Pico Rivera, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base rule
- Permit required before most construction
- Exempt example
- Sheds up to 120 sq ft
- Exempt example
- Retaining walls 4 ft or less
- Application expiration
- 180 days after filing
- Fee authority
- Set by City Council resolution
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
In the City of Pico Rivera, anyone who wants to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move or demolish a building, or add electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, must first apply to the building official and obtain a permit under the city's adopted 2025 California Building Code, though a short list of minor work is exempt.
105.1 Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, 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, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. ... 105.2 Work exempt from permit. ... Building permits shall not be required for the following: Building: 1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (complying with zoning consistency review and fee).
Full Breakdown
Section 15.08.020 adopts the 2025 California Building Code's Chapter 1 as amended, and its Section 105.1 requires any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building, or to install or alter an electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, to first apply to the building official and obtain the required permit. Section 105.2 then exempts specific minor work, including one-story detached accessory structures like tool sheds and playhouses up to 120 square feet, wooden or chain-link fences up to seven feet and masonry garden walls under three feet, retaining walls not over four feet unless they support a surcharge, water tanks under 5,000 gallons on grade, and painting, papering, tiling or cabinetry.
Even exempt building work must still satisfy zoning consistency review and applicable planning fees, and no exemption ever authorizes work that otherwise violates the code. An application must be filed on the building division's own form under Section 105.3, and it expires as abandoned 180 days after filing unless pursued in good faith or extended by the building official. Plan-check and permit fees are set by City Council resolution under Section 108.1, with an added investigation fee assessed if work begins before a permit issues.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 113, doing work without a required permit, or in violation of approved plans, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. The building official may also issue a stop-work order under Section 114, and any work done without a permit still triggers the investigation fee in Section 108.3 in addition to the standard permit fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed?
How long is my building permit application valid before it expires?
Which city department issues and enforces building permits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pico Rivera
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Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle building permits.