La Habra, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Building Code (CBC)
- Adopting ordinance
- Ord. CC 2025-12, effective 11/3/2025
- Permit expires
- 12 months if work not started
- Suspension limit
- 180 days before permit becomes invalid
- Extension
- Up to 180 days per written request
- Appeals body
- Planning Commission acts as Board of Appeals
Summary
In the City of La Habra, most construction, alteration, or repair work needs a building permit under the 2025 California Building Code, adopted and locally amended by La Habra Municipal Code Chapter 15.04. The Community Development Department's building official reviews plans and issues permits, while a short list of small residential structures is exempt outright from the permit requirement.
Except as provided in this chapter, those certain building codes known and designated as the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, including Chapter 1, Division II, shall become the building code of the city of La Habra for regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of all buildings and/or structures in the city of La Habra. ... CBC Section 105.2 is revised by amending exception 1, 2 and 9, and adding 14 as follows: 1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, patio and pool supply sheds, BBQ or stand-alone fireplaces not exceeding 6 feet above grade (gas lines require permits), playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, with no air conditioning, no electrical, and no plumbing fixtures, and conforming to the Zoning Code.
Full Breakdown
La Habra adopted the 2025 California Building Code, including Chapter 1, Division II, as its building code under La Habra Municipal Code Section 15.04.010, effective by Ordinance CC 2025-12 on November 3, 2025. Section 15.04.020 amends CBC Section 105.2 to exempt specific small-scale work from permitting: one-story detached accessory structures such as tool sheds, patio covers, or freestanding fireplaces up to six feet high and 120 square feet with no air conditioning, electrical, or plumbing; wood, steel, vinyl, or iron fences up to 24 inches, masonry walls or fences up to three feet, and retaining walls up to 24 inches; above-ground prefabricated pools under 18 inches deep and 5,000 gallons at single-family homes; and unattached decks up to 200 square feet and 30 inches above grade.
Everything else, including additions, garages, and most fences and walls above those thresholds, needs a permit from the building official before work starts. Section 15.04.020 also amends CBC Section 105.5 so a permit becomes invalid if work does not begin within 12 months of issuance or is suspended for 180 days, though the building official may grant written extensions of up to 180 days each on request with justifiable cause. The amendment designates the City Planning Commission as the Board of Appeals for all Building Standards Codes decisions under CBC Section 113.3, and requires an expedited review process with simplified forms for EV charging station permits under CBC Section 105.3.1.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required permit, or violating any provision of the adopted Building Code, is a misdemeanor under La Habra Municipal Code Section 1.08.010, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in jail, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense unless the city has designated it an infraction instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard shed in La Habra?
How long does a La Habra building permit stay valid?
Who decides an appeal of a La Habra building official's ruling?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in La Habra
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