Get City of Long Beach Building Permits Hassle-Free With DoNotPay

As many people work from home, there has been an uptick in the number of home renovations. From restructuring plumbing systems to converting rooms into home offices, people are trying to make their properties conducive for work and family. Still, homeowners must obtain before starting remodeling projects.

The application is usually time-consuming. You have to fill out a form by Long Beach's Building and Safety Bureau, pay the application fee, and submit the relevant documents. It's a process steeped in bureaucracy, which can significantly extend the processing time. Don't stress anymore; leverage DoNotPay to apply for building permits for easy, fast, and successful submissions.

When Is a Building Permit Necessary in Long Beach?

The Long Beach Development Services is mandated to ensure public health and construction safety through planning checks, inspection procedures, and issuance of permits. A building permit is typically required to show that a project meets all the safety requirements and adheres to the city's building codes and regulations.

The Long Beach Building and Safety Bureau will only issue construction permits to property owners who meet all the building and legal requirements. Carrying on with renovation works without a permit is risky. You'll be penalized and fined. Even if you get away with it, the bureau might sue you when you sell the home for bypassing the legal procedures.

A homeowner will also be required to request approvals from their Homeowners Association (HOA). The association's planning permission primarily ensures that the project's blueprints/plans conform to HOA's home design requirements.

How to Get a Building Permit in Long Beach

Whether you're in Chicago or California, you need permits for projects that require plan checks and those that do not. The Long Beach permit office is located at City Hall and expects all applicants to follow the application guidelines when requesting construction permits. You can apply for permits either:

Online
In-person by booking an appointment

What Are the Required Documents for a Permit?

The documentation required when applying for Long Beach building permits depends on the type of permit you need. The building office issues two types of permits: Express Permits and Approved Plans Ready-to-Use permits.

Express Permits

These are building permits for construction works that don't require plan checks. They include window replacements, electrical repairs, re-roofing, water heater replacements, etc. You'll need to complete and sign the following forms:

Consolidated Permit Application form. You need this form when performing renovation works involving more than one of the following: electrical, mechanical, plumbing, new building, landscaping, and grading. Otherwise, you'll need to apply for separate permits when performing a single project.
A Licensed Contractor or Owner-Builders Declaration
Owner or Contractor Permit Proxy (where applicable)
Plot plan

Approved Plans Ready-to-Issue (RTU) Permits

These are permits issued for remodeling projects that got plan approvals. Unlike Express Permits applications, you can only obtain RTU permits through in-person appointments from Monday to Friday, from 1.00 pm – 3.30 pm.

The Development Permit Center will require you to complete and submit the following documents during your visit:
State-licensed Contractor Declaration or Owner's Declaration
Owner, Contractor, or Builder Permit proxy (if applicable)

Who Do I Contact to Get a Building Permit?

You can contact the Long Beach Development Services, located at City Hall 411 W Ocean Blvd (3rd Floor) Long Beach, CA 90802. Alternatively, you can contact the Building and Safety department at (562) 570-7648.

How to Apply for City of Long Beach Building Permits Using DoNotPay

Now you understand how tedious and time-consuming applying for Los Angeles building permits can be. Even after applying, you require planning permission from HOA, interview your neighbors, and schedule plot surveys. You need a trustworthy partner who can help you apply quickly and effortlessly.

DoNotPay is the perfect solution, advising you whether your project requires an Express or RTU permit, helps you generate the required documents, and guides you through the application process. You'll complete your filing in minutes with a 100% assurance of approvals, whether in Sarasota County or Broward County.

Step-By-Step Instructions on Using DoNotPay for Building Permit Applications

Are you ready to apply for ? Follow the six simple steps below for permits in Palm Beach, Long Beach, and across the country:

Go to the Planning Permissions product on DoNotPay.
Choose one of the following options:

Check whether your project needs a building permit or if it's exempt
Generate a permission request letter to send to your HOA
Generate a guide on how to complete the building permit application

Choose the focus of your project (new ADU, pool, shed, fence, etc.) and answer a few questions about your plans, including the size of the structure and estimated cost.
Indicate whether you're hiring a contractor and include the estimated start date and timeline for the project.
Indicate whether any public sidewalk/street space will be used during construction.
And that's it! DoNotPay will help guide you through the building permit process by checking if your project needs a building permit, contacting any HOAs you're a part of to request building permission, or generating detailed instructions on how to start and complete your building permit application process.

What Else Can DoNotPay Do?

Obtaining building permits is one of the many legal processes that DoNotPay provides. The online tool is a trusted robotic lawyer that can help you solve many problems and processes that could otherwise take long processing times. Here are some aspects that DoNotPay can help you with: