Monterey Park, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2025 California Building Code, Title 24 Part 2
- Authorizing statute
- Government Code § 50022.9
- Local amendment
- Table 1505.1 roof covering, Class A citywide
- Enforcing office
- Building Division, Public Works Department
- Maximum penalty
- $1,000 fine and 6 months jail
Summary
In the City of Monterey Park, the 2025 California Building Code is adopted by reference under Municipal Code Section 16.05.010, triggering a permit requirement for construction, alteration and occupancy changes citywide. The Building Division of the Public Works Department administers permits, and violating the adopted code is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in jail under Section 4.10.020.
§ 4.10.010. General prohibition. (a) It is unlawful for any person to violate, or fail to comply with, any provision of the Monterey Park Municipal Code. Each and every violation of any part of this code including, without limitation, any franchise or permit issued pursuant to this code, is a misdemeanor unless otherwise specified. ... § 4.10.020. General penalty. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor, the penalty for which is not otherwise prescribed, will be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars; by imprisonment for not more than six months; or by both a fine and imprisonment for each violation of this code. ... § 16.05.010. Building Code adopted by reference. Pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.9, the city council incorporates by reference Chapter 1, Division I and Chapter 2 through Chapter 35 and Appendices C, F, H, I, J and O of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, as published in the California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2, Volumes 1 and 2.
Full Breakdown
Section 16.05.010 states that, pursuant to Government Code Section 50022.9, the city council incorporates by reference Chapter 1, Division I and Chapters 2 through 35 of the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, along with Appendices C, F, H, I, J and O, as published in California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2. That adoption carries the Building Code's own administrative provisions requiring a permit before most construction, alteration, or change of occupancy begins. Section 16.05.020 locally amends two chapters of the adopted code: Chapter 9 is deleted and replaced with the fire-protection requirements of Monterey Park's own Fire Code, Title 17, and Table 1505.1 is rewritten so nearly all construction types citywide must use a Class A fire-retardant roof covering on new construction and major re-roofs.
Section 16.12.030 adds local alteration and change-of-occupancy standards, providing that alterations cannot make a building more out of compliance with the Building Code or Residential Code than it was before, subject to listed exceptions for existing stairways, handrail extensions, and accessibility site assessments. Enforcement of Title 16 falls to the city's building official within the Public Works Department, who also administers the self-certification and inspection programs described elsewhere in this title.
Violations & Fines
Because Title 16 is not listed among the designated infractions in Section 4.10.030, an unpermitted building project is a misdemeanor under the code's general prohibition, Section 4.10.010, punishable under Section 4.10.020 by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, for each violation. Each day a violation continues can count as a separate offense under the code's general enforcement scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build in Monterey Park?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey Park
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