Yorba Linda, CA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Yorba Linda Municipal Code Section 15.04.010 adopts by reference the California Building Code, 2025 Edition, incorporating the International Building Code, 2024 Edition, with the certified copy on file with the City Clerk and amendments set out in Sections 15.04.020 through 15.04.250. Section 15.04.020 revises the adopted code's administration chapter: Section 105.3.2 gives an application 180 days to result in an issued permit before it automatically expires, extendable by the Building Official in increments up to 180 days; Section 105.5 makes an issued permit invalid if work is not commenced within 12 months or is abandoned for 180 days, and sets renewal fees at 50 percent of the original permit fee if expired up to a year and 100 percent after a year.

Section 105.8, added locally, shortens that timeline sharply for permits issued to remedy a code enforcement notice or unpermitted construction: work and a first inspection must begin within 30 days of issuance or as directed in the violation notice, and the permit is void 90 days after issuance without a final inspection, though the Building Official may grant one 90-day extension on written request. Section 109.4 requires a special investigation whenever work begins without a permit, plus an investigation fee equal to the permit fee that would otherwise apply, waived only for proven emergency work.

Section 109.6 caps refunds at 80 percent of the permit or plan review fee, and Section 108.1 shortens a 180-day figure to 30 days for a separate administrative deadline.