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1. Which projects require a permit?

Permits are required for, but not necessarily limited to, residential and business additions, alterations, patio covers, decks, garden and retaining walls, swimming pools, spas, air conditioners, all electrical and plumbing installations including sprinklers, water heaters and gas lines. If you are considering an alteration to an existing building, or a new construction project, please contact the Building Division at 619.667.1176.

2. What is the procedure for obtaining a building permit?

Construction documents for the project, which include construction plans, specifications and documentation, must be submitted at the Community Development Department counter. The submittal must include the required number of document copies, along with a completed and signed permit application. A plan check fee is due at submittal. (Fees are based upon construction valuation.) Once the plans have been reviewed and approved by all City departments, a construction permit will be issued upon verification of contractor information and the payment of the required fees.

All plans should be reviewed by the Planning Division before construction permit submittal. Call the Planning Division at 619.667.1177 for information.

Plan review applications for which no permit is issued within one year following the date of application shall expire by limitation. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.

3. What information is needed for plan review?

See Checklist for Plan Submittal Requirements (PDF)

4. What information is needed for residential heating and air conditioning permit review?

Residential heating and air conditioning permit review requires completed and signed permit application, California State Energy Efficiency Standards forms and a simple site plan drawing.


The site plan drawing should accurately show the property boundaries outline, the dwelling and garage outlines, the location of any exterior mechanical equipment, and the distances between any exterior equipment and property lines. The site plan drawing should also show the property address, front street location and north arrow.

5. How do I schedule an inspection?

Once you have obtained your permit(s), you may call the automated inspection telephone line at 619.667.1366 to request a Building Division inspection.

Please call 619.667.1177 to request a Planning Division inspection, or 619.667.1154 to request an Engineering Division inspection, or 619.667.1355 to request a Fire Department inspection.

Inspections can generally be scheduled for the next business day, if requested. Please note that City offices are closed on alternate Fridays, and no inspections are scheduled on dark Fridays. Please check the City Calendar before you call the inspection line. For additional assistance, please contact the Building Division at 619.667.1176.

City Calendar

6. Who can obtain a building permit?

A property owner doing work on his or her own property may obtain the permit. If a contractor is doing the work, it is recommended that he or she obtain the permit. For more information, please contact the Building Division at 619.667.1176.

7. What Codes are used to design and construct a project?

See New Construction Codes

8. What time will an inspection take place?

In general, an inspection may be scheduled between 8am and 4pm. However, inspection scheduling varies from day to day due to office assignments or meetings. For additional information, please contact the Building Division at 619.667.1176.

9. Do I have to be present during an inspection?

The owner or contractor must be present during an inspection, unless the owner has given specific permission to the inspector and the work to be inspected is on the exterior with all permits and plans accessible. Inspections cannot be done if access to the work is not available, or if unsupervised minor children or unsecured animals are present. For additional information, please contact the Building Division at 619. 667.1176.

10. Does the City have records of building permits and inspections for my property?

The Building Division keeps microfilm copies of all building permits issued and inspections made since property was annexed. Building plans may be available for viewing on microfilm for commercial and residential projects submitted within the last ten years. There is a nominal fee to cover the cost of making copies of permits. For additional information, please contact the Building Division at 619.667.1176.

11. Where can I find Information about Construction and Demolition Recycling?

See Construction and Demolition Recycling

12. Do I need a City of La Mesa Business License for contracting in the City?

Contractors and businesses need a City of La Mesa Business License for doing business in the City.