As of January 1st, 2023, the State of California has implemented the 2022 Edition of the California Building Standards Code and California Code of Regulations, Title 24 Statewide. Click here to view the California Building Codes.

Permit Application

To be considered a complete permit application submittal, the following information will need to be provided: Address, APN (Parcel Number), Owner Information, Contractor Information (if applicable), Scope of Work, Total Valuation for Project and Signature. You can reach out to the Building and Safety department if you need assistance getting this information.

Plan Sets

Two Sets of Full-Size Plans minimum (24”x36”), including a Site Plan, Floor Plan, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, Framing Plan & Details and a reduced-scale Site Plan (8-1/2 x 11) should be submitted. There are supporting documents that would be required such as Structural and Truss Calculations, Geotechnical Reports or Energy Calculations.

Other Agency Approvals

The required agency approvals vary depending on location and type of project.

• Planning & Zoning Department
• Public Works/Engineering
• Fire Department
• Health Department
• Air Quality Management District
• CA Water Board Region 7

Digital Submittal

The BSD does allow online submissions for all projects. When the applicant is submitting online you will need to include PDF versions of all plans and documents. Also include digital signatures and stamps from licensed professionals. Once submitted online an agent will reach out if any other documents are required.

Corrections/Revisions

After reviewing your submitted plans, the BSD will either approve plans or issue plan review comments. If revisions are required, all plans will be returned to the applicant for resubmittal. If plans are approved, one set will be retained by the BSD; and the other set will be returned to you at the time of permit issuance as your approved job set copy.

To be considered an owner-builder, it must be their principal place of residence that they have occupied for 12 months prior to completion of the work. The homeowner cannot construct and then sell more than two structures during any three-year period. As an owner-builder,” you are the responsible party on such a permit.

If someone is performing your work other than yourself, you may protect yourself from possible liability if that person applies for the proper permit in his or her name. Contractors are required by law to be licensed and bonded by the State of California and to have a business license from the City of Needles. They are also required by law to put their License number on all permits for which they apply. If you apply for a permit as owner-builder, then you will be asked to sign a verification form so that we can confirm that you are aware of these matters.

If you have any questions, please refer to the Contractors State License Board.

Plans left for checking will expire in 180 days, unless an extension is requested in writing and granted by the Building Official. Therefore, filing for a plan check should allow ample time for processing, but should not be so premature that the plan check expires. A single extension may be granted in extenuating circumstances, but it is not automatic.

A preliminary estimate of fees is advisable before the expense or effort of final plan preparation is undertaken. We urge you to contact the Building and Safety office at (760) 326-5740, ext 128, or option 5, for information on this matter. To estimate fees, the size of the proposed construction, its use and total valuation are necessary.

When your permit application is submitted, you will be required to pay a plan review fee for the project. There are several permits that have a set fee, such as basic Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical permits. At the time of permit issuance, any above-mentioned fees, along with building fees, school district fees and impact fees may be necessary.

Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit commences within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.