Placentia, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Fence exemption
- Fences under 6 feet high
- Above-ground pool exemption
- Prefabricated, under 18 inches deep, up to 5,000 gallons, R-3
- Deck exemption
- Up to 200 square feet, 30 inches above grade, unattached
- Late permit penalty
- 100% of the permit fee (§ 20.04.070)
- Permitting agency
- Building and Safety Services Department, headed by the building official
- EV charging
- Expedited review with simplified forms (Section 107.3)
Summary
In the City of Placentia, building work is permitted through the Building and Safety Services Department under the Placentia Building Code. Section 105.2 rewrites three exemptions: fences under 6 feet high, prefabricated above-ground pools under 18 inches deep and 5,000 gallons, and unattached decks not exceeding 200 square feet.
103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The Building and Safety Services Department is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the building official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the provisions of the code. ... 105.2 Work Exempt from Permit. Exceptions 2, 9 and 14 shall read as follows: 2. Fences under 6 feet high. 9. 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. 14. 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 CRC Section R311.2.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 20.04 adopts the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, as the Placentia Building Code for regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of all buildings and structures in the city (§ 20.04.030). Where state regulations differ from a provision of the Placentia Building Code, the state regulations prevail except as specifically modified.
Section 103.1, in § 20.04.050, creates the Building and Safety Services Department. The official in charge is the building official, and the department implements, administers and enforces the code. The chief building official is appointed by the city administrator (§ 20.04.040), and § 20.04.060 has the building official or a designee enforce the chapter.
Section 105.2, Work Exempt from Permit, is where the City sets local limits. Exception 2 exempts fences under 6 feet high. Exception 9 exempts 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. Exception 14 exempts decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling and not serving the exit door required by CRC Section R311.2. The City rewrites only Exceptions 2, 9 and 14; the remaining exceptions come from the adopted California Building Code.
Section 107.3 adds an expedited review and permit issuance process for EV Charging Stations, with simplified submittal forms on the City's website.
Fees are set by City Council resolution under Government Code Section 66016 (§ 20.04.070).
Violations & Fines
Anyone who starts work without the required permit pays a penalty equal to 100% of the permit fee if the permit is issued after work begins, on top of the regular fee (§ 20.04.070). Violations of Title 20 can be charged as a misdemeanor, punishable under § 1.08.010 by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or up to one year in jail or both, or as an infraction at the City's option (§ 1.08.020). Infraction fines are up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within one year, and $500 for each additional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in the City of Placentia?
Is a backyard deck exempt from a building permit?
Does an above-ground pool need a permit in Placentia?
What is the penalty for working without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placentia
California rules heatmap·Compare Placentia to another location·View the California building safety overview
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