Fountain Valley, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 18.04.020 amends Section 105.2 of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, which the City adopted in § 18.04.010 as the 2022 Edition. The amended list names the categories of work exempt from a building permit. Item 1 is a one story detached accessory structure used as a storage shed, playhouse or similar use, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet and the ceiling height is not over 7 feet. Item 9 is a prefabricated swimming pool accessory to a Group R occupancy that is less than 18 inches deep, does not exceed 5,000 gallons and is installed entirely above ground. The list also exempts fences not over six feet high and block walls not over three feet high, and retaining walls not over four feet in height.

For decks, the definitions in § 18.04.045 say unenclosed structures include patio covers, decks, and balconies.

Section 18.04.025 adds a reconstruction rule: if the value of the reconstruction or renovation of a building equals or exceeds 75 percent of the value of the building, the entire building shall comply with the code provisions for new construction, and the value counts all construction from permits issued within the last two years.

Starting work without a permit is penalized in § 18.04.030: any person who commences work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits pays a penalty equal to double the permit fees, and the Building Official can require a special investigation. Under § 18.04.040 the Building Official can refund not more than 80% of the permit fee when no work has been done, on a written application filed within 180 days after payment. The Building Official is appointed by the city manager or, for an independent contractor, by the city council (§ 18.02.020). Appeals go to the planning commission acting as the local appeals board under § 18.02.025.