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Inglewood, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Adopted code
2019 California Building Code (2018 IBC base)
Governing section
IMC § 11-5, amending CBC § 105.1
Fee tiers (alterations)
25% minor / 50% medium / 75% major
Refund deadline
180 days of fee payment
Penalty
Misdemeanor, up to $500 fine, 6 months jail

Summary

Inglewood adopts the 2019 California Building Code by reference and locally amends Section 105.1 to make it unlawful to build, alter, move, or demolish any structure, or install electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, without first obtaining a separate permit from the Building Official for each building or structure.

Section 105.1 Permits Required. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, rent, lease, maintain, occupy, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the Building Official.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4954608; v8 updated 2026-05-19).

Full Breakdown

Section 11-2 of the Municipal Code adopts the California Building Code, 2019 Edition (based on the 2018 International Building Code), along with the Uniform Housing Code and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and Section 11-5 then amends specific CBC sections for local practice. 1 makes it unlawful to own, rent, lease, maintain, occupy, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of any building or structure, or to erect, install, alter, repair, remove, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by the code, without first obtaining a separate permit from the Building Official for each building or structure.

2 lists narrow permit exemptions, including one-story detached tool and storage sheds under 120 square feet and painting or wallpapering, but those exemptions do not waive compliance with setback, electrical, or other code requirements. 2, and valuation for fee purposes covers the total value of all construction work, including finish work, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators, and fire-extinguishing systems. 3 sets alteration fee tiers at 25% of building valuation for minor cosmetic work, 50% for medium projects such as bathroom or kitchen remodels, and 75% for major structural work.

6 allows a refund of paid permit or plan review fees, minus 20% (never less than $35 or more than $150), if the applicant withdraws before work or review begins, but the refund request must be filed within 180 days of payment.

Violations & Fines

Building, altering, or demolishing a structure, or installing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work, without the Section 105.1 permit is a misdemeanor under IMC Section 1-18 because building permit sections are not on the City's infraction list in Section 1-18.1, exposing violators to a fine of up to $500 or up to six months in jail, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Inglewood require a permit for building alterations?
Yes. Section 105.1, as amended by IMC Section 11-5, makes it unlawful to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish a building, or install regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, without a separate permit from the Building Official for each structure.
How does Inglewood calculate building permit fees?
Permit and plan-check fees are based on the Building Official's determination of total construction valuation, set by City Council resolution under Section 109.2, with remodel and alteration fees tiered at 25% of valuation for minor cosmetic work, 50% for medium projects, and 75% for major structural work under Section 109.2.3.
Can I get a refund if I cancel a building permit?
Yes, if no work has started. The Building Official may refund up to 100% of the permit fee, minus a 20% retention of no less than $35 and no more than $150, under Section 109.6, but the written refund application must be filed within 180 days of the original fee payment.

Sources & Official References

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