Fullerton, California Building Permit Guide

Fullerton Building & Safety is at City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832 (714.738.6300). It is open Monday - Thursday 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM and every other Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Census Vintage 2025 estimates put Fullerton at 138,675 residents.

This guide covers the City of Fullerton. The City’s online permit portal and its permit fee schedule could not be checked, so ask Building & Safety how to file and what your permit will cost.

How to get a building permit in Fullerton

A building permit carries a validity period and can expire if work does not start or stalls between inspections; confirm the expiry with Fullerton Building & Safety on phased or delayed work. Permit validity in California

Fullerton building code amendments

For the 2025 code cycle, Fullerton has filed local amendment ordinances 3348 and 3349 with the California Building Standards Commission.

Fullerton permit costs and fees

The City’s building permit fees could not be checked for this guide. School developer fees apply to new construction over 500 square feet, and the Fullerton Joint Union High School District (FJUHSD) handles payment for the Fullerton School District as well.

FJUHSD takes developer fee payments by appointment: email DeveloperFees@fjuhsd.org with the document from the City and a requested date and time. Payment is by cashier’s check or money order only; the district’s contact for questions is at 714.626.4386.

Inspections in Fullerton

Building and fire inspections are scheduled, cancelled and checked on the automated Voice Permits line, (714) 738-6543, 24 hours a day, using the permit number and an inspection code. Calls made before midnight go on the next working day’s schedule.

Official Fullerton permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Fullerton permit processing information
• Fullerton inspections
• FJUHSD developer fees
• Fullerton School District developer fees
• Building Standards Commission: 2025 local ordinances

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an architect or engineer for Fullerton plans?

For most project types, yes: plans must be prepared by a California licensed architect or engineer. Very small projects can use the City’s standard plans and details.

How late can I call for a Fullerton inspection?

The Voice Permits line runs 24 hours a day; calls made before midnight go on the next working day’s schedule.

How do I pay school fees for a Fullerton project?

By appointment with FJUHSD: email DeveloperFees@fjuhsd.org with the City document and a requested date and time, then pay by cashier’s check or money order.

Simplify Fullerton permitting with Alliance Permitting

• Find out which City divisions, districts and outside agencies need to sign off on the project
• Prepare the plans and application files in the format the City accepts
• Pay fees, answer plan review comments and request inspections on time

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in California. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Fullerton permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.