Frequently Asked Questions

A building permit is required whenever you are manipulating the interior or exterior of the structure in any of these ways:

• Altering
• Constructing
• Converting
• Demolishing
• Improving
• Moving
• Repairing

Permits Required

Permits are required for the following projects:

• Additions and Alterations
• Carports (Commercial)
• Garage Conversions
• New Construction
• New doors or windows (including any window or change outs)
• New Fireplace
• New or alterations to any of the following: electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems
• New Swimming Pools or Spa
• Patio Covers (Solid or Lattice)
• Patio Enclosures
• Relocation of interior walls
• Room Conversions
• Storage sheds over 120 square feet
• Tenant Improvements

Permits Not Required

Permits are not required for the following projects:

• New kitchen cabinets or change-out of existing cabinets on residential properties
• New wood flooring or carpets
• Painting of existing buildings
• Storage sheds and detached structures under 120 square feet. However storage sheds are subject to setback requirements as set forth in Zoning Ordinance

Contact

Contact the Planning Department at 626-579-6540, ext. 3201 for more information.

Property Owners, State of California Licensed Contractors or Agent for property owner/contractor (with proper authorization) may obtain a building permit.

Property Owners

Property Owners must provide the following:

• Completed and signed "Notice to Property Owner"
• Condominiums and Townhomes- If the project is in the common area or exterior of a condominium building, a letter of authorization signed by the Home Owners Association (HOA) president is required along with documentation (e.g. HOA minutes) verifying the authenticity of the president’s position with the HOA. Alternatively, authorization from all condominium owners may be considered.
• Corporation LLC or Partnership- If the property is owned by a Corporation, LLC, or Partnership, you will need to provide a copy of the operating agreement or corporate paperwork from when the corporation was formed, which verifies which of the following it is:
  • CEO
  • Managing Member
  • Partner
  • President
  • Vice-President
• Proof of identification:
  • Alien Registration Card
  • Driver’s Licenses
  • State Issued ID Card
  • U.S. Passport
• Proof of ownership, if there has been a recent transfer of ownership (e.g. Grant Deed, Escrow Closing Statement)
• Trust - if the property is owned by a Trust, a copy of the trust paperwork showing the trustee or executor as an authorized signatory for the property.

Contractors

Contractors must provide the following:

• If licensee is different than applicant for building permit, then a notarized "Authorized Agent Form - Contractor" will be required to pull permits on behalf of the licensed contractor. This form will need to be on file with the City and on-hand at time of permit issuance.
• Individual pulling permit must have a current Contractor’s Registration License with the City of South El Monte.
• Proof of current State of California Contractor’s License and classification (pocket card)
• Proof of valid Worker’s Compensation Insurance (for contractors with multiple employees)

Issuance of a Building Permit is contingent on the complexity of a project. Some projects may obtain permits over-the-counter while other projects will be routed to the City’s designated plan-check consultant. On average, first review of plans will take two to three weeks. The City will contact and coordinate with an applicant or representative on the availability of plans following the initial plan check process. It is then the responsibility of the applicant or designee to address all corrections prior to resubmitting for re-check with the City which will take an additional two to three weeks, after resubmittal.

Timeline May Change

Please note, these timelines may be expanded or shortened depending on the complexity of a project.

Most plan checks require three sets of plans and two sets of structural calculations (if applicable). Depending on the type of project, additional documents and information may be required. All plans must be large enough to be clearly legible in detail and print.

Pre-Approval

Once a set of plans are approved, a building permit is issued to allow for construction. Construction activity generally must be completed within 180 days from the issuance of the permit. The City may also engage the services of pre-approved outside inspectors for certain types of construction projects.

After Project Completion

At the conclusion of all construction activities, including inspections, a permit will be closed or finalized. After the final inspection, the permit and plans are archived by the City and may be viewed over the counter.

Depending on the scope of the project any or a combination thereof, of the government agencies listed may be required to review and approve plans prior to any construction activity:

• City of South El Monte: Planning Division, Public Works Department, Industrial Waste Division and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Division
• Los Angeles County: Fire Department, Health Department, and Public Works
• Other Agencies: Air Quality Management District (AQMD)

After Submission Process

After submittal, plans will be routed to City’s building plan check consultant, the City’s Public Works Department, Industrial Waste and NPDES.

The total number of copies to be submitted vary depending on the type of project. Generally, plans must include the following drawings:

• Architectural
• Electrical
• Energy
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Structural

Project Approval Stamped / Signed

These plans are to be stamped and wet signed by the design professional(s) responsible for the project. Some minor types of projects may not require an Architect or Engineer in the design. If not sure contact the Building and Safety Department at 626-579-6540.

Commercial & Residential Requirements

For new commercial, residential and new additions to commercial and residential three full set of plans are required for building plan check. Once plans are approved, the City will keep first set, 2nd set will go to the owner or contractors, while the 3rd set will be routed to the Tax Assessor Office.

Commercial Tenant Improvements & Residential Interior Remodels

For commercial tenant improvements and residential interior remodels, two sets of plans will be needed for submittal, other agencies may require plans depending on the scope of work.

More Information

For additional information on the plan check submittal process, please refer to the Building and Safety Division Routing Process for Plan Check Submittal handout form that is available at the City Hall.

A plan check application submitted to the Building and Safety Division is good for 180 days from the date of plan check submittal. An extension maybe granted by submitting a written request with detailed explanation with the reason for the extension prior to the expiration date of the plan check.

Health & Safety Code

Effective January 1, 2019 Assembly Bill (AB) 2913 adds a new Health and Safety Code Section 18938.6 to provide that a Building Permit can remain active so long as the work authorized by the permit was commenced within 12 months, and the work is not abandoned. In addition, the building official may grant one or more extensions of time for periods of not more than 180 days per extension. A permittee requesting such extensions must make the request in writing and demonstrate justifiable cause for the extension.

Residential Building Permits

For residential building permits, permittees need not comply with building standards issued subsequent to permit issuance so long as the permit is not deemed expired for certain reasons. Previously, a permit was deemed expired when work was not commenced within 180 days. AB 2913 extends that period to 12 months.