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Building & Safety
The Building & Safety Division focus is to enhance the quality of life in Norwalk by providing for life-safety, safeguarding property and protecting public welfare through consistent enforcement of the adopted codes.
The Building and Safety Division is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of city and state codes relating to the construction, remodeling, alteration, repair and demolition of buildings and structures located within the city to ensure that buildings and structures are built to minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare. This is accomplished through a comprehensive plan review, permit issuance and construction inspection process. Once a permit is obtained, City building inspectors visit the property at predetermined intervals to ensure that the construction is accomplished in compliance with the approved plans and the applicable Building and Municipal Codes. Adherence to the Building Code ensures that each project meets the minimum state safety standards, which in turn helps preserve the value of the buildings and structures.
The City has a knowledgeable Building and Safety staff who are available to assist you with whatever questions or needs you may have. If you have any questions regarding improvements you are considering or other building-related concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Building and Safety staff during regular business hours.
Permits
Building permits are required to build, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure. Permits are also required for most plumbing, mechanical and electrical improvements.
- Permit issuance hours: Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on alternative Fridays (see Community Event Calendar)
- Contractor must obtain City Business License.
- Contractor must show pocket license and Workman's Compensation made to State Contractor's Board.
- Permit may be issued to the property owner (as shown on the Grant Deed). Owner must show California ID and sign Owner Builder Declaration taking responsibility for project.
- Site plan, floor plan, and building elevations (foundation plan, framing plan, roof plan, fixtures, and energy compliance) are required for all additions.
- All commercial work requires detailed plans.
- Initial plan check takes approximately 2 weeks.
- Building Codes Used:
2007 (CBC) California Building Code
2007 (CPC) California Plumbing Code
2007 (CMC) California Mechanical Code
2007 (CEC) California Electrical Code
Inspections
Inspections are conducted between 9:00a.m. -5:00p.m. Monday - Thursday. Due to the City's alternative work schedule (see Community Event Calendar), City Hall is closed on alternate Fridays. On open Fridays, inspections are conducted between 9:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.; on alternate Fridays, inspections are conducted between 9:00a.m. -4:00p.m. For additional information, please call the Building and Safety Department Monday through Thursday, 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on alternate Fridays, at (562) 929-5733.
Contractors' State License Board
www.cslb.ca.gov
(800) 321-2752
Better Business Bureau
www.bbb.org
Better Business Bureau of the Southland
Serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties
P.O. Box 970
Colton, CA 92324
www.labbb.org
(909) 825-7280
International Code Council
www.iccsafe.org
California Energy Commission
www.energy.ca.gov
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Engineering Permits
The Engineering Division is responsible for design, inspection, and administration of the City's infrastructure construction projects that include streets, sewers, water lines, drainage systems, and all traffic related activities. The Division produces and maintains the maps, drawings, and records of the City's facilities within the public right-of-way as well as subdivision maps and assists the public with engineering related matters.
The Engineering Division issues all permits for activities within the public right-of-way that generally includes the streets, sidewalks, and grass parkway areas.
Types of permits that are issued by Engineering are:
- Encroachment permits for temporary trash bins. Permits are required to place a temporary trash bin in the street and are valid for a maximum period of two weeks. Contact your disposal company for availability and rental fees for trash containers.
- Construction or repair of drive approaches, public sidewalks, wheel chair ramps, or curbs and gutters.
- Excavating in the public right-of-way for sewers, water lines, or other digging activities.
- Road use permits for extra large or heavy loads.
Frequently asked questions:
Q. How do I get traffic count information?
A. Call (562) 929-5723
Q. Does the City have records of the water and sewer lines on my property?
A. No. The City only maintains records of facilities constructed beneath the roadways or public facility easements.
