The City of Huntington Beach Department of Community Development issues building permits from its Permit Center at 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648; the building office line is (714) 536-5241. Customers join the queue with the City’s Get in Line link. The HB ACA Portal takes permit, planning and plan check applications, online payments and inspection requests, and holds record research for records from 1996-2021.
This guide covers the Huntington Beach Permit Center, its 07/01/2026 fee schedule, Express and solar permits, inspections and the Public Works and Fire reviews that go with a building permit.
What requires a building permit in Huntington Beach?
Simple single-family residential work that needs no plan review can go through Express Permits: submitted online, issued the same day or next business day. Furnace and air conditioning units, new or changeouts, need the CF1R Form with the submittal. Rooftop residential solar can get an instant permit through SolarAPP+.
A Public Works grading permit and soils report are required for new foundations of 650 square feet and greater, and encroachment permits are required for any work in the public right of way.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →California builds on one statewide code, Title 24, whose 2025 edition took effect on 1 January 2026; the editions in effect when the application is submitted apply, and cities and counties may adopt local amendments only with findings filed with the state (new residential amendments are largely frozen until June 2031). Title 24 and local amendments
Who handles permitting in Huntington Beach?
| Office | Handles | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Center, Community Development | Building permits and plan check; 2000 Main Street; Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm | (714) 536-5241 |
| Public Works Development Services | Encroachment and grading permits | 714-536-5431 |
| Fire Department, Community Risk Reduction | Fire and life safety plan review of all new residential and commercial construction | (714) 536-5411 |
| Business License Department | City business licenses | (714) 536-5267 |
Planning applications are filed in the HB ACA Portal too.
Local rules in Huntington Beach
- Business license: contractors need a current Huntington Beach City Business License as well as the appropriate State Contractors License.
- Permit life: permits are valid for 1 year from issuance and extend 180 days from each approved inspection; partial approvals do not count.
- Pre-approved ADU: the HB Pre-Approved ADU Plan is for a 1-story, detached 490 square foot ADU, and modifications are not allowed.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →Contractors are licensed statewide by the Contractors State License Board (Classes A, B, B-2 and C) for work of $1,000 or more or any permitted work; a city may also require a business licence or tax registration. Contractor licensing in California
Huntington Beach permit costs and fees
From the Building Permit Fees schedule effective 07/01/2026:
- Permit processing charge: $41.00 flat at permit or plan review submittal.
- Valuation-based inspection fees: $85.00 for $1 to $500; a $25,001 to $50,000 project pays $690.00 for the first $25,000 plus $12.00 for each additional $1,000.
- Residential photovoltaic: $237.97 for 15 kW or less, plus $15.00 per kW over 15kW; SolarAPP+ charges its own processing fee, currently $35.
- Water heater and/or vent: $50.00 each.
- Surcharges: a 6.0% Automation Fee is added to all listed fees, and since 7/1/2024 credit and debit card payments carry a 3.00% service fee.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →How to get a building permit in Huntington Beach
Express Permit for simple single-family work, SolarAPP+ for rooftop solar, plan check for the rest.
Permit, planning and plan check applications and payments are online; at the Permit Center use Get in Line.
Initial application review takes 5 business days; plan review 20 business days for the 1st submittal, 10 for the 2nd and 5 for the 3rd and later submittals and for revisions.
Grading, soils and encroachment go to Public Works; Fire reviews new construction.
Each approved inspection extends the permit 180 days.
A building permit carries a validity period and can expire if work does not start or stalls between inspections; confirm the expiry with the Huntington Beach Permit Center on phased or delayed work. Permit validity in California
Inspections in Huntington Beach
All inspection requests are made through the HB ACA Portal, which schedules instantly and shows results; phone calls and voicemails are not accepted. Inspectors can be reached Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Rather not deal with the building department?
Get a free quote →Public Works and Fire Department sign-off may be needed before a Building Final; call 714-536-5271 if unsure. Residential projects get no Certificate of Occupancy: the signed job card is proof of final.
Official Huntington Beach permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- Huntington Beach Building & Inspection
- Huntington Beach Permit Center
- Building Permit Fees (effective 07/01/2026)
- Huntington Beach inspection services
- Huntington Beach SolarAPP+
- Public Works Development Services
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Frequently asked questions
Can I phone in a building inspection in Huntington Beach?
No. All inspection requests go through the HB ACA Portal; phone calls and voicemails are not accepted.
How long is a Huntington Beach building permit valid?
1 year from issuance, extended 180 days from each approved inspection; partial approvals do not count.
Will I get a Certificate of Occupancy for a home project?
No. Residential projects do not receive one; the signed job card is proof of final inspection.
Simplify Huntington Beach permitting with Alliance Permitting
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →- Work out which city counters and outside agencies the project has to go through
- Prepare and upload the application, plans and forms in the city’s portal
- Book the inspections and follow the permit through to final
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.
Ready to break ground in Huntington Beach sooner?
Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Huntington Beach permits while your crew stays on the job.
More California permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Huntington Beach permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.