Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in my city?

Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?

Permit rules differ by city and county in California. Ask your city’s building department before work starts. The Contractors State License Board says: “Code requirements vary in different cities and counties around the state.” Below is what each city’s own page says, so you can call the city to confirm your project.

Glendora: when is a permit needed?

Glendora’s 2025 bathroom handout says a permit is required for bathroom remodels that include removing and replacing or relocating toilets, sinks, tubs/showers, changing electrical, or replacing drywall. It also asks for 2 sets of plans and lists a 120°F shower valve limit, a 1.8 gpm showerhead and 1.28 gpf toilets.

Upland: when is a permit needed, and how many inspections?

Upland’s handout says a permit is required for bathroom remodels that include removing and replacing or relocating vanity cabinets, toilets, sinks, tubs/showers, electrical changes or wallboard. Replacing towel bars, mirrors, paint and floor covers alone does not need one. It calls for at least two inspections: a rough and a final.

Lake Forest: what inspections are needed?

Lake Forest’s 2025 handout says bathroom remodels generally require permits. Rough inspections in every discipline must pass before finals, and then there are four final inspections. Building Division: (949) 461-3470.

Mission Viejo: which permit do I apply for?

Mission Viejo says bathroom renovations generally require a building permit. You apply online for a “Residential Like-For-Like Kitchen/Bathroom Remodel (no wall removal, structural, or windows)” permit; if walls or windows change, a “Residential Remodel” permit. If a shower is replaced, an extra inspection may be needed for waterproofing and the shower pan test. Building Services: (949) 470-3054.

Fountain Valley: how long is plan review?

Fountain Valley’s handout (2019 version) says bathroom renovations generally require a building permit, and non-structural bathroom work can generally be permitted over the counter. If walls come out or structure changes, standard plan review is 10 business days for the first review and 5 for each later review.

Yorba Linda: when is a permit needed?

Yorba Linda says painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets and countertops need no permit, but a permit is required if sinks, electrical items or drywall are removed or replaced. Building Department counter: (714) 961-7120.

Brea: how long does plan check take?

Brea’s permit guide lists upgrading or relocating plumbing fixtures as work that needs a permit. Standard plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits may be issued over the counter; plan check typically takes 10 to 14 working days.

Placentia: what does a contractor show to pull a permit?

Placentia asks a contractor for a State Contractor’s card, proof of workers’ comp (unless working alone) and a Placentia business license number. Inspections are requested at (714) 993-8124, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday; the city does not schedule same-day inspections.

Tustin: is there a fast plan check?

Tustin offers plan check by appointment for minor residential remodels, including bathroom remodels, with a one-hour maximum plan check.

Santa Ana: does tiling need a permit?

Santa Ana’s DIY table says kitchen or bathroom tiling alone needs no permit, and replacing a toilet is “Maybe (please call)”. Call (714) 647-5800.

Westminster: is like-for-like fixture replacement exempt?

Westminster’s exceptions include replacing plumbing fixtures where no change is needed to the water or sewer piping. Standard plan check takes 15 to 30 business days depending on the queue. City phone: (714) 898-3311.

Newport Beach: do fixture replacements need a permit?

Newport Beach says replacing or repairing fixtures, such as changing faucets or switches, typically does not need a permit, and to call if in doubt. Its examples are faucets and switches, not a tub-to-shower conversion. Plan submittal: (949) 718-1888.

Irvine: is there an online permit for small plumbing work?

Irvine’s automated online permit covers minor plumbing work with no more than four plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink, drain, faucet). Irvine also says your HOA may have its own approval process, and condominiums must submit HOA-approved design plans.

San Dimas: what about the shower drain on a tub-to-shower?

San Dimas’s 2025 handout says a bathtub-to-shower retrofit may use a 1-1/2-inch trap, with a maximum shower size of 36 inches wide by 60 inches long. Building and Safety: (909) 394-6260.

Buena Park: is it one permit or several?

Buena Park says a Combination Building Permit covers the building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work for a single-family home or duplex. Plans are submitted in person, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Cerritos: what is needed before a permit?

Cerritos requires a separate trade permit for plumbing, electrical or mechanical work, a City business license before permit issuance, and an HOA Approval Form if the home is in an HOA.

Long Beach and West Covina: what do they say?

Long Beach says a plumbing permit is required before any installation, alteration or repair, and all work must be inspected before it is covered. West Covina’s FAQ lists kitchen, bathroom and interior remodeling as work that needs a building permit; Building Division (626) 939-8425.

Unincorporated Orange County and LA County: what applies?

OC Development Services’ 2022 handout says bathroom remodels generally require permits. LA County Public Works says that if plumbing, electrical or mechanical work is part of a bathroom remodel, permits are required for those trades, from the district office that serves the address.

We pull what’s required for the work and tell you on the visit.

Sources: city and county building pages and handouts for each city named, plus cslb.ca.gov, all checked 10/27/2026. Rules change; call the city to confirm your project.

Licensed, local, veteran-owned. CA Lic. B & C-36 #1139422. We answer the phone on (657) 650-6111.

Get a free in-home estimate Call (657) 650-6111