El Monte, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

010 adopts the 2023 Los Angeles County Building Code, as approved by the county Board of Supervisors on November 15, 2022, in its entirety as the El Monte Building Code, to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare in the city. 020 defines the Building Official as the Chief Building Official of El Monte and the Building Department as the Building and Safety Division of the Community and Economic Development Department. 3 (Work Exempt from Permit-Building) to list the city's specific exemptions: one-story detached accessory structures such as tool sheds and playhouses under 120 square feet with a roof no higher than 15 feet; wood, wrought iron or similar fences up to 6 feet high and masonry or garden pilaster fences up to 3 feet high; and retaining walls up to 3 feet measured from the footing unless they support a surcharge.

Each exemption item carries its own note that the structure must still comply with the Zoning Code even without a building permit. 070 sets Building Permit Fees based on the Building Official's determination of the total value of all work covered, including construction, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators and fire-extinguishing systems, with plan review and recheck fees charged separately and set by City Council resolution. 060 additionally require a written property description, a stated demolition start date, and, under most circumstances, a cash or surety bond equal to the estimated cost of work plus 10 percent, along with proof of compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District rules.