Whittier, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Local citation
- WMC § 15.01.040, Section 105.1
- Who must apply
- Owner or authorized agent, before work starts
- Permit expiration
- 180 days to commence; 90-day suspension voids it
- Fee authority
- Set by City Council resolution (§108.1)
- Enforcement
- Unpermitted work = violation, possible unsafe-structure finding
Summary
Whittier requires a permit before constructing, altering, or demolishing a building, or before touching electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems the code regulates. Section 105.1 of the city's Administrative Provisions makes unpermitted work a code violation and a potential unsafe-structure finding.
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, grading on private property, 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 the codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit. Work performed without permit constitutes a violation of this code and is subject to Section 113 of this Chapter.
Full Breakdown
010. ' The section warns that 'work performed without permit constitutes a violation of this code and is subject to Section 113,' and that the Building Official may determine unpermitted work constitutes an unsafe structure or building. 2 exempts a list of minor work items from the permit requirement, including one-story accessory sheds under 120 square feet, walls or fences 18 inches or less in height, and wood decks not over 30 inches above grade that are not attached to a structure. 7 if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if commenced work is suspended or abandoned for 90 days, after which the permit must be renewed or reissued before work can resume. 1.
Violations & Fines
Section 105.1 makes unpermitted work a violation of the code and authorizes the Building Official to treat it as an unsafe structure. Section 113.1 separately makes it 'unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain any building or structure' in violation of the codes, and Section 113.4 subjects violators to penalties prescribed by law after a notice of violation under Section 113.2 goes uncorrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remodel my house in Whittier?
What happens if I build without a permit?
How long is a Whittier building permit valid?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whittier
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