If you’re planning a residential remodel, commercial buildout, or trade installation in Anaheim, California, you’ll likely need a permit before breaking ground. Understanding the Anaheim building permit process helps you stay compliant and avoid costly delays.
This guide explains Anaheim's permitting process, trade permit requirements, and how to apply, so you can move your project forward with confidence.
Simplify permitting in Anaheim with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Anaheim?
Structural work must meet Anaheim building permit requirements to proceed legally.
Common projects that typically require a permit include:
Construction of new buildings or tenant improvements
Additions and full or partial remodels
Installation or alteration of pools and spas
Retaining walls supporting a surcharge; block walls over 7' high
Accessory structures (sheds, garages, etc.)
Re-roofs (roof replacements/repairs)
Window and door replacements (in existing openings)
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Smaller jobs usually don’t require any permits.
These projects include:
One-story detached accessory buildings (sheds, playhouses) <120 sq ft & <8 ft high, without MEP work
Wood fences <6 ft high; masonry fences <36 in high
Platforms, walks, and driveways <30 in above grade (not over basements)
Awnings/canopies on single-family dwellings/garages projecting <54 in from the wall
Retaining walls <4 ft high (unless supporting surcharge)
Above-ground prefabricated pools < 5,000 gal (no filtering/heating equipment)
To get an extended list of projects and whether they require permits or not, refer to the “When is a permit required?” page.
Note: Even if you don’t need a permit, zoning clearance may still be needed – contact Planning & Zoning at (714) 765-5139.
Anaheim building permit fees
Fees are generally calculated based on project valuation and scope of work. The city combines building permit and plan check fees.
Anaheim requires separate permits for electrical, mechanical (HVAC), plumbing, and some specialty trades. Here’s a breakdown:
Plumbing permits
A plumbing permit is required for any new water, sewer, gas, or vent piping. Water heater replacements and gas line extensions also need permits.
Plumbing permit costs
Plumbing Fee Table
Description
Fee
Each Plumbing Fixture (water, drainage, sump pump, piping)
$45.00 each
Water Heater
$45.00
Gas Piping System (1 to 5 outlets)
$45.00
Gray Water System
$177.00
Plumbing for Pool/Spa (Residential)
$177.00
Plumbing for Pool/Spa (Commercial)
$355.00
Minimum Plumbing Permit Fee
$177.00
Electrical permits
Electrical work — such as panel upgrades, subpanels, new circuits, or EV charger installation — requires an electrical permit. Only licensed C-10 electricians can pull these permits.
A mechanical permit is needed for heating or cooling systems, including rooftop units, ductless mini-splits, or furnace replacements. Ductwork changes also require a permit.
If you’re replacing roof decking or more than 25% of the roofing material, a roofing permit is required. Overlay-only projects may still require zoning clearance depending on the neighborhood.
Roofing permit costs
Roofing Fee Table
Description
Fee
Re-roof (lightweight, <3,000 sq ft)
$354.00
Additional roofing per 1,000 sq ft
$23.00
Tile Roof (structural, <2,000 sq ft)
$489.00
Additional per 1,000 sq ft
$128.00
Fence permits
Fences over 6 feet, or located in front yards, require a building permit. Corner lots may have visibility restrictions and require planning review.
Energy compliance documentation (Title 24, if required)
Anaheim contractor license info
Structural calcs (if applicable)
Step 2: Submit your application online
Visit the Anaheim Online Permit Center or log in to the Accela Portal to begin your application. Upload all documents and pay any initial fees. You’ll receive a confirmation email and be able to track your application online.
Step 3: Plan review
Depending on the scope, the city may review:
Structural plans
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical drawings
Zoning compliance
Fire safety requirements
Utility coordination
Energy and CalGreen compliance
Expect revision cycles for mid- to large-scale builds.
Step 4: Pay final fees and receive your permit
Once your plans are approved, the city will invoice the remaining permit fees. You can pay online and download your permit card immediately.
Step 5: Begin work and schedule inspections
Post the permit onsite and begin construction. Schedule inspections using the Accela system or call the Building Department directly. Inspections are typically required for:
Foundation
Rough framing and trades
Final inspection before occupancy
Anaheim permitting resources
Anaheim Building Division
Address: 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., First Floor, Anaheim, CA 92805
Are you frustrated with Anaheim's permitting system? Pulling a permit in Anaheim can be time-consuming, especially if you're unfamiliar with the city's processes or managing several projects at once.
Why get overwhelmed with permit applications, city codes, and inspection schedules when PermitFlow can manage everything?
PermitFlow is permit management software designed to streamline the permitting process from start to finish.
Construction professionals pick PermitFlow because we offer:
Local expertise: Our team knows Anaheim's permit process, which ensures your submissions move through the system quickly.
A powerful permitting dashboard: Track and manage all your permits from one convenient platform.
Faster results: We prepare your applications correctly upfront, which speeds up permit approval.
Don't let permit challenges slow your timeline. Contact us today to see how PermitFlow can help.
If you’re planning a residential remodel, commercial buildout, or trade installation in Anaheim, California, you’ll likely need a permit before breaking ground. Understanding the Anaheim building permit process helps you stay compliant and avoid costly delays.
This guide explains Anaheim's permitting process, trade permit requirements, and how to apply, so you can move your project forward with confidence.
Simplify permitting in Anaheim with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Anaheim?
Structural work must meet Anaheim building permit requirements to proceed legally.
Common projects that typically require a permit include:
Construction of new buildings or tenant improvements
Additions and full or partial remodels
Installation or alteration of pools and spas
Retaining walls supporting a surcharge; block walls over 7' high
Accessory structures (sheds, garages, etc.)
Re-roofs (roof replacements/repairs)
Window and door replacements (in existing openings)
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Smaller jobs usually don’t require any permits.
These projects include:
One-story detached accessory buildings (sheds, playhouses) <120 sq ft & <8 ft high, without MEP work
Wood fences <6 ft high; masonry fences <36 in high
Platforms, walks, and driveways <30 in above grade (not over basements)
Awnings/canopies on single-family dwellings/garages projecting <54 in from the wall
Retaining walls <4 ft high (unless supporting surcharge)
Above-ground prefabricated pools < 5,000 gal (no filtering/heating equipment)
To get an extended list of projects and whether they require permits or not, refer to the “When is a permit required?” page.
Note: Even if you don’t need a permit, zoning clearance may still be needed – contact Planning & Zoning at (714) 765-5139.
Anaheim building permit fees
Fees are generally calculated based on project valuation and scope of work. The city combines building permit and plan check fees.
Anaheim requires separate permits for electrical, mechanical (HVAC), plumbing, and some specialty trades. Here’s a breakdown:
Plumbing permits
A plumbing permit is required for any new water, sewer, gas, or vent piping. Water heater replacements and gas line extensions also need permits.
Plumbing permit costs
Plumbing Fee Table
Description
Fee
Each Plumbing Fixture (water, drainage, sump pump, piping)
$45.00 each
Water Heater
$45.00
Gas Piping System (1 to 5 outlets)
$45.00
Gray Water System
$177.00
Plumbing for Pool/Spa (Residential)
$177.00
Plumbing for Pool/Spa (Commercial)
$355.00
Minimum Plumbing Permit Fee
$177.00
Electrical permits
Electrical work — such as panel upgrades, subpanels, new circuits, or EV charger installation — requires an electrical permit. Only licensed C-10 electricians can pull these permits.
A mechanical permit is needed for heating or cooling systems, including rooftop units, ductless mini-splits, or furnace replacements. Ductwork changes also require a permit.
If you’re replacing roof decking or more than 25% of the roofing material, a roofing permit is required. Overlay-only projects may still require zoning clearance depending on the neighborhood.
Roofing permit costs
Roofing Fee Table
Description
Fee
Re-roof (lightweight, <3,000 sq ft)
$354.00
Additional roofing per 1,000 sq ft
$23.00
Tile Roof (structural, <2,000 sq ft)
$489.00
Additional per 1,000 sq ft
$128.00
Fence permits
Fences over 6 feet, or located in front yards, require a building permit. Corner lots may have visibility restrictions and require planning review.
Energy compliance documentation (Title 24, if required)
Anaheim contractor license info
Structural calcs (if applicable)
Step 2: Submit your application online
Visit the Anaheim Online Permit Center or log in to the Accela Portal to begin your application. Upload all documents and pay any initial fees. You’ll receive a confirmation email and be able to track your application online.
Step 3: Plan review
Depending on the scope, the city may review:
Structural plans
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical drawings
Zoning compliance
Fire safety requirements
Utility coordination
Energy and CalGreen compliance
Expect revision cycles for mid- to large-scale builds.
Step 4: Pay final fees and receive your permit
Once your plans are approved, the city will invoice the remaining permit fees. You can pay online and download your permit card immediately.
Step 5: Begin work and schedule inspections
Post the permit onsite and begin construction. Schedule inspections using the Accela system or call the Building Department directly. Inspections are typically required for:
Foundation
Rough framing and trades
Final inspection before occupancy
Anaheim permitting resources
Anaheim Building Division
Address: 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., First Floor, Anaheim, CA 92805
Are you frustrated with Anaheim's permitting system? Pulling a permit in Anaheim can be time-consuming, especially if you're unfamiliar with the city's processes or managing several projects at once.
Why get overwhelmed with permit applications, city codes, and inspection schedules when PermitFlow can manage everything?
PermitFlow is permit management software designed to streamline the permitting process from start to finish.
Construction professionals pick PermitFlow because we offer:
Local expertise: Our team knows Anaheim's permit process, which ensures your submissions move through the system quickly.
A powerful permitting dashboard: Track and manage all your permits from one convenient platform.
Faster results: We prepare your applications correctly upfront, which speeds up permit approval.
Don't let permit challenges slow your timeline. Contact us today to see how PermitFlow can help.
