Frequently Asked Questions

A building permit will be required on all:

• All projects that are to be:
  • Altered
  • Enlarged
  • Modified to an interior or exterior of a structure
  • Or remodeled
• Accessory buildings
• Commercial or residential buildings
• Interior or exterior alterations
• Room additions

Building plans are required in detail to show the proposed work.

Permits are required for any:

• Alterations
• Electrical
• Modifications
• New Installations
• Plumbing or Mechanical Improvements
• Replacements or change outs of their systems

If more than 50 cubic yards of earth is moved, or one foot of fill is used, or a cut slope greater than 5 feet in vertical height will require a grading permit. 

Submit four complete sets of grading plans and two preliminary soil reports for the Building Division's review. A final compaction report and letter of pad certification must be submitted to the Building Division prior to the issuance of a building permit.

Yes, all accessory structure requires a building permit. Provide full dimensioned plans, which includes a site plan, construction detail, and type of material and size of the material. The plan will show the proposed work.

Yes, solid cover patios, lattice type patios, and decks require a building permit. Provide full dimensioned plan, which includes a site plan, construction detail, and type of material and size of the material. The plan will show the proposed work.

Yes, when installing a new fence, removing or replacing an existing fence. Chain links, wood, wrought iron, retaining walls 2 feet and higher or garden wall 3 feet and higher require a building permit. 

Prior to the issuance of a permit, provide a dimensioned site plan, which includes the construction details and location of the fence or wall location.

Customers are able to request services and submit a variety of applications online, including submitting building permit, entitlement, and administrative permit applications, and requesting building inspections. Staff are then able to review such applications and requests virtually to the extent possible, reducing the amount of time these processes would normally take if completed fully in-person. Customers can also request services at City Hall (such as submitting hard copies of plans) by appointment. At their appointment, directional signage leads customers to the appropriate meeting location where they can call city staff using a newly installed intercom unit. Click here to submit online plans now! You may also visit the Building Division webpage for more information.  

Yes, a building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permit issued by the Building Division under the provisions of the technical codes shall expire by limitation, or if the building or work is not commenced within 360 days from the date of such permit, the permit will become null and void. Renewals and extensions on permits may be granted, depending on permit status and completed inspections.

The Building Division requires two - 7 sets of building plans depending on the project: plans shall include architectural plans with two sets of title 24 (Energy Calculations) and two sets of structural calculations. The plans must be drawn on substantial paper (Minimum 11 by 17).

Inspection requests are to be submitted through our Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal 24 hours a day. Inspection requests received by 3:00 p.m. will be performed the following workday. To receive an inspection timeframe, please call any of the inspectors listed below on the day of the inspection between 7:30 – 8:00 am.

Rod   -  (714) 573-3128 
Cody -  (714) 573-3137
Atul   -  (714) 573-3158

Request an Inspection

For assistance with using the CSS Portal to schedule your inspection, please call 714-573-3130 or email tustinbuilding@tustinca.org

A Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) is a document issued by the Building Division which certifies that a commercial space or newly constructed residential building has been inspected for compliance with the California Building Standards Code and local ordinances which govern construction and occupancy.

The City of Tustin issues the Certificate of Occupancy to the space or building, and not to the specific business. Should a business vacate a space, and another business of the same use/occupancy takes possession of the space without making any modifications requiring a building permit, the existing CofO remains in effect.

When a commercial space is modified and a building permit is required, the city will conduct a record search to determine if a new Certificate of Occupancy must be issued. A new CofO is triggered when the use or area of the space is changed. If so, the new CofO will be issued when all of the work has passed a final building inspection. If no new CofO is required, the existing CofO on file will remain in effect.

Once a permit is issued, City Building Inspectors will perform the necessary inspections to confirm the space complies with the building codes for the proposed use and that no hazardous or substandard conditions exist.