Arcadia, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

The City Council adopts the 2025 California Building Code, Part 2 of Title 24, together with Chapter 1 and Appendix J based on the 2024 International Building Code, as the building regulations of the City of Arcadia (§ 8110). One copy sits in the office of the Building Official for public examination. Section 8130.3 amends item number 1 of Section 105.2 in Chapter 1, so the exemption covers only one-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, with a floor area of 120 square feet or less and a highest roof point of 8 feet, 6 inches or less above adjacent grade. A shed above either limit is outside this exemption.

Permit fees are assessed under the fee schedule the City Council sets by resolution (§ 8130.4), and every permit fee authorized under Article VIII carries an added refuse fee in an amount established by resolution (§ 8020.8). Section 8130.5 adds two definitions that decide how much compliance a project draws. A rebuild is where more than fifty percent (50%) of the exterior walls of a building are removed, and it must comply with all current City zoning, building and fire regulations and pay building permit fees for a new structure. A remodel is an alteration where not more than fifty percent (50%) of the exterior walls are removed.

Two other local amendments touch permitted sites. Section 8130.29 adds Section 3302.4, which calls for a six (6) foot tall construction fence with approved privacy screening on construction sites as required by the Building Official, located on private property and maintained for the duration of the project. Section 8130.1 adds Section 116.6, under which attractive nuisances, including unprotected and hazardous ponds, pools or excavations and buildings undergoing demolition, repair, rehabilitation or construction, are fenced or otherwise secured when required by the Building Official.

Appeals of Building Official or Fire Chief decisions go to the Planning Commission, which sits as the Arcadia Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals, and must be filed within 30 days of the written decision (§ 8130.2). A Planning Commission decision can be appealed to the City Council within five (5) working days, and the Council's decision is final.