A building permit is an official approval from the City that allows you or your contractor to proceed with the construction, alteration, demolition, or repair of any building or structure on your property. This process helps to make sure that the proposed project complies with local Zoning and Building Regulations and ensure the safety of current and future owners and occupants. Additional requirements may apply in historic districts and coastal zones, in accordance with the City's Zoning Regulations.

The six most common building permit types are:

• Building Permit is required to construct or modify a building or structure.
• Electrical Permit is required to install or modify an electrical system
• Plumbing Permit is required to install or modify a plumbing system.
• Mechanical Permit is required to install or modify heating, ventilation, refrigeration, air conditioning and other related systems.
• Combination Permit is required to construct, install, or modify all building, electrical, plumbing, and/or mechanical structure/systems.
• Fence Permit is required for any fence over six feet and six inches in height or for any concrete masonry unit fence (i.e., concrete, masonry, brick or other similar materials)over 4-feet in height above grade.

Minor installations, repairs, or replacements may be exempt from obtaining building permits, as determined by the Building Official.

Please access the Project Development Review References list for a summary of other jurisdictions that may be involved with your project.

Permits shall be issued at the Development Permit Center to a:

• A licensed contractor who has a valid California State Contractor's License and an active Long Beach Business License. If a contractor has employees, proof of Workers' Compensation Insurance must be shown at the time of permit issuance. Contractors working alone may waive this requirement, but must show a pocket copy of their State Contractor's License.
• A Homeowner of a one- or two-family dwelling and related accessory building or structure in accordance with Information Bulletin BU-029 / Eligibility to Obtain a Construction Permit.

• Development Permit Application
• Contractors/Owner Builders' Declaration
• Owner/Builder/Contractor Proxy Form

Permits become null and void if work authorized is not commenced within 90 days of the issuance or if such work is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of 90 days.