Alhambra, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 107.1 of the Building Code, adopted as Alhambra Municipal Code Chapter 20.05 (the Los Angeles County Code, Title 26, as locally amended), requires a separate permit before any person erects, constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, improves, removes, connects, converts, demolishes, or equips a building, structure or portion of one, or performs grading. A permit for an automatic fire-protection system likewise needs its own separate application. Before issuance, the Building Official must confirm the work conforms to the Code, that fees set by resolution are paid, and, where applicable, that a Coastal Act permit under Public Resources Code Section 30600 has been obtained (Section 107.4).

Roughly two dozen minor categories are exempt from a building permit outright under Section 107.2, including one-story accessory sheds under 120 square feet, fences and retaining walls below set height thresholds, and portable playground equipment, though separate plumbing, electrical or mechanical permits can still apply. Once issued, a permit expires automatically one year after the date of the last required inspection approval, or one year after issuance if work never commences (Section 107.6); resuming expired work needs a new permit, with a plan-review or permit fee capped at 25% of the original if requested within a year and unchanged plans.

The Building Official may also suspend or revoke a permit issued in error, based on false information, or where work violates approved plans (Section 107.7), and an unused permit can be cancelled by the applicant for a refund of fees other than issuance fees (Section 107.8).