Building Permits | City of San Clemente, CA

How to Submit Plans and Applications

Building Department Office Hours

Monday to Thursday

8:00AM to 12:30PM: Permit counter open for all permit types with an emphasis on over the counter permits.

12:30PM to 1:30PM: Closed for lunch

1:30PM to 4:30PM: Permit counter open

4:30PM to 5:30PM: Permit counter staff available for questions. However staff will not be able to process payments which limits issuance of permits during that time.

Please allow staff at least 30 minutes to assist you. The last walk-in guest before lunch is checked in at 12:00PM to allow staff 30 minutes to help them before leaving for lunch at 12:30PM.

The last walk-in guest of the day is checked in at 5:00PM to allow 30 minutes to assist them before staff leaves at 5:30PM.

Alternating Fridays

8:00AM to 12:30PM: Permit counter open for all permit types with an emphasis on over the counter permits.

12:30PM to 1:30PM: Closed for lunch

1:30PM to 4:00PM: Permit counter open

4:00PM to 5:00PM: Permit counter staff available for questions. However staff will not be able to process payments which limits issuance of permits during that time.

Please allow staff at least 30 minutes to assist you. The last walk-in guest of the day is checked in at 4:30PM to allow staff 30 minutes to assist them before staff leaves at 5:00PM

For submittal, please follow these instructions: How to submit plans and applications.
Steps to submit plans via eTrakit
You can track the status of your permit application online. Click here for more info.
When your permit is approved, please follow these instructions: My plans have been approved. Now what?
For customers who are unable to find what they are looking for online, we continue to offer Zoom appointments. Customers can schedule these Zoom appointments to speak with a engineering, planning and building staff team to discuss a business or development proposal, learn about the City’s application process and submittal procedures, or ask questions about zoning, regulations and requirements before submitting a permit.
To schedule your Zoom appointment click here.
For questions regarding permitting, planning, or engineering services, or help scheduling a Zoom or in-person appointment, please contact our Community Development Liaison at (949) 361-6100.
Building Inspections are still available and can be scheduled by calling 949-361-3366 or online here.
For zoning questions, allowable uses for property and other planning questions please contact: Planning@San-Clemente.org.

For encroachment permits contact Engineering@San-Clemente.org.

For building questions please call 949-361-6100.

Request Property Information

If you are buying or selling a home and need info such as permit records or square footage, you can submit a public records request. To start your request, click the button above labeled "Request Property Permit History."

If you are looking for permits, inspection records, square footage notes, name of builder, or names of contractors working on the property, request the "permit history" for __________ (list address).

If you are looking for soils reports or geological info, request the "engineering history."

If you are looking for plans, request the blueprints for that property by submitting a public records request. To do so, scroll up and click the blue button above that says "Request Property Permit History."

If you are looking for info on the boundary lines of your property request the "tract map" and "grading plan." The "planning history" can also be helpful.

Request the "planning history" if you are looking for development history of a property, Coastal Commission records, zoning info, allowable uses, short-term lodging permits, historic property info, or condo conversions. Planning also sometimes has additional info on the history of a land parcel and changes in addressing or boundaries of the parcel, etc.

Please allow ten days for fulfillment of your records request. Due to the high volume of requests that we receive and the amount of time it takes to locate records, expediting is not available. We encourage applicants to submit their request as soon as possible so we can get started sooner on it.

Single Family Residential & ADU Permits

Instructions for Submitting Plans:

Electronic submittals:

Residential permit applications may be submitted electronically by completing the forms listed below and emailing the completed application, forms, and electronic plans to Permits@San-Clemente.org.

ADU submittals must be started by emailing the completed ADU submittal packet to Planning@San-Clemente.org. Forms are available for download below. Please see the "ADU Information."

Paper submittals:

Email your application to Permits@San-Clemente.org. Once your application has been received and input, you will receive an invoice for plan check fees and instructions for submittal. Then you will need to follow the instructions and place the requested items and 3 sets of plans in the drop off shelf marked "Building Drop Off" located outside the front door of City Hall.

Please note that drop off submittals are only available during regular business hours from 7:30AM to 5:30PM Monday to Thursday and 8:00AM to 5:00PM alternating Fridays. City Hall is located at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92673.

Forms to Be Submitted

ADU Information

State law allows the construction of ADUs (that meet requirements) on property with single or multiple family residential zoning. See development standards below. To apply for an ADU building permit, submit a fully completed ADU submittal packet and ADU fee form to the Planning Division by email at Planning@San-Clemente.org.

If your submittal is found complete, Planning staff will provide an initialed ADU packet to the Building Division and notify you by email. Then a Building permit application may be processed. Please understand that ADU submittals will not be processed if they are submitted to the Building Division without first receiving approval from the Planning Dept.

Building Related Information

Electric Vehicle Info

EV Checklist

Demolition Forms and Information

Dangers of Owner Builder Projects

Sometimes homeowners try to save money by choosing the owner builder option instead of hiring the contractor. The problem is that if you become your own contractor, then you assume the liability for bad work performed by whoever you hire to do the project. We strongly discourage homeowners from doing this. Please note that assuming this kind of liability could open the door for lawsuits.

We encourage homeowners to take the time to find a qualified, licensed contractor to do the work on their property. Sometimes a little extra research can save you from large expenses and problems down the road.

Commercial Permits

Electronic submittals:

Commercial permit applications may be submitted electronically by completing the forms listed below and emailing the completed application, forms, and electronic plans to Permits@San-Clemente.org.

Paper submittals:

Email your application to Permits@San-Clemente.org. Once your application has been received and input, you will receive an invoice for plan check fees and instructions for submittal. Then you will need to follow the instructions and place the requested items and 4 sets of plans in the drop off shelf marked "Building Drop Off" located outside the front door of City Hall.

Please note that drop off submittals are only available during regular business hours from 7:30AM to 5:30PM Monday to Thursday and 8:00AM to 5:00PM alternating Fridays. City Hall is located at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92673.

Forms to Be Submitted

Other Info

Model Efficient Landscape Ordinance
Air Quality Checklist

Recycling Information

Solar Permits

Instructions for Submitting Plans:

Solar permit applications may be submitted electronically by completing the forms listed below and emailing (with plans and calculations) to SolarPermits@San-Clemente.org. All documents submitted must be in pdf format. Please do NOT send links. For security reasons, staff has been instructed not to click on links. We are not able to receive documents through drop box software due to potential security issues.

Forms to Be Submitted

Solar Permit Application
Revision Submittal Form for after issuance plan changes

Information

Solar Permits with SolarAPP+ Automated Review

Contractors may now apply for Solar Permits via SolarApp+ and the City of San Clemente online permitting system:

1. Eligibility to use SolarAPP+

Main Dwelling Rooftop, Permitted, Residential structures only.
No Ballasted Systems.
Located in the City of San Clemente.
Must be a licensed contractor that has previously registered with SolarAPP+
Permit Runners are not allowed to request SolarAPP+ permits.
For a full list of requirements, please click here.

2. Submit for Automated Review Through SolarAPP+

Submit your design to solarapp.nrel.gov .
Click Login or Register to get started.
A $25 processing fee will be charged by the SolarAPP+ website.
Click here for a demonstration on SolarAPP+

3. Required Documents

SolarAPP+ Approval Document
Specifications
Plans

4. Apply for City Building Permit

Create an account and Apply for your permit at https://cdweb.san-clemente.org/etrakit/
Click Apply / New Permit
Select Solar App Plus Permit Type
Provide your SolarAPP+ approval ID number and upload your plans, specifications and SolarAPP+ document
Pay City Permit Fees
Download and print your Online Permit Inspection Job Card

5. Getting an Inspection

Inspection Scheduling Instructions: https://www.san-clemente.org/departments-services/building-services/inspections
Have your Online Permit Inspection Job Card printed and available on-site for the Inspector.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are we incorporating SolarAPP+ in our solar permit process?
In 2022, California passed SB 379 which “requires most California cities and counties to implement an online, automated permitting platform that verifies code compliance and issues permits in real time or allows the city, county, or city and county to issue permits in real time for a residential solar energy system.” SB 379

What is SolarAPP+?
SolarAPP+ is a standardized plan review software that runs compliance checks and processes building permit approvals for eligible rooftop solar systems. NREL created SolarAPP+ process.

Who is NREL?
NREL stands for National Renewable Energy Lab, a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, About NREL | NREL. SolarAPP+ is an application developed by NREL that allows authorized contractors to submit plans for certain rooftop residential solar projects and receive permits and plan check documents instantly.

Who can apply for a SolarAPP+ permit?
Contractors who have completed training and are approved by SolarAPP+ are the only applicants that are accepted to use this streamlined process on SolarAPP+.

How does SolarAPP+ integrate with the San Clemente Online Permitting Portal?
Once the solar contractor gets their plan approved by SolarAPP+, the solar contractor applies for the permit on the San Clemente Online Permitting Portal with their SolarAPP+ approval code, and the permit is issued right away.

Does SolarAPP+ collect fees and will the County be charging fees?
SolarAPP+ collects a one-time fee of $25.00. The County application fee is separate and will remain the same as a regular solar permit application that contractors apply for on the San Clemente Online Permitting Portal.

What happens if the contractor changes or requires resubmittal of plans?
SolarAPP+ allows up to 3 revisions under the $25.00 fee. They must resubmit the application to SolarAPP+ and once the resubmittal is approved, they will receive a modified permit number, for example:
- Original SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-A
- First Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-B
- Second Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-C
- Third and Last Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-D

Once the contractor receives the new SolarAPP+ ID, they can upload the new SolarApp+ approval document onto their existing permit on the San Clemente Online Permitting Portal, along with their modified plans. The City of San Clemente may charge any fees that are appropriate for the resubmittal, similar to the current process for re-inspection.

Roofing Permits

Instructions for Submitting Plans:

Roofing permit applications may be submitted electronically by completing the forms listed below and email to Permits@san-clemente.org.

Forms to Be Submitted

Other Info

Swimming Pool and Spa Permits

Instructions for Submitting Plans:

Pool permit applications and plans may be submitted electronically by completing the forms listed below and emailing completed permit application, forms, and plans to Permits@San-Clemente.org.

Forms to Be Submitted

Informational Bulletins

Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Permits

Instructions for Submitting Plans:

Applications for Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical permits may be submitted electronically by completing the forms listed below and email to Permits@san-clemente.org.

This permit type is primarily for water heater replacements, gas piping installations, HVAC replacements or installations, electrical service upgrades, and other minor electrical additions.

Forms to be submitted:

Retaining Wall Permits

Instructions for Submitting Plans:

Retaining Wall permit applications may be submitted electronically by completing the forms listed below and email to Permits@San-Clemente.org.

You may also print the forms and submit at City Hall (Submit 3 sets of plans).

Currently City Hall is open to the public. You can apply for a permit in person during regular business hours: Monday to Thursday 7:30AM to 5:30PM and alternating Fridays 8:00AM to 5:00PM.Our address is 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92673. Please note the office closes for lunch daily from 12:30PM to 1:30PM.

Forms to Be Submitted

City of San Clemente Building Permit Application
BI-99 Retaining Walls or an engineered design
Special Inspection Form Structural
Waste Management Plan
Masonry Fence and Retaining Wall Questionnaire

Fees and Valuation

How Building Permit Fees are Calculated

Building permit fees are determined for each project individually. The main determinate of the fee is the size and complexity of the project. A matrix is in place to determine the valuation and fees for all types of construction and types of uses. The value of the work is the basis of the fee for the building portion of the permit. For the plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits, there is a base fee for those permits and a base fee for each plumbing fixture, each mechanical element, and electrical system component.

In addition to the fees for the building itself, there is a fee for plan review by the planning division, the building division, and engineering division if they performed a review. Also the impact fees for the TCA, sewer and parks are included in the permit fee. School impact fees are paid directly to the school system and are not part of the permit fee. Lastly the recycling deposit for waste management is included in the permit fee. That deposit is refunded when the applicant completes the waste management process and provides the required documentation and report via email to Danna McIntosh at McIntoshD@San-Clemente.org.

The applicant will receive an invoice for plan review and a final invoice for all other fees. These fees are paid by a check made payable to City of San Clemente.

Current Building Fees and Valuation

When do I need to get a permit?

Generally, permits are required for all electrical, plumbing, mechanical or structural projects you may want to perform. Installing water heaters, re-roofing, remodeling, repairing stairs, replacing windows, adding any improvement to your home requires a permit. Retaining walls, masonry fences, patio covers, decks, BBQ’s, pools/spas and water fountains all require permits. Building permit fees are collected to pay for the services of plan checks and inspections to make sure the project complies with building codes and local ordinances.

For reference purposes, here is the applicable building code:

17.04.032 CBC Chapter 1, Section 105.2 Work Exempt From Permit—Amended

Exemptions from permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this Code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, pagodas, gazebos and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
Fences not over 42 inches high or architectural features not exceeding six feet in height and not within required zoning setbacks.
Oil derricks and tanks.
Retaining walls which do not support over four feet of earth measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
Sidewalks, platforms, decks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and not part of an accessible route.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
Swings, other playground equipment and similar type recreational structures.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support in Group R-3 and U occupancies.
Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over five feet nine inches in height.
Flag poles, light poles and TV dishes in connection with a Group R, Division 3 occupancy and not exceeding 15 feet in height.
Re-roofing an area smaller than 100 square feet while satisfying all applicable application requirements.
Replacement doors and windows when the waterproofing membrane is not altered and emergency egress dimensions are equal to or better than the original permitted layout.
New roof penetrations less than 14″ by 14″ when no framing modifications or additions are required.

Unless otherwise provided by this Code, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items.

Electrical:

Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this Code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for a power supply and the installations of towers and antennas.
Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
Temporary decorative lighting.
Replacement of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets therefor.
Replacement of general use snap switches.
Repair or replacement of any overcurrent device of the required capacity in the same location.
Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems.
The wiring for temporary theater, motion picture or television stage sets.
Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy.
Low-energy power, control and signal circuits of Classes II and III as defined in the electrical code.
Non-vehicle-mounted portable generators.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

Gas:

Portable heating appliance.
Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Portable cooking or clothes drying appliance.
Portable fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical:

Portable heating appliances.
Portable ventilation equipment or appliances.
Portable cooling unit.
Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this Code.
Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
Portable evaporative cooler.
Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of one horsepower (746 W) or less.
Portable fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Plumbing:

The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with the new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this Code.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.
Repair or replacement of any plumbing fixture or appliance of the same type and size and in the same location. Exception: electric and fuel gas water heaters.
Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe. (3789-1/08, 3892-12/10)