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Building & Safety - General

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1. What is the contact information for the Building and Safety Division?

View the Building and Safety Division page in our staff directory for the most up-to-date contact information.

2. When are the counter hours for the Building and Safety Division?

The Building counter is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 to 12:30 pm for permits and plan check submittals.

3. When are the Building and Safety inspection hours?

Inspections are performed Monday through Thursday beginning at 10 am. 

4. When are the construction hours for Los Alamitos?

Construction in the City can only take place between 7 am and 8 pm, Monday through Saturday and not on any federal holiday.

5. Who is the water purveyor for Los Alamitos?

The water purveyor for Los Alamitos is Golden State Water.

6. Who provides natural gas in Los Alamitos?

Southern California Gas provides natural gas in Los Alamitos.

7. Who is the electricity provider for the area?

Southern California Edison provides the electricity utility for the area.

8. Who provides fire services?

The Orange County Fire Authority.

9. Does the Building and Safety Division serve Rossmoor?

The City of Los Alamitos does not serve Rossmoor. You need to visit the Orange County Building Department at 300 N Flower in Santa Ana. Their phone number is 714-667-8888.

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Building & Safety - Permits & Submittals

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1. When is a permit needed?

Most major projects will require a permit of some kind. This is necessary to ensure that all buildings meet minimum standards which will protect its occupants and neighbors on a daily basis, as well as during emergencies and other disasters. However, some minor alterations are allowed without obtaining permits (California Building Code 105.2). The most common exceptions are:

• Construction of block wall less than 30 inches high.
• Construction of decks and platforms less than 30 inches high, open walkways, and driveways on grade.
• Replacement of up to 400 square feet of roofing on an existing building in any 12 month period.
• Installation of ceramic tile on floors and countertops, and on walls not more than 48 inches high.
• Replacement of any existing broken or damaged ceramic tiles.
• Plaster patching not in excess of 10 square yards.
• Construction of pools not over 2 feet in depth, without electrical or plumbing fixtures.
• Construction of cases, counters and partitions less than 5 feet high.
• Construction of retaining walls and planter boxes under 30 inches high measured from bottom of footings.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Do you need a building permit for an upcoming residential project that is going to cost over $1,000? Please be aware that as of January 1, 2011, you are now required to install battery operated carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home. For projects where the Building Inspector will not be accessing the inside of your home (re-roofs, patios, stucco repair), the homeowner must complete and sign this form to certify that smoke and CO detectors have been installed.

2. What types of permits can I apply for?

Construction permits are documents obtained through the Development Services Department's Building and Safety Division, which authorizes the start of construction or remodeling of a building in the City of Los Alamitos.

There are 5 common types of permits:

• Building Permit: is required to construct or modify a building or structure.
• Electrical Permit: is required to install or modify an electrical system.
• Plumbing Permit: is required to install or modify a plumbing system.
• Mechanical Permit: is required to install or modify heating, ventilation, refrigeration, air conditioning and other related systems.
• Block Wall Permit: is required for any wall over 42 inches high or retaining wall over thirty inches high.

3. Who can obtain a construction permit?

A permit will be issued to:

• A property owner, for work on single family or duplex buildings, provided that the owner lives in one of the units.
• A licensed contractor.
• A non-resident property owner of a single family or commercial property if the value of the work does not exceed 10% of the building's value in any 12-month period.

When a permit is taken out, the signature and identity of the applicant must be verified. A California Driver's License, State of California Identification Card, or other positive identification will meet this requirement.

Contractors

Contractors working in the City of Los Alamitos are required to have a Los Alamitos Business License.

If a contractor has employees, a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance must be on file with the Development Services Department. Contractors working alone may waive this requirement, but must show a pocket copy of their State Contractors License.

4. What are the Building Permit Fees?

The cost of a plan check and inspection fees are based upon the valuation of the proposed project as determined by the type of construction, size of project and the specific use of the buildings or structures. Building plan check and permit fees are calculated to be for cost recovery of all plan checking, inspection and administrative building services. Please note that in addition to these permitting fees, there may be other constructions fees, planning fees, state fees, school fees or sewer fees.

5. What are the Building Plan Check Fees?

City engineers and planners will review the plans submitted with a permit application. This may result in design changes to comply with City and California regulations. The amount of time required for plan check depends on the size and complexity of the project.

Plan check fees prior to issuance of each type of permit are as follows:

• Building Plan Check at 65% of Building Permit fee
• Mechanical Plan Check at 25% of Mechanical Permit fee
• Electrical Plan Check at 50% of Electrical Permit fee
• Plumbing Plan Check at 65% of Plumbing Permit fee

6. How many sets of plans do I submit?

3 sets of plans, 2 sets of structural calculations and 2 sets of Title 24 energy calculations. The Title 24 energy calculations should also be copied on the plans pages.

7. What size plan page can I submit?

Please submit 36 inch by 24 inch plan pages. Solar plans should be submitted on 11 inch by 17 inch plan pages.

8. Can I download a permit application?

Yes; you can find permit application documents on the Building and Safety Division page.

9. What is your plan check turnaround time?

For the majority of projects we provide a 10 business day turn around for first review. We provide a 5 business day turn around for second review.

10. Can I submit for plan check or check plan status online?

Yes, create an account with our Permit Center.

11. Can I check submittal status via email?

Yes. Fee free to email the Building and Safety Division.

12. What are your design criteria?

Design criteria are as follows:

• Climate zone: 8
• Design wind speed (commercial): 110 miles per hour (mph)
• Design wind speed (residential): 85 mph
• Exposure: C
• Seismic zone: D

13. What building codes are you using?

• 2019 California Building Code
• 2019 California Electrical Code
• 2019 California Energy Code
• 2019 California Fire Code
• 2019 California Green Building Standards Code
• 2019 California Mechanical Code
• 2019 California Plumbing Code
• 2019 California Residential Code

California building codes can be found online at the California Building Standards Commission website.

14. Does the City require an authorization letter?

Yes. For tenant improvement projects we require a letter from the building owner authorizing the project before a permit will be issued. We also require an authorization letter for agents pulling permits on behalf of a contractor. These letters should be on company letterhead, but do not need to be notarized.

15. Do contractors need a business license?

Yes, and if the general contractor has sub-contractors working for them, then the sub-contractors will be required to get business licenses as well. See our Business License page for more information.

16. Do I need Title 24 energy calculations?

If you are adding or modifying any part of a lighting system, mechanical system or building envelope, it is likely you will need to provide Title 24 documents. The state now has a handy website, Energy Code Ace, that can help you determine what you need. Please find the Trigger sheets on the state website to help you determine if you need to fill out Title 24 documents. Also visit the Forms pages on the state website to figure out which forms you will need.

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Building & Safety - Solar Plan Check & Permit

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1. Do you offer expedited plan check for solar projects?

Yes. Please visit out Solar Photovoltaic Permits page to read all of the instructions to apply for this process.

2. How many sets of plans do we submit for solar projects?

3 sets, please.

3. What size of plan pages are permissable?

11 inch by 17 inch only, please. Backup documentation can also be on 8.5 inch by 11 inch.

4. How long does solar plan check take?

Most solar plan check is performed over the counter, however sometimes we get busy during our morning and afternoon counter hours and will take it in for plan check instead. If we take it in for review, we will turn it around in a couple days.

5. Do I need structural calculations?

Maybe. We use an Orange County ICC chapter recommendation that structural calculations need to be provided when a solar installation is over 350 square feet on a single story house and 250 square feet on a two-story house.

6. What are the fees for a solar permit?

Residential: $450

Commercial: Based off of the kilowatts

7. Do you require two inspections?

No. We used to, but have changed this policy since the state is only going to allow us 1 inspection later in 2015 anyway.

8. Have you heard of AB 2188?

Yes. We will be working on adopting an ordinance and the requirements of this bill before September 2015.

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Code Enforcement

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1. How does the code enforcement process work?

The process may begin with either a complaint filed by a resident or business or by City Staff observing a problem through the City's Code Enforcement program. The City has a Code Enforcement Officer whose responsibility is to investigate complaints of property maintenance and Municipal Code violations. The City's Code Enforcement Officer also periodically patrols the City proactively to ensure compliance with the City's property maintenance and Municipal Code provisions. Most often, a code enforcement action is initiated through a complaint filed by a resident or business.

After a complaint is received, an inspection is made to determine the validity, nature, and extent of the concern. If a code violation is observed, the property owner is informed and given an opportunity to bring the property into compliance. If corrective action is not completed in a reasonable manner or time and after repeated attempts on the part of the Code Enforcement Officer to resolve the issue(s) the City may, as a last resort issue an administrative citation or file a criminal complaint with the City Prosecutor's office. However, the primary goal is to resolve the code violation through voluntary compliance and the vast majority of cases are resolved in this manner.

2. What is an administrative citation?

An administrative citation is similar to a parking ticket in that appearance before a judge or magistrate is not required. Fines are significant and are $100, $200, and $500 respectively for the first, second, third and continuing violations. Payment of administrative fines must be made to the City within 15 calendar days.

3. What are the City's requirements for noise control and how can I make a complaint about noise?

Noise in residential areas is restricted by time of day, as well as the intensity level and duration of the noise event. The noise ordinance is designed to address recurring noise sources such as pool pumps/motors, air conditioning units, and other stationary noise sources. For noise sources such as loud parties, vehicles, or music please contact the Los Alamitos Police Department at 562-431-2255.

4. What are the allowable hours for maintenance of real property?

The City's Noise Ordinance prohibits the operation of motorized landscaping equipment before 8 am and after 8 pm, Monday through Saturday. Operation of such equipment is prohibited on Sunday and federal holidays.

Construction related noise is allowed from 7 am to 8 pm, Monday through Saturday and prohibited on Sunday and federal holidays.

5. Can I keep my portable basketball backstop on the sidewalk or in the street?

No. Privately owned sporting equipment such as basketball backboard structures, hockey nets, skateboard ramps and similar items may not be permanently left in the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way includes the:

• Alleys
• Driveway apron
• Parkway
• Sidewalk
• Street

Residents are asked to put these items back on their private property once they are done using them so that street sweepers and other equipment may access the area.

6. What regulations apply to the storage and placement of trash cans?

Trash containers may not be placed at the point of pickup before 6 pm on the day preceding pickup and must be removed before 1 am on the day following pickup. Additionally, trash cans must be stored in an area not visible from the public right-of-way.

7. How do I dispose of large or bulky items?

Each household receives two (2) free pick-ups per year (up to four items), and quarterly household hazardous waste (HHW) collection. To schedule a bulky item pick-up or HHW collection, please contact the Universal Waste Systems (UWS) customer service team at (562) 941-4900. 

Large items are generally picked-up on Thursdays, so discarded items should not be placed on the parkway for removal until the evening prior to the scheduled pick-up.

https://www.uwscompany.com/los-alamitos/

8. Branches and limbs from my neighbor's tree are growing over my property. Can the City require them to be cut?

No. Peaceful resolution of issues in civil matters is encouraged. Please refer to the City's Municipal Code Section, 17.14.070 (B1) for additional information.

9. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?

No. Estate, garage, or yard sale events are allowed without a permit so long that no more than 3 events are held within a 12 month period and each event is for no longer than 3 consecutive days. Please note that posting of garage sale signs are prohibited and property owner's are limited to one sign on their property.

10. Is there a limit to the number of dogs / cats that I may have?

Except in the instance of an animal shop as provided in Section 6.16.060, no person shall keep or maintain more than 3 licensed dogs and 3 cats, over the age of 4 months, on any lot or parcel of land within the City unless first obtaining a permit therefore. Such permit shall be required in addition to tags or other licenses which may be required by this title. The director may issue a permit for the keeping of 4 or more dogs or cats in his or her discretion, giving particular concern to the safety and comfort of such animals and the inhabitants of the neighborhood. The permit shall specify the number and types of animals authorized to be kept there under and may contain conditions as deemed necessary by the director.

Such permit shall be nontransferable and must be renewed annually. Permit fees shall be established by contract with the city of Long Beach or otherwise set by resolution of the City Council (Ordinance 647 § 3 (part), 2001).

11. Can I park my motor home on the street in front of my residence?

Yes, but temporarily during loading or unloading of mobile home, cannot be used for sleeping purposes, cannot extend any compartments over street or any public right of way, cannot use extension cords from vehicle to dwelling over public right of ways.

12. Out-of-town visitors are coming and would like to park their recreational vehicle (RV) on the street. Is this permissible?

There is no overnight sleeping allowed in RV parked on the street. The Police Department may issue a temporary permit for overnight parking for oversized vehicles owned by visitors or house guests temporarily visiting in the City. Please contact the Police Department for additional information by calling 562-431-2255.

13. I recently purchased an RV and have not yet obtained a space in a storage facility. May I park it on the street temporarily?

Yes. The Police Department issues temporary permits for vehicles that belong to residents or that are newly purchased and who are in the process of arranging suitable permanent parking/storage. Such permits are valid for a maximum of 30 days. Please contact the Police Department for additional information by calling 562-431-2255.

14. Can I park vehicles on the front lawn area of my home?

No. The City's Municipal Code prohibits parking vehicles on lawns, landscaped areas, and other unpaved surfaces (Los Alamitos Municipal Code 8.32.020). As a transient violation, you will be subject to the issuance of an administrative citation with a fine of $100, $200 and $500 for the first, second, and continuing violation thereafter (Los Alamitos Municipal Code 1.24.040.C).

15. Who can I call regarding a barking dog nuisance?

The City of Los Alamitos contracts for animal control services with the City of Long Beach. Complaints or inquiries may be made directly to Animal Control at 714-935-6848.

16. Who can I call regarding rats, mosquitoes, or flies?

The City of Los Alamitos contracts with the County of Orange for Vector Control services. Vector control may be contacted directly at 714-971-2421.

17. I operate a business in the City of Los Alamitos. Can I post a temporary sign or banner in front of my business?

Yes, however a "Temporary Sign Permit" (TUP) is required. For additional information, please contact the Planning Department at 562-431-3538, ext. 302.

18. Can I operate a "home-based business" from my residence?

Yes, the City does allow "home-occupations" to be operated from residences subject to operators obtaining a "Home Occupation Permit", a business tax certificate, and complying with various regulatory conditions. Home occupation permits business tax certificates may be obtained at the City's Development Services Department. Additional information can be found on the City's Business License website.

19. What can I do if I believe something is in violation of the City Code?

The Code Enforcement Division responds to complaints of violation of the City's Municipal Code and Zoning Ordinance. You may contact the City's Code Enforcement Officer at 562-431-3538 to discuss matters relating to Code violations, learn what issues or conditions constitute a violation of the City's codes, and request further investigation by the Code Enforcement Officer.

20. Do I have to identify myself in order to lodge a code enforcement complaint?

No. The City of Los Alamitos routinely accepts anonymous complaints, investigates, and resolves such complaints in the same manner as concerns raised by identified complainants.

21. What is required if I would like to fly a drone?

Drones are also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS. The Federal Aviation Administration has a website concerning the subject of drones, including information and education on the Unmanned Aircraft Systems page of their website. If you have drone-related questions about the local ordinances and guidelines, please call Steven Mendoza at 562-431-3538, ext. 300.

22. The information I'm looking for is not here. How can I contact the Code Enforcement Division?

Code enforcement is part of the City's Development Services Department. The Code Enforcement Officer may be contacted directly at 562-431-3538, ext. 304.

23. Who do I report Graffiti to?

Code Enforcement responds to complaints related to graffiti. Depending on the type of graffiti and location will depend on the type of response taken which could be removed by the property owner, City Public Works Division, or tenants.

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Planning

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1. Is my property located in the City of Los Alamitos?

Please refer to the Los Alamitos Streets and Addresses.

2. In what Zone is my property located?

Please refer to the Zoning Map.

3. How many residential units will fit on my property?

Residential projects are based on a myriad of facts concerning budget, the number of rooms for each unit, the square footage of those units, how many parking spaces are required, etc. It is best to ask an architect, or a similar professional, to draw up plans for the particular site based on all these variables and then the Planning Division will confirm with the constraints of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code.

4. How do I apply for a business license?

Please refer to the Business License page.

5. Why do I need to complete a Zoning Form as a part of the business license process?

Any business permitted as a matter of right, requires approval of a Zoning Permit in compliance with the Los Alamitos Municipal Code Chapter 17.50. Zoning Consistency Review is a process used by the Planning Division to verify that a proposed business complies with the list of allowed activities in the applicable zone and the land use regulations for the subject parcel.

6. Do I need a permit for installing a sign for my business?

Yes, every sign including existing signage needs to be checked for consistency with building and municipal codes through apply for a Building Permit.

7. Can I hang a banner at my business location?

Yes, one banner is permitted up to 90 days a year. Please refer to the Temporary Sign Permit Application.

8. Can I have outdoor dining at my restaurant?

The City of Los Alamitos would like to encourage outdoor dining. In many circumstances, this may be a possibility at the business location, if there is room. Please refer to the Small Outdoor Dining brochure.

9. What are the setbacks for my property?

These are called development standards may be found in Section 17.16.110 of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code.

10. How tall can I build my fence?

The fence code may be found in Section 17.16.020 of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code.

11. Where can I place a shed on my yard?

The "Accessory Structure" code may be found in Section 17.28.030 of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code.

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Public Works

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1. How can I submit a request for service to the Public Works Division?

Please place a service request for work online or via the My Los Al app.

2. My street light is broken. How do I get a street light fixed?

Before you call to report a street light, jot down the pole number. Street light poles are owned by Southern California Edison (SCE). Note the address where the pole is located and the nearest cross street. To report an inoperable street light call 800-611-1911 or you can report the outage at the SCE website.

3. What if a traffic signal at a particular intersection is not working?

Contact Public Works Division at 562-431-3538, ext. 301 during regular business hours, or the Los Alamitos Police Department after hours at 562-594-7232.

4. How do I get graffiti removed from public right-of-way?

Graffiti is unsightly and ruins the appearance of our City. If you see graffiti in the City of Los Alamitos, please call the Public Works Division at 562-431-3538, ext. 301, or contact us by email.

5. My sidewalk is raised and I would like to have it repaired. What should I do?

All sidewalk repair requests should be directed to the Public Works Division at 562-431-3538, ext. 301, or by email. 

6. How do I get my parkway tree trimmed?

To request trimming of your parkway tree, please contact the Public Works Division at 562-431-3538, ext. 301, or by email. Tree trimming will promote proper tree growth and will insure a healthier tree.

7. I would like to have a tree in the parkway planted/removed. What should I do?

Parkway trees are planted by City Crews from an approved tree list, and removed by a contract arborist. Removal of parkway trees are subject to staff approval, following guidelines set by the City. To request planting or removal of a parkway tree, please contact the Public Works Division at 562-431-3538, ext. 301, or by email.

8. What trees are approved for parkways?

To find out which trees are approved for parkways, view the current Street Tree Packet on the Public Works page.

9. What if I have a concern about a traffic safety matter in my neighborhood?

Contact the Public Works Division at 562-431-3538, ext. 301, or by email. You should put your inquiry in writing and send it to the City Engineer. Your request may be scheduled for consideration by the City's Traffic Commission. The Traffic Commission meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7 pm in the City Hall Council Chamber. Traffic Commission meetings are open to the public.

10. I need some traffic count information for a particular street in the City of Los Alamitos. Who should I contact?

Traffic count information is available by calling 562-431-3538, ext. 301, or by email.

11. What flood zone is the City in?

The entire City (including Rossmoor) is in Flood Zone X. Zone X is:

• Areas of 500 year flood
• Areas of 100 year flood with average depths of less than 1 feet or with drainage areas less than 1 square mile
• Areas protected by levees from 100 year flood

Community Number is 060226; Panel Numbers are 0105, 0112, 0116; and Suffix is H. Effective Map Date is September 15, 1989, revised February 18, 2004.

12. What Companies are permitted in the City for large bin services?

For large bin services, contact Universal Waste Systems, Inc. 800-631-7016.

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Solid Waste and Recycling Mandates

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1. How do I schedule a bulky item pick-up or household hazardous waste collection?

Each household receives two (2) free pick-ups per year (up to four items), and quarterly household hazardous waste (HHW) collection. To schedule a bulky item pick-up or HHW collection, please contact the Universal Waste Systems (UWS) customer service team at (562) 941-4900. 

2. What is SB 1383?

Senate Bill (SB) 1383 establishes methane reduction targets for California by way of reducing organic waste in landfills, including edible food. The purpose of SB 1383 is to reduce greenhouse emissions such as methane, and address food insecurity in California. To learn more about SB 1383, please visit the City's Solid Waste & Recycling Mandates page by clicking here.

3. Who is Food Finders?

Food Finders is a local organization, that can help food generating businesses meet food recovery mandates outlined by SB 1383. To contact Food Finders, please contact Chris Wong at (562) 283-1400. Click here to learn more about Food Finders. 

4. Who is my new trash service provider?

Los Alamitos residents and businesses began receiving waste hauling services from the City's new solid waste service provider on January 1, 2022. To learn more about Universal Waste Systems Inc. (UWS), click here to visit the City's Trash Collection Services page. 

5. What is considered organic waste?

Organic waste is any material that is biodegradable and comes from either a plan or an animal. Examples of organic waste includes green waste, food waste, food-soiled paper, non-hazardous wood waste, and landscape pruning waste. Click here to learn more about the proper disposal of waste. 

6. What if I have never had a recycling bin at my residence or business?

As required by the State of California via SB 1383, all Californians are now required to sort separate food waste from recyclables and green waste - this affects all Los Alamitos residents and businesses. If you are a business or multi-family complex of five units or more facing space constraint issues with an additional bin, you may be eligible to receive a waiver form these mandatory programs; however, only those who request and receive a waiver from the City are exempt from mandatory participation. If a waiver is not approved by the City, your business or property will be required to participate in the mandated services. 

To submit an application for a waiver, please complete the following application and submit to the Development Services Department for review: click here to download the SB 1383 Solid Waste & Recycling Regulation - Waiver Request Form. 

7. How do I set up online bill pay for my trash services?

To access your Universal Waste Systems (UWS) account online, please visit www.UWSCustomer.com or call (844) UWS-1100 for assistance.