Gardena, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

The Building Official determines permit and plan review fees from the total value of the construction, including finish work, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems (§ 15.06.040(B)). If work begins before a permit is issued, the code quadruples the fee, though paying it does not excuse the applicant from any other code requirement or penalty. Plan review costs equal 100 percent of the building permit fee, due when plans are submitted, and an application on which no permit issues within 180 days expires, though the Building Official may grant one 180-day extension for circumstances beyond the applicant's control (§ 15.06.040(D)).

The Building Official may refund up to 80 percent of a permit or plan-review fee if it was collected in error, if no work was done, or if the application was withdrawn before review, provided the permittee applies in writing within 180 days (§ 15.06.040(E)). Once issued, a permit becomes invalid, per § 15.06.030, if work is not started within 12 months or is suspended for 12 months, though the Building Official may grant one or more written extensions of up to 180 days each for justifiable cause.

Work exempt from a permit is limited under § 15.06.020 to fences no taller than six feet and retaining walls no taller than three feet, unless the wall holds back a surcharge or hazardous liquids.