Paramount, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 15.04.010 adopts the 2025 California Building Standards Code, Parts 1 through 12 of Title 24, as the Building Code of the City of Paramount, and the adopted codes provide for the issuance of permits and the collection of fees. Section 15.04.011 then amends the California Building Code locally. Division II of Chapter 1, Scope and Administration, applies, and where a conflict occurs between the chapter and other chapters, the more restrictive or more specific provision governs.

Exemptions. Section 105.2 is revised under the heading "Building" in two places. Item 9 covers prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground. Item 14 covers decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.2.

Expiration. Under Section 105.5, every permit becomes invalid unless work on the site starts within 12 months after issuance, or if the work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after it starts. The Building Official is authorized to grant one or more written extensions of not more than 180 days each, on a written request showing justifiable cause. The extension fee equals twenty-five percent of the permit fee, and a lesser amount can be set based on the stage of construction. Section 105.3.2 limits a project to one extension when another edition of the state codes takes effect during the application.

Refunds and appeals. Under Section 109.6 the Building Official can refund an erroneously collected fee, up to eighty percent of the permit fee when no work has been done, on written application within 12 months of fee payment, and up to eighty percent of the plan check fee when an application is withdrawn or canceled before any examination time is spent. Section 113.3 makes the City Council the Board of Appeals. Building Code fees are set by City Council resolution (§ 15.04.030).