Frequently Asked Questions

A building permit is required for most construction and interior improvements to a business.

Projects that Require a Permit:

• Additions or demolitions

• Alterations, including new interior walls or drop ceilings

• New plumbing lines and fixtures

• New electrical wiring or lighting fixtures

• Replacing or installing HVAC equipment

Projects that DO NOT Require a Permit:

• Installing carpeting

• Non-structural flooring (tile, laminate, and hardwood)

• Wallpapering and painting

Before you apply for a building permit, it is essential to check with the Planning Division.

This step ensures that your proposed business is permitted at your desired location and determines if a Conditional Use Permit is required.

To contact the Planning Division, please call 562-383-4100.

Building permit fees are based on the scope of your project. This includes factors such as:

• Job valuation for proposed construction 

• The size of the modified area

• The amount of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work

• Whether a Conditional Use Permit is required

For an estimate of the costs, you must provide sufficient project details. Please contact the Building and Safety Division at 562-383-4116 or email buildingpermits@lahabraca.gov.

Permits can be obtained through the City's online portal or in person during counter hours, which are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Submitting Plans for Review

Some building permits require plans. You, your contractor, or your designer must submit plans to the City's Building and Safety Division through the online portal. The complexity of your project will determine the required level of detail.

• For non-structural alterations (e.g., door and window replacements), a contractor can draw the plans.

• For structural modifications, plans and calculations must be submitted for review. It's often best to hire an experienced design professional for these projects.

Plan Review Process

1. A plan check fee will be collected.

2. The first review takes approximately two weeks.

3. You will receive a list of corrections to be made.

4. After revising the plans, resubmit them for verification.

Certain construction projects require plan review and inspection by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which provides fire prevention and suppression services for the City of La Habra.

Projects requiring review include:

• Tenant improvements to buildings with fire sprinklers

• New or altered kitchen hood fire protection systems

• Spray and powder coating booths

• Removal or installation of underground flammable/combustible liquid storage tanks and related systems

• Photovoltaic systems covering 50% or more of the roof

Contact Information:

• For questions or services for the projects listed above, contact the local LA County Fire Department office at 562-691-9369. The office is located at 850 W La Habra Blvd.

• For new construction or major tenant improvements, contact the LA County Fire Prevention Headquarters at 323-890-4125.

• If you are unsure who to contact, please call La Habra Building and Safety at 562-383-4116.

Before applying for a building permit, certain projects require additional approvals from other agencies. These include:

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP): Required for businesses with zoning limitations. Contact the La Habra Planning Department to determine if your business needs a CUP at 562-383-4100.

• Orange County Health Care Agency: Required for businesses that prepare or serve food or drinks. Contact them at 714-433-6000 or visit their website at ochealthinfo.com.

• Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) License: Required for any business that sells alcoholic beverages. Contact the ABC at 714-558-4101 or visit their website at abc.ca.gov.

• South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD): A Notice of Demolition and asbestos survey must be filed with AQMD for the demolition of structures larger than 100 square feet. Permits are also required for various businesses and industries to ensure compliance with air quality rules. Contact AQMD at 909-396-2000 or visit their website at aqmd.gov.

• Preliminary Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP): Required for discretionary review projects before a building permit is issued. Contact the La Habra Engineering Division at 562-383-4151 to learn what type of WQMP your project needs.

For a comprehensive list of permits your business may require, visit the State's helpful CalGOLD website at calgold.ca.gov.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits the exclusion of people with disabilities from public accommodations. This includes most private businesses that provide goods or services to the public, such as stores, restaurants, theaters, hotels, and more.

ADA Compliance Requirements:

If you own, operate, lease, or lease to a business that serves the public, you must comply with ADA regulations and accommodate individuals with disabilities. This includes:

• New Construction and Features: All new building features must meet current architectural accessibility requirements. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Parking stalls and loading lanes

  • Curb ramps and path of travel

  • Sales counter heights

  • Door hardware and restroom layouts

• Existing Buildings (California Law): The California Building Code requires that a minimum of 20% of tenant improvement construction costs (exclusive of accessibility upgrades) be used to upgrade existing building features to be more accessible.

Need an Evaluation?

Consider consulting with a design professional who has specific expertise, such as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp). The CASp program is regulated by the California Division of the State Architect.

For further questions regarding ADA compliance, please contact us at 562-383-4116.

The best way of determining the appropriateness of street, driveway entrances, utilities, and their locations is to contact the Engineering Division at 562-383-4151.

Businesses involved in food preparation and processing must comply with the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) program, which is managed by the City’s Public Works Department.

Depending on the amount of FOG your business generates, a grease interceptor or a grease trap will likely be required.

For more information on the FOG program, please contact the Public Works Utilities Manager at 562-383-4170.

Before hiring a contractor or signing a contract, please visit the Contractors State License Board’s (CSLB) website www.cslb.ca.gov or call 800-321-2752.

Look up a contractor license to verify information, including complaint disclosure, and learn how to hire the right type of licensed contractor for your job.

The City requires periodic inspections to ensure your project complies with approved plans and building code standards. The building inspector works to ensure the safety of your business and building.

Inspection Process:

• Before covering any work, call to request an inspection at 562-383-4116. Inspections are conducted Monday-Thursday. 

• Inspection requests must be made by 4:00 p.m. one business day in advance.

Final Payment & Sign-off:

• It is advised that you do not make the final payment to your contractor until the City has conducted and signed off on the building permit.

• Your contractor should provide you with the original signed-off inspection card.

• To verify a sign-off, you or your contractor can contact the Building & Safety Division at 562-383-4116.