “second unrelated trade” would not qualify and would be an attempt to evade the license requirement

Please visit the Contractors State License Board for additional information and requirements.

No, the City of Downey is in climate zone 8 (zone 9 north of Vista Del Rio). Per the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6), zones 1-9 and 16, have no cool roof requirements.

A licensed engineer or architect may be required to prepare structural calculations and/or plans, when the following condition occurs: 

• When the weight of the new roof covering and the existing roof covering (when not removed) exceeds 6 pounds per square foot.
• The weight of the new roof covering itself (when the existing roof is removed) exceeds 6 pounds per square foot.
• When the weight of the replacement roof exceeds the weight of the removed existing roof.