A. Building Permits. No person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, remodel, move, remove, improve, convert or demolish any building or part of a building or structure, or change the character or occupancy or use of any building or structure, or part of a building or structure, or perform site grading in the city without first obtaining a permit covering such work from the building official.
B. Grading Permits. No person shall commence or perform any grading, and no person shall import or export any earth materials to or from any grading site, without first having obtained a permit therefor from the department. Any grading project involving more than one hundred (100) cubic yards of excavation and involving an excavation in excess of five feet in vertical depth at its deepest point measured from the original ground surface shall be done by a state of California licensed contractor who is licensed to perform the work described herein. A separate permit shall be required for each grading site. One permit may include the entire grading operation at that site, however.
Exception. All other provisions of this title shall apply, but a grading permit will not be required if the work complies with any one of the following conditions:
1. An excavation which (a) is less than two feet in depth, or (b) which does not create a cut slope greater than five feet in height and steeper than one unit vertical in two units horizontal (fifty percent (50%) slope). This exception shall not apply to cut which exceeds fifty (50) cubic yards or which changes the existing drainage pattern.
2. A fill less than one foot in depth and placed on natural terrain with a slope flatter than one unit vertical in ten (10) units horizontal (ten percent (10%) slope). This exception shall not apply when the fill exceeds fifty (50) cubic yards or when the fill changes the existing drainage pattern.
3. Excavations for caissons or piles under buildings or structures authorized by valid building permits.
4. Excavations for basements, footings, caissons, piles, swimming pools or underground structures that are authorized by valid building permits.
5. Excavations for wells or tunnels or utilities, which do not provide vertical or lateral support for buildings, or adversely impact the safety or stability of private or public properties.
6. Excavation in an isolated, self-contained area if the department finds that by reason of such isolation and self-containment no danger to private or public property can now or thereafter result from grading operations.
7. As exempted in Section J103.2 of Appendix J of the 2007 California Building Code.
C. Subwork Permits. Separate permits also must be obtained for plumbing, mechanical, electrical, signs and billboards, and house moving. In cases where only plumbing, mechanical, electrical or sign work is involved, separate subpermits as provided in this title shall be obtained, and no other building permit is required unless there is a change of occupancy or use as defined in this chapter and Chapters 18.08 and 18.16.
Exception. A single combined permit may be issued for the construction of any building or structure of a Group R-3 or Group U occupancies, or additions or alterations thereto, which includes all building, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating and air conditioning work.
No person shall hang, suspend or otherwise affix any sign, street banner, pole banner, flag, pennant or street decoration on any street light pole, traffic signal pole or over and above any street unless a permit to do so is first obtained from the city manager. Permits issued pursuant to this section shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 16.55 of this code, the city’s policy on city sponsorship, corporate recognition and advertising, as adopted on July 23, 1996, as amended from time to time, and any guidelines that may from time to time be approved by the city council.
Exception. The above provisions shall not apply to any sign or advertising matter lettered upon the surface of any awning, provided the awning is securely attached to a building and is not less than seven feet above the sidewalk level immediately below.
D. Other Permits. Other permits must be obtained as required pursuant to various applicable ordinances of the city.
E. Unpermitted Structure. No person shall own, use, occupy or maintain any “unpermitted structure.” For the purpose of this title, “unpermitted structure” shall be defined as any structure, or portion thereof, that was erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, remodeled, moved, removed, improved, converted or demolished at any point in time, without the required permit(s) having first been obtained from the building official, pursuant to subsection A of this section.
F. Exceptions. Exemption from the permit requirements of this title shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this title or any other laws or ordinances of this city. Permits are not required for the following:
1. Neither building nor subpermits of this title are required for the following:
a. Buildings or structures placed in public streets, alleys and sidewalks, except those regulated by Chapter 32 of the California Building Code;
b. Buildings or structures under the auspices of and owned and controlled by the federal government, the state of California, the county of Los Angeles, or by a public school district;
c. Work done by employees of the city on city-owned or leased buildings;
d. A temporary shed, office or storage building and other structure incidental to and for work authorized by a valid grading or building permit. Such structures must be removed upon expiration of the permit or completion of work covered by the permit.
2. Except for work undertaken to correct conditions determined to be substandard or a nuisance under the provisions of Chapter 18.20, building permits are not required for any of the following:
a. Retaining walls or planter boxes not more than four feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or sloping earth, or impounding flammable liquids. This exemption shall not apply to retaining walls of any height built on slopes steeper than one unit vertical in five units horizontal (twenty percent (20%) slope);
b. Fences four feet or less in height above grade;
c. Unroofed platforms, walks, driveways and decks not more than thirty inches (30”) above grade and not over any basement or story below and not part of a required accessible route;
d. Application of hot or cold paint or other roof coating on a roof of a building;
e. Application of roofing not in excess of five hundred (500) square feet on an existing building within any twelve (12) month period;
f. Installation of ceramic tile on floor or countertops and on walls less than forty-eight inches (48”) in height;
g. Replacement of broken or damaged ceramic tile in an existing installation;
h. Plaster patching not in excess of ten (10) square yards of interior or exterior plaster;
i. Swimming, bathing and wading pools not over two feet in depth and not having a surface area exceeding two hundred fifty (250) square feet, where there is no electrical or plumbing installation;
j. Veneer less than four feet in height;
k. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R-3 and Group U occupancies when projecting not more than fifty-four inches (54”);
l. A detached equipment shed, utility building, or children’s playhouse or treehouse provided that the building is accessory to a dwelling unit; it does not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in area nor eight feet in height from floor to roof; it contains no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical installations regulated by this code; and is not in violation of Title 21 zoning regulations;
m. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery that are not supported by any building;
n. Gantry cranes, drill presses, and other similar manufactured machinery or equipment;
o. Water tanks supported on a foundation at grade if the capacity does not exceed five thousand (5,000) gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of the height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one;
p. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work and are not required to comply with accessibility regulations;
q. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over five feet nine inches in height;
r. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade if the capacity does not exceed five thousand (5,000) gallons (18,927 L); it contains no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical installations regulated by this title; and is not in violation of Title 21 zoning regulations;
s. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings;
t. Exhibits, booths, partitions and display counters for temporary use not exceeding thirty (30) days in conjunction with an exhibit or show and not exceeding twelve feet (12') in height above the floor;
u. Waterproof pointing of joints in masonry or veneer, also cleaning with detergents which are not injurious to clothing or skin of persons and are not removed by liquid washing, provided work is done from safely enclosed scaffolding which will collect any dust, debris or dropped tools and materials in use;
v. Portable amusement devices and structures, including merry-go-rounds, ferris wheels, rotating conveyances, slides, similar devices, and portable accessory structures whose use is necessary for the operation of such amusement devices and structures; any portable accessory structure included in the provisions of this chapter shall be limited to a cover or roof over each device, but shall not include any storage building or detached structure which is not an integral part of the device; and provided, however, that any electrical installations shall require subwork permits where applicable and be regulated by this title;
w. Nothing in this code shall apply to any excavation, removal, fill or deposit of any earth or other materials from individual interment sites, underground crypts or burial vaults within a property which is dedicated or used for cemetery purposes, provided that such work does not affect the lateral support or increase the stresses in or pressure upon any adjacent or contiguous property not owned by the cemetery authority;
x. Any portable metal hangar less than two thousand (2,000) square feet in size, located on a city-owned airport, used for the parking of aircraft only, and bearing evidence of approval by the Department of Motor Vehicles of the state of California for movement on any highway. Such structure shall, as an integral part of its basic construction, be equipped with a hitch or coupling device for towing. It shall accommodate, without further major structural change, wheel and axle assemblies which will provide such structure with a safe means of portability. No water or sanitary facilities shall be permitted in such structure and it shall be equipped with permanent ventilation as required for Group S-2 occupancy; and is not in violation of Title 21 zoning regulations;
y. Signs that are exempt under the provision of Section 21.44.070;
z. Signs that are exempt under the provision of Section H101.2 of Appendix H of the California Building Code;
aa. Outdoor tents or cloth structures for temporary use not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days, provided such tents are accessory to an indoor or outdoor assembly use on the site; and is not in violation of Title 9 public peace, morals and welfare, Title 21 zoning regulations and Chapter 18.48 fire code;
bb. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service system;
cc. Towers or poles supporting public utility communication lines, antennas, or power transmission lines. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. Any person desiring a permit as required by this chapter shall file with the building official an application therefor, on a form to be furnished by the building and safety bureau for such purpose. Every application for a permit shall contain a sworn statement as to the following facts:
1. A brief description of the work to be covered by the permit for which the application is made;
2. A brief description of the land upon which the proposed building work is to be located or done by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work;
3. A statement of the proposed use or occupancy of all parts of the building proposed to be erected or upon which such work is to be done;
4. A statement of the height and area of any building to be erected;
5. An accurate plot plan of the lot, or parcel, showing street, or streets, and alley, and the location of the building on the lot, or parcel, drawn to scale and fully dimensioned;
6. A statement of the valuation of any new building or structure or any addition, remodeling or alteration to an existing building;
7. Be accompanied by plans, diagrams, computations and specifications and other data as required by this title;
8. Be signed by the applicant, or the applicant’s authorized agent;
9. Such other reasonable information as may be required by the building official.
B. No person shall withhold from or misrepresent to the building official any information he or she may reasonably request relative to any proposed work for which an application for a building permit has been filed. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

Permits as required by this chapter shall be issued only to duly licensed contractors acting in compliance with the provisions of the business license regulations set forth in Title 5 of this code.
Exceptions.
1. A permit may be issued to an owner for the construction, alteration or repair of a single-family or a two-family dwelling and accessory building, structure, or facilities thereto provided the owner occupies or intends to occupy one of the units.
2. An owner may obtain building permits but not combined permits for additions, alterations and repairs for other structures, provided that the cost of such additions, alterations and repairs does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the valuation of the building or structure in any twelve (12) month period.
3. A permit may be issued to or work may be performed by any responsible person not acting in violation of Chapter 9, Division 3, of the Business and Professions Code of the state of California. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. Submittal Documents. Construction documents, special inspections and other data shall be submitted with each application for a permit. In accordance with Section 18.12.051, the building official may require construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional licensed by the state of California to practice as such. Construction documents shall include construction inspection requirements as defined in Section 18.12.052.
Exception. The building official may waive the submission of construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that the review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this title.
B. Site Plan. The construction documents submitted with the application for a permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site, show the boundaries, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades, neighboring public ways, sufficient dimensions and other data and, as applicable, flood hazard areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and it shall be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line survey. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site or plot. The building official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan when the application for permit is for alteration or repair or when otherwise warranted.
Exception. The building official may grant the omission of a site plan when the proposed work is of such a nature that no information is needed to determine compliance with all laws relating to the location of buildings or occupancies.
C. Number of Sets of Construction Documents. Each application for a permit shall be accompanied by two sets of construction documents for plan checking.
Exception. The building official may waive the requirement for construction documents as required in this title if the building official finds that the information on the application is sufficient to show that the work will conform to the provisions of this title and other relevant laws.
D. Deferred Submittals. For the purposes of this section, deferred submittals are defined as those portions of the design which are not submitted at the time of the application and which are to be submitted to the building official within a specified period.
Deferral of any submittal items shall have prior approval of the building official. The registered design professional in responsible charge shall list the deferred submittals on the construction documents for review by the building official.
Documents for deferred submittal items shall be submitted to the registered design professional in responsible charge who shall review them and forward them to the building official with a notation indicating that the deferred submittal documents have been reviewed and been found to be in general conformance with the design of the building. The deferred submittal items shall not be installed until the design and submittal documents have been approved by the building official. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. Information Required. Construction documents shall be dimensioned and drawn with ink or indelible pencil upon suitable material, or shall be made by a reproduction process approved by the building official. Electronic media documents may be permitted to be submitted when approved by the building official. The first sheet of each set of construction documents shall give the street address of the work and the name and address of the owner of the building.
Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the building official.
Construction documents for buildings of other than Group R-3 and U occupancies shall indicate how required structural and fire-resistive integrity will be maintained where a penetration will be made for electrical, mechanical, plumbing and communication conduits, pipes and similar systems.
In lieu of detailed specifications, the department may approve reference on the construction documents to a specific section, subsection or paragraph of this title or other ordinance or law.
Distances and dimensions on the construction documents, when required to show conformity with the provisions of this title, shall be done in figures.
The construction documents shall show in sufficient detail the location, construction, size and character of all portions of the means of egress in compliance with the provisions of this title. In other than occupancies in Groups R-2, R-3, and I-1, the construction documents shall designate the number of occupants to be accommodated on every floor, and in all rooms and spaces.
Construction documents for all buildings shall describe the exterior wall envelope in sufficient detail to determine compliance with this title. The construction documents shall provided details of the exterior wall envelope as required, including flashing, intersections with dissimilar materials, corners, end details, control joints, intersections at roof, eaves or parapets, means of drainage, water-resistive membrane and details around openings.
The construction documents shall include manufacturer’s installation instructions that provide supporting documentation that the proposed penetration and opening details described in the construction documents maintain the weather resistance of the exterior wall envelope. The supporting documentation shall fully describe the exterior wall system which was tested, where applicable, as well as the test procedure used.
When required by Section 1704.1.1 of the California Building Code, a statement of special inspection prepared by the registered design professional in responsible charge of the project shall be included with the construction documents.
The construction documents shall show all mitigation measures required under the national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit issued to the city of Long Beach. For the application of the NPDES requirements, see Chapter 18.95 of this title.
B. Written Records of Computations Required. When a structural design is required for the purpose of obtaining a permit, it shall be justified by a written record of computations filed with the department and each sheet of the drawings and written record of computations shall be signed by or bear the approved stamp of a registered design professional licensed by the state of California for the type of service performed. On structures which do not require a registered design professional’s signatures according to Article 3, Chapter 7, Division 3, of the California Business and Profession’s Code but do require some structural design, the person responsible for such design shall sign the calculations and the sheets of the construction documents having engineering details thereon.
C. Grading Construction Documents. Application for a grading permit shall be accompanied by construction documents prepared and signed by an individual licensed by the state to prepare such documents.
The first sheet of each set of grading construction documents shall give location of the work, the name and address of the owner and the person by whom they were prepared.
The grading construction documents shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
1. General vicinity of the proposed site;
2. Property limits and accurate contours of existing ground and details of terrain and area drainage;
3. Limiting dimensions, elevations or finish contours to be achieved by the grading, and proposed drainage channels and related construction;
4. Detailed plans of all surface and subsurface drainage devices, walls, cribbing, dams and other protective devices to be constructed with, or as a part of, the proposed work together with a map showing the drainage area and the estimated runoff of the area served by any drains;
5. Location of any buildings or structures on the property where the work is to be performed and the location of any buildings or structures on land of adjacent owners which are within fifteen feet (15') of the property or which may be affected by the proposed grading operations;
6. The location of the top and toe of all cuts and fills, the location of all “daylight” lines, the amount of cut and fill, the location of disposal site for excess material, if known, and the estimated dates for starting and completing grading work;
7. When reports are required pursuant to Section 18.12.140(F) or Section J104.3 of Appendix J of the 2007 California Building Code, recommendations included in the approved soils engineering report and engineering geology report shall be incorporated into the grading construction documents. A copy of the soils report and geological report shall be attached to the approved set of grading construction documents and kept at the job site;
8. When reports are required pursuant to Section 18.12.140(F) or Section J104.3 of Appendix J of the 2007 California Building Code, the dates of the soils engineering and engineering geology reports together with the names, addresses and phone numbers of the firms or individuals who prepared the reports shall be incorporated into the grading plans.
The department may require some plans to be prepared by a licensed surveyor when the property location and its limits are not clear. Portions of the aforementioned plan requirements may be waived by the department if it finds that the information on the application and/or submitted plans is sufficient to show that the work will conform to the provisions of this code and other relevant laws.
The building official may require that grading operations and project designs be modified if delays occur which incur weather-generated problems not considered at the time the permit was issued.
The building official may require professional inspection and testing by the soils engineer. When the building official has cause to believe that geologic factors may be involved, the grading will be required to conform to engineering grading.
D. Yard Restriction. The increase in area permitted by Sections 506 and 507 of the California Building Code shall not be allowed unless or until the owner of the required yard shall file with the department an agreement binding such owner, heirs and assignees, to set aside the required yard as an unobstructed space having no improvements. Such agreement shall be recorded in the Los Angeles County recorder’s office. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. When special inspection is required by Section 18.16.060, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare an inspection program which shall be submitted to the building official for approval prior to issuance of the building permit. The inspection program shall designate the portions of the work that require special inspection and the name or names of the individuals or firms who are to perform the special inspections, and indicate the duties of the special inspectors.
B. The special inspector shall be employed by the owner, registered design professional in responsible charge, or an agent of the owner, but not the contractor or any other person responsible for the work.
C. When structural observation is required by Section 1709 of the California Building Code, the inspection program shall name the individuals or firms who are to perform structural observation and describe the stages of construction at which structural observation is to occur.
D. The inspection program shall include samples of inspection reports and provide time limits for submission of reports. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. When it is required that documents be prepared by a registered design professional licensed in the state of California, the building official may require the owner to engage and designate on the building permit application a registered design professional who shall act as the registered design professional in responsible charge. If the circumstances require, the owner may designate a substitute registered design professional who shall perform all of the duties required of the original registered design professional in responsible charge. The building official shall be notified in writing by the owner if the registered design professional in responsible charge is changed or is unable to continue to perform the duties.
B. The registered design professional in responsible charge shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinating all submittal documents prepared by others, including phased and deferred submittal items, for compatibility with the design of the building.
C. Where structural observation is required by Section 1709 of the California Building Code, the statement of special inspections shall name the individual or firms who are to perform structural observation and describe the stages of construction at which structural observation is to occur. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. Issuance. The application, construction documents and other data filed by an applicant for a permit shall be reviewed by the building official. Such construction documents may be reviewed by other departments of the city to check compliance with the laws and ordinances under their jurisdiction. If the building official is satisfied that the work described in an application for permit and the construction documents filed therewith conform to the requirements of this chapter and other pertinent laws and ordinances and that the fees and charges as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution and other liens, costs, and/or fees due the city have been paid, the building official shall issue a permit therefor to the permittee meeting the requirement of Section 18.12.030.
Exception. The building official shall have the authority to withhold the issuance of permits under the following circumstances:
1. Harbor District. No permit shall be issued for the construction, extension, alteration, improvement, erection, remodeling or repair of any pier, slip, basin, wharf, dock or other harbor structure of any building or structure within the harbor district, unless the board of harbor commissioners has first granted permission authorizing such work to be done as provided in the charter of the city.
2. Marinas. No permit shall be issued for the construction, extension, alteration, improvement, erection, remodeling or repair of any pier, slip, basin, wharf, dock or other marina structure or any building or structure within the Alamitos Bay Marina, Downtown Shoreline Marina or Shoreline Harbor Marina unless the manager of the marine bureau has first granted permission authorizing such work to be done.
3. Fault Studies Zone. No permit shall be issued for projects located within a special (fault) studies zone established under Chapter 7.5, Division 2, of the California Public Resources Code unless it can be demonstrated through accepted geologic seismic studies that the proposed structure will be located in a safe manner and not over or astraddle the trace of an active fault. Acceptable geologic seismic studies shall meet the criteria as set forth in rules and regulations established by the building official to ensure that such studies are based on sufficient geologic data to determine the location or nonexistence of the active fault trace on a site. Prior to approval of a project, a geologic report defining and delineating any hazard of surface fault rupture shall be required. If the city finds that no undue hazard of this kind exists, the geologic report on such hazard may be waived, with approval of the state geologist.
4. Storm Water. No permit shall be issued for projects unless it incorporates into the construction documents best management practices necessary to control storm water pollution from sediments, erosion and construction materials leaving the construction site. Such requirements shall be in accordance with the provisions contained in Chapter 18.95 NPDES and SUSMP Regulations.
5. Flood Hazards. No permit shall be issued for projects located within all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the city of Long Beach unless it can be demonstrated that full compliance with the terms of Chapter 21.65 Flood Damage Prevention and other applicable regulations.
6. Fills Containing Decomposable Material. No permit shall be issued for buildings or structures regulated by this title within one thousand feet (1,000') of fills containing rubbish or other decomposable material unless the fill is isolated by approved natural or manmade protective systems or unless designed according to the recommendations contained in a report prepared by a licensed civil engineer. Such report shall contain a description of the investigation, study and recommendation to minimize the possible intrusion, and to prevent the accumulation of explosive concentrations of decomposition gases within or under enclosed portions of such building or structure. At the time of the final inspection, the civil engineer shall furnish a signed statement attesting that the building or structure has been constructed in accordance with his or her recommendations as to decomposition gases required herein. Buildings or structures regulated by this title shall not be constructed on fills containing rubbish or other decomposable material unless provision is made to prevent damage to structure, floor, underground piping and utilities due to uneven settlement of the fill. One-story light frame accessory structures not exceeding four hundred (400) square feet in area nor twelve feet (12') in height may be constructed without special provisions for foundation stability.
7. Construction and Demolition Recycling Program. No permit shall be issued for construction or demolition projects subject to Chapter 18.97 Construction and Demolition Recycling Program unless all of the provisions contained therein are completed to the satisfaction of the director of planning and building or his or her designee.
B. Approval of Construction Documents. When the building official issues a permit, the construction documents shall be approved, in writing or by stamp, as “APPROVED.” Construction documents shall be distributed pursuant to Section 18.12.070(A).
C. Phased Approval. The building official may issue a permit for the construction of foundation or any other part of a building or structure before the entire construction documents for the whole building or structure have been approved, provided that adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of this title. The holder of such permit for the foundation or other parts of a building or structure shall proceed at the holder’s own risk with the building operation and without assurance that a permit for the entire building or structure will be granted.
D. Amended Construction Documents. Work shall be installed in accordance with the approved construction documents, and any changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved construction documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents and the permittee shall pay a rechecking fee as determined by Section 18.12.150. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. Distribution of Construction Documents. One set approved construction documents shall be returned to the applicant, which set shall be kept at the site of the construction or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress and shall be available and open to inspection by the building official or a duly authorized representative. There shall be no deviation from the stamped or approved construction documents without approval by the building official. One set of approved construction documents shall be retained by the building official pursuant to subsection B of this section.
B. Retention of Construction Documents. The duplicate approved construction documents of every building or structure shall be stamped and retained by the department for a period of not less than one year from the date of completion of the work covered therein, after which time the building official may, at his or her discretion, either dispose of the copies or retain them as a part of the permanent files of the department as required by Section 19850 of the Health and Safety Code.
Exception. Construction documents for the following need not be maintained, except where required by the department:
1. Single or multiple dwellings in areas which are not part of a common interest development (as defined in Section 1351 of the Civil Code of California), and not more than two stories and basement in height;
2. Garages and other structures appurtenant to buildings described in subsection (B)(1) of this section;
3. Farm or ranch buildings;
4. Any one-story building where the span between bearing walls does not exceed twenty-five feet (25'). This exception does not, however, apply to a steel frame or concrete building;
5. Alterations to commercial buildings, apartments and hotels which do not require the signature of a registered design professional.
C. Plan Maintenance Fee. Before issuing a permit, the department shall collect a fee for maintaining construction documents that are required to be retained by this section. The amount of the plan maintenance fee shall be as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution and shall be collected for each separate plan to be retained by the department.
D. Inspection of Plans. The copy of the approved construction documents maintained by the department as provided by subsection B of this section may be available for inspection only on the premises of the department.
Exception. Construction documents for banks, other financial institutions or public utilities which are maintained by the department may not be inspected without written permission from the owner of the building.
E. Reproduction of Construction Documents. Construction documents maintained by the department under subsection B of this section may not be duplicated in whole or in part except with the written permission of the certified, licensed or registered professional or his or her successor, if any, who signed the original documents, and the written permission of the original or current owner of the building, or, if the building is part of a common interest development, with the written permission of the board of directors or governing body of the association established to manage the common interest development; upon request by any state agency; or by order of a proper court. In implementing this provision, the department shall comply with the requirements of Health and Safety Code Section 19851.
The department shall also furnish the form of an affidavit to be completed and signed by the person requesting to duplicate the official copy of the construction documents, which contains provisions stating the following:
1. That the copy of the construction documents shall only be used for the maintenance, operation and use of the building;
2. That drawings are instruments of professional service and are incomplete without the interpretation of the certified, licensed or registered professional of record;
3. That subdivision (a) of Section 5536.25 of the Business and Professions Code states that a licensed architect who signs construction documents shall not be responsible for damage caused by subsequent changes to, or use of, those construction documents where the subsequent changes or uses, including changes or uses made by state or local governmental agencies, are not authorized or approved by the licensed architect who originally signed the construction documents, provided that the architectural service rendered by the architect who signed the construction documents was not also a proximate cause of the damage.
The fees specified in the following item 1 or 2 shall be paid by the person requesting duplication of construction documents:
1. Construction documents that have not been microfilmed and are authorized for reproduction to be duplicated by other than city services will be released only to a department authorized duplicating service. The cost of duplicating the construction documents shall be paid directly to the duplicating service by the person requesting duplication. That person shall pay a processing fee for each set of construction documents released to the department as determined by Section 18.12.161.
2. Construction documents that have been microfilmed and are authorized for reproduction shall be duplicated by city services or vendors. The department shall collect an initial service fee for each request for reproduction of construction documents plus an additional fee for each sheet requested to be photocopied as determined by Section 18.12.161.
F. Withdrawal of Construction Documents. The building official shall not permit any original construction documents, or portions thereof upon which a permit has been issued, to be withdrawn from the office of the building official, except for official use by representatives of the city. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this title or of any other law or ordinance. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this title or any other law or ordinance shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the building official from requiring the correction of errors in the construction documents and other data. The building official may prevent the occupancy or use of a building or structure where in violation of this title or of any other law or ordinance.
B. The issuance of a permit is not an approval or an authorization of the work specified therein. A permit is merely an application for inspection, the issuance of which entitles the permittee to inspection of the work which is described therein.
C. Permits issued under the requirements of this code shall not relieve the owner of responsibility for securing required permits for work to be done which is regulated by any other code, department or division of the city of Long Beach. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. Expiration. Every permit issued shall be valid for a period of two years from the date thereof, provided that any permit shall expire on the one hundred eightieth (180th) day from date of issuance if the work permitted thereunder has not been commenced; or shall expire whenever the building official determines the work authorized by any permit has been suspended, discontinued or abandoned for a continuous period of one hundred eighty (180) days.
Exception. If the holder of any permit issued by the department presents satisfactory evidence that unusual construction difficulties have prevented work from being started or continued without being suspended within the one hundred eightieth (180th) day time period or completed within the two-year period of validity, the building official may grant extensions of time reasonably necessary because of such difficulties.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, the validity of a permit may be further restricted in the following conditions:
1. In the case of a building or structure that has been ordered repaired or demolished in accordance with this title, such time limits as are specified therein shall apply.
2. The building official may, because of unusual circumstances or conditions such as, but not limited to, the demolition of an imminently hazardous building, or a grading operation that may be subject to flooding during the rainy season, impose restrictions upon the time limits for expiration of any permit.
B. Unfinished Buildings or Structures. Whenever the department determines by inspection that work on any building or structure for which a permit has been issued and the work started thereon has been suspended for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or more, the owner of the property upon which such structure is located, or other person or agent in control of said property, upon receipt of notice in writing from the department to do so, shall, within ninety (90) days from the date of such written notice, obtain a new permit to complete the required work, pay the fee of one-half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original construction documents for such work, and diligently pursue the work to completion and provided, further, that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year; or shall remove or demolish the building or structure within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the written notice.
C. Restore to Original Condition. Permits that have expired shall have the site, building or project restored to the condition that existed immediately prior to the commencement of work described by such permit.
D. Failure to Comply. It is unlawful for any owner or representative of the owner, either before or after the issuance of a permit under this title, and notwithstanding the issuance of such permit, to fail to comply with any order, determination or action of the department.
E. Making False Statement to the Department. Any person who willfully or knowingly, with the intent to deceive, makes a false statement or representation, or knowingly fails to disclose a material fact in any documentation required by the department to ascertain facts relative to this section, including any oral or written evidence presented, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. The building official may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under provisions of this title whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or of any provision of this title.
F. Active permits required by this title may be transferred to a qualified person for a fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. Investigation. Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this title has been commenced without first obtaining such permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work.
B. Fee. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee required by this title with a minimum fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution. The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code nor from any penalty prescribed by law.
The investigation fee may be waived for emergency work when it is proved to the satisfaction of the building official that such work was urgently needed and it was impractical to obtain a permit prior to commencement of the work. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. Building Permit Fees. A building permit (exclusive of subpermits) shall be issued for each building or structure to be erected or upon which work is to be done thereunder, and for each such permit the applicant shall pay a permit filing fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution plus a fee computed on the basis of the estimated total cost of the work proposed to be done, in accordance with the building permit fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution.
In addition to the above, projects regulated under Chapter 18.95 of this code shall pay an additional fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution.
In addition to the above, projects regulated under Title 24, Part 2, of the California Code of Regulations, Sections 108.2.1.2, 109.1 and 1102A, the state’s disabled access and adaptability requirements shall pay an additional fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution.
In addition to the above, projects regulated under Chapter 21.62 of this code shall pay an additional fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution.
In addition to the above, projects regulated under Section 2700, Chapter 8, Division 2 of the Public Resources Code of the state of California (state strong motion instrumentation program) shall pay an additional fee as set forth in Section 2705, Chapter 8, Division 2 of the Public Resources Code of the state of California.
Exception. A single combined permit may be issued for the following:
1. The construction, addition or alteration of any building or structure of a Group R-3 or U occupancies, which includes all building, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning work; or
2. The construction, addition or alteration of any sign or sign support structure, which includes all building and electrical work.
The total permit fee for the combined building permit shall be as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution.
B. Grading Permit Fees. A grading permit shall be issued to each property or site upon which grading work is to be done thereunder when required pursuant to subsection B of Section 18.12.010, and for each such permit the applicant shall pay a filing fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution plus a grading permit fee computed on the basis of the estimated total cubic yard of work proposed to be done as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution.
In addition to the above, projects regulated under Chapter 18.95 of this code shall pay an additional fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution.
C. Sign Permit Fees. A sign permit shall be issued for each sign or sign support structure to be erected or upon which work is to be done thereunder, and for each such permit the applicant shall pay a filing fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution plus a sign permit fee computed on the basis of the estimated total cost of the work proposed to be done as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution.
D. Determining Valuation. The determination of value or valuation under any of the provisions of this title shall be made by the building official. The value to be used in computing the permit and plan review fees shall be the total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued as well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire extinguishing systems and any other permanent equipment.
No person shall willfully or negligently withhold from or misrepresent to the building official any information he or she may request relative to the estimated cost of any proposed work for which an application for a permit has been filed, or misrepresent the cost of any such work. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. Buildings and Structures. Except as provided in this section, an applicant for a building permit shall, in addition to the fee prescribed therefor and at the time of making application for such building permit, pay a plan review fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution, exclusive of the filing fee. The checking fee for a combined permit shall be as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution for a building permit of the same valuation.
Exception. No plan review fee shall be required for the following:
1. Fences eight feet or less in height and not constructed with masonry or concrete;
2. Canvas awnings;
3. Building permits issued for the following single subtrades: plastering, reroofing, marble and tile;
4. When the building official has determined that the submittal of construction documents and other data are not required if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that the review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this title.
B. Grading Work. An applicant for a grading permit shall, in addition to the fee prescribed therefor and at the time of making application for such grading permit, pay a plan review fee to the city as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution, exclusive of the filing fee.
C. Signs and Sign Support Structures. An applicant for a sign permit shall, in addition to the fee prescribed therefor and at the time of making application for such sign permit, pay a plan review fee to the city as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution, exclusive of the filing fee.
D. Express Plan Review Fees. At the request of the applicant, the department may, at its discretion, provide plan review services at other than normal working hours. An express plan review fee, in addition to the plan review fees charged elsewhere in this code, as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution shall be collected at the time of the request.
E. Geologic Review Fees. A fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution shall be charged for the review of geologic reports submitted as required by state law for proposed development in seismic hazard zones, including but not limited to, fault rupture, liquefaction and landslide hazard zones.
F. Expiration of Plan Review. If after a period of one year from date of application for permit, any applicant has failed to pay for and obtain a permit, such application and checking fee shall become invalid and no permit shall be issued unless a new application is submitted and a new checking fee paid. Construction documents submitted at the time of application shall be destroyed if after a period of one year from date of application no permit has been paid for or issued. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. Fees for Rechecking Construction Documents Prior to Approval. No additional fee shall be charged for verification of the corrections required by the department or other departments. However, when construction documents have been checked and are subsequently so revised by the applicant for reasons other than plan check correction as to necessitate rechecking, the building official shall require the applicant to pay a rechecking fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution which would be required for the cost of that portion of the construction or work which has been revised. However, no additional permit fee will be required unless the revision increases the total cost of the entire project. In that event, the building official shall require the applicant to pay an additional permit fee based on the additional cost.
B. Fees for Rechecking Construction Documents After Approval. When construction documents are resubmitted for review of changes made to previously approved construction documents, the plan review fee in the case of a building or sign permit shall be based on a rate as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution and the plan review fee for a grading permit shall be as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution for the number of cubic yards replaced, removed or omitted that were not previously approved. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A fee will be charged to verify permit and inspection records, including age of building. Reproduction of permit records may be obtained for a fee. The fee is as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A processing fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution shall be charged to process a request for a copy of construction plans on record. A separate processing fee shall be paid for each plan or set of plans involving a single site. The processing fee shall be in addition to fees charged to cover duplicating costs. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution for each lot or parcel located in an oil zone shall be charged for a record search to determine the existence and location of subsurface gas or oil wells. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution shall be charged for the inspections required during the abandonment of an oil or gas well. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. Upon request, the department will make special inspections provided:
1. The applicant makes accessible and exposes elements or structures inspected;
2. That the applicant pays a fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution for the following:
a. Building inspection,
b. Plumbing inspection,
c. Electrical inspection,
d. Mechanical inspection,
e. Housing inspection (dwellings),
f. Code inspection for business license,
g. Nonteam inspection,
h. Team inspection,
i. Condominium conversion inspections,
j. Site inspection not otherwise covered.
B. A fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution per hour or fraction thereof shall be charged for inspections requiring in excess of one hour.
For inspections performed on request at other than normal office hours, a fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution.
C. Within the scope of the special inspections, the building official may approve minor corrections or alterations involving work of a building, plumbing, mechanical or electrical nature with an aggregate total cost of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) or less. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution shall be charged to a person appealing to the disabled access appeals board the action of the building official in enforcing Title 24, Part 2, of the California Code of Regulations, the state’s disabled access and adaptability requirements. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. To supervise the performance of registered special inspectors required to be employed for certain types of work as provided by Section 18.16.060 of this title, a fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution for each type of work shall be paid at the time of permit issuance.
B. To verify that all structural observation reports have been received prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, a fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution shall be paid at the time of permit issuance. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. A reinspection fee may be charged for each inspection or reinspection when the portion of work for which the inspection or reinspection is called is not complete or when the corrections called for are not made. This section is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this title, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection.
B. A reinspection fee may be assessed when the permit card is not properly posted on the work site, the approved construction documents are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested, or for deviating from the approved construction documents requiring the approval of the building official.
C. To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall file an application therefor in writing upon a form furnished for that purpose and pay a reinspection fee as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution.
D. In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

The director of planning and building may waive any application fee imposed on or after October 1, 1996 pursuant to the provisions of this code if the director first finds as follows:
A. A permit has been issued which does not fully conform to the provisions and requirements of law; and
B. There is no evidence that the applicant, in seeking the permit intentionally sought to avoid conformance to the provisions and requirements of law; and
C. Substantial construction commenced in good faith reliance on that permit; and
D. Stoppage has been ordered subsequent to such commencement as a result of the failure of the permit to conform to the provisions and requirements of law; and
E. The application or applications for which a fee waiver is requested and granted are necessary in order to authorize the issuance of the permit in a manner fully conforming to the provisions and requirements of law. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).

A. No portion of any permit as required in this title shall be refunded to an applicant unless, prior to commencement of actual work thereunder, the proposal to do such work is abandoned, or it is discovered that such permit is void under provisions of any ordinance of the city. No portion of a checking fee shall be refunded to an applicant if any checking of the construction documents has been done in the office of the building official.
B. Refunds shall be made in the calculated amount so determined in this section and under the conditions set forth in Sections 3.48.040 and 3.48.060 of this code.
C. Before any refund is made under this chapter, the building official shall deduct a percent as set forth in the schedule of fees and charges established by city council resolution of the fee paid to pay for expenses incurred by the city in connection with accepting the construction documents, passing upon the application for or issuance of the permit, and the sum shall be deducted from the fee so paid and the balance paid to such person. If the person entitled to the refund is an individual and such person becomes deceased, the refund may be made to such person or persons entitled to receive the money.
D. Any application for refund must be filed by the person entitled to receive such refund within the prescribed expiration period. (ORD-07-0062 § 3 (part), 2007).