Building & Inspections
To get in line for Permit Center services, please click the Get in Line link below.
*Note: Permit Center hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Get in Line
You may also contact the Community Development Department via email at [email protected], the MyHB app on your mobile device, the City website, or our online submittal system HB ACA. For the fastest processing, electronic submittals are highly encouraged.
The City of Huntington Beach’s new electronic permit processing system HB ACA (Accela Citizen Access) is now open for submittals!
HB ACA provides 24/7 online services for citizens, including:
- Permit, Planning, and Plan Check Applications
- Payment Processing Online
- Inspection Scheduling Instantly (including viewing inspection results)
- Status of your project throughout the process
- Record Research (for records from 1996-2021)
- Searching Code Enforcement Records
- HB ACA Instructions – Before You Apply Online
- HB ACA - Apply Online Here
- Resubmittal & Revision Plan Submittal Guide (Updated 6/5/2023)
- Initial Application Review - 5 Business Days
- Plan Review 1st Submittal - 20 Business Days
- Plan Review 2nd Submittal - 10 Business Days
- Plan Review 3rd+ Submittal - 5 Business Days
- Plan Review for Revisions - 5 Business Days
Submit Question
Building permits are required to erect, enlarge, alter, remove, demolish, or repair a building or structure in the City of Huntington Beach. For example, permits are required for patio covers, fences, block walls, re-roofs, stairway & guardrail replacements, tenant improvements, signs, and when paving and restriping a parking lot.
There are, however, instances when building permits are not required per the following list of Building Permit Exemptions.
Please call our general office number (714) 536-5241 if have any questions about when building permits may or may not be required.
Please refer to the Fee Schedule for more information. Fee Calculator
*Note: Per the California Building Code (Section 109.4), work commencing before obtaining the necessary permit(s) will be subject to an additional fee, as approved by the adopted fee schedule.
Permits are valid for 1 year from the date of issuance.
Permits will also extend 180 days from day of approved inspection (partial approval does not count).
The general permit process consists of:
- Preparation of construction documents or plans and specifications.
- Getting approval from the Planning Division pertaining to the scope of work
- Submission of construction documents to the Building Division for review
- Coordinating with other departments such as Fire and Public Works and obtaining clearances/approvals as required
- Payment of development fees (once all applicable departments have given approvals).
- Permit issuance
- 1st Submittal-20 business days
- 2nd Submittal-10 business days
- 3rd Submittal-5 business days
- Revisions-5 business days
The purpose of the various construction permits is to regulate the type of construction and the use of property in the City of Huntington Beach. This is to ensure that all construction in the City is safe and complies to the applicable codes. The permits are based on city adopted state building codes as well as on local codes and ordinances. These regulations have been enacted by the State of California and the City Council after careful consideration to protect public health, general welfare and your investment in your property.
Contractors are required to have a current Huntington Beach City Business License, the appropriate State Contractors License and be prepared to show verification of Workers' Compensation Insurance unless working alone.
Property owners may obtain permits for their property as an owner-builder. An Owner-Builder Verification Form must be submitted with every owner-builder permit application. No additional paperwork will be required, other than a state photo ID such as a driver’s license. Please note that business owners may not obtain permits unless the business owner is also the property owner.
In order for an authorized agent or representative to obtain permits on behalf of a property owner, an Owner-Builder Verification Form must be completed. This form must be completed by the property owner and must be provided to the City along with a copy of the owner's driver's license.
If contractor is pulling permit: contractor will need a City Business License and an Electrical Permit Application.
If tenant is pulling permit: tenant will need the Owner Builder Verification form filled out by the Landlord including a copy of their driver’s license and the Electrical Permit Application.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: One is required on each floor level
Smoke Detectors: One in each sleeping room, one centrally located in the corridor or hallway leading to the sleeping room. For multiple story homes, there needs to be at least one detector on each level.
Note: Detectors should not be installed within 3 feet of any vents or ceiling fans.
Please refer to the state website: California Contractors State License Board. The website provides valuable information regarding hiring a licensed contractor and an online check for a contractor’s registration status.
In addition, contractors must be licensed to work in this city. Contact the Business License Department at (714) 536-5267 for more information.