How can I get building permits in Glendale, CA?

Starting a construction or renovation project in Glendale, California requires more than just a vision and a budget. One critical step is obtaining the proper building permits. These permits ensure your project complies with the Glendale Building and Safety Codes, Glendale Zoning regulations, and California building and energy codes. Without them, you risk fines, delays, or even having to undo completed work.

When do you need a building permit?

Not every construction project requires a permit, but many do. In Glendale, permits are required for:

• New construction of homes or commercial buildings

• Installing wall signs, monument signs, pylon signs, and blade signs

• Tenant improvement and remodeling commercial buildings

• Major renovations affecting structural elements

• Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system upgrades

• Installing fences, decks, or retaining walls over a certain height

• Demolition of buildings or parts of buildings

  
  

Minor repairs like painting, flooring, or replacing fixtures usually do not require permits. If you are unsure, contact Glendale’s Building and Safety Division for clarification before starting work.

Preparing and submitting your application

Before applying for a building permit, gather all necessary documents to avoid delays:

• Detailed plans and drawings of the proposed work

• Engineering sheets or structural calculations prepared by a licensed architect or engineer if required

• Site plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, and proposed changes

• Project description explaining the scope of work

• Property owner authorization if you are not the property owner or landlord

• Energy compliance documentation, also known as Title 24 energy report

• Application forms as required by the permit type

Once you have all the required documents, you can submit your application to Glendale through the city’s e-permitting portal, which allows you to upload documents and track your application status.

What happens after you apply

Once your application is submitted, the city will issue plan check fees which must be paid before they will review your application. Once paid, Glendale’s Building and Safety Division reviews your application for compliance with state and local codes. This review process can take two to six weeks or longer depending on the complexity of your project.

Next, the city will issue corrections, where the city asks you to revise your submission. Corrections may include requests for you to do the following:

• Revise your plans to comply with state and local codes

• Add missing information or measurements, to your plans

• Clarify unclear details on your plans

• Remove proposed elements that are prohibited by the codes or Zoning ordinances

  
  

The city will also determine if you need any kind of clearances or special approvals to proceed with your permit approval, such as a Variance, Conditional Use Permit, or Zoning Permit. Once you resubmit your corrected plans, the city will review your application again. If necessary, the city will issue further rounds of corrections until your permit is approved.

Common mistakes in the permit process

If your permit application is incomplete or doesn't comply with local codes, Glendale will reject your submission or request corrections. Mistakes, incomplete applications, and misunderstandings of the code can delay your project by weeks or months. Common mistakes include:

• Accidentally applying for the wrong permit type

• Applying for permits in the wrong jurisdiction

• Filling out the wrong application forms

• Uploading the application materials to the wrong portal

• Applying to city departments, including the Planning Division and Building Division, in the wrong order

• Not including all the required documents, such as the Title 24 energy report

• Not knowing who to contact when your application is put on hold or slips through the cracks at the city

• Not including the correct signatures or contact information on the documents

• Omitting required information on the cover page of the project plans

• Forgetting building frontages, project dimensions, height from grade, or other measurements critical to the permit type

• Missing or providing the incorrect form of landlord approval

• Not contacting the correct city department when your permit is on hold or when you have questions

• Missing a supplemental permit that is required in conjunction with your Building permit, such as a Business License

• Not knowing who to contact to get city mistakes fixed

• Referencing the wrong code cycle

• Misunderstanding corrections issued by the Building Department

  
  

These mistakes can significantly slow down your project and lead to costly delays. When applications are incomplete or contain errors, they will be rejected or returned for corrections, requiring additional time to resubmit. This can result in a cascading effect, pushing back timelines and potentially increasing costs. In some cases, mistakes might necessitate starting the entire permitting process over, which can further extend the project's duration.

Permitting can be a headache

Applying for building permits in Glendale can be a confusing process. The city doesn't offer clear step-by-step instructions, and the portal isn't user-friendly or intuitive for new users. Corrections issued by plan checkers can be vague, confusing, or even contradictory. Sometimes your application slips through the cracks, and weeks can go by without your permit application making any progress. Mistakes can make your permit drag on for weeks or months longer than necessary, causing missed deadlines and delayed project timelines.

There is an easier way. Carter Permit Consulting can take the headache out of the permit process. We are a full service permit expediting and consulting company that can take care of your next Glendale permit. We'll take care of the permit process from start to finish, including filling out application materials, submitting to the city, paying fees, resubmitting corrections, seeking clearances, relentlessly following up with city officials, pulling the permit, and even conducting final inspections.

Why trust Carter Permit Consulting with your permit?

Carter Permit Consulting offers sign permit services in Glendale, California. At Cater Permit Consulting, our permit expeditors have over a decade of combined experience in permitting. Our team has a comprehensive knowledge of the permit process from start to finish, including the following:

• Comprehensive Knowledge of the Local Codes

  Even before submitting your permit application, our team's expertise can help your project get faster permit approvals. Our team can pre-check your plans for adherence to the 2026 Glendale Building and Safety Code, which may help your project avoid multiple rounds of corrections and costly redesigns. This expertise not only saves you time but also reduces the risk of delays to your project timeline.

  
  

• Streamlined Application Process

  Carter Permit Consulting specializes in streamlining the application process from submittal to permit issuance. From gathering necessary documentation to filling out complex forms, our team ensures that every detail is meticulously handled. With over a decade of experience in pulling permits in Glendale, we know exactly how to submit your building permit the correct way the first time, which documents are required, and how to fill them out. We even take care of preparing Title 24 energy documents, which are required for all electrical projects in Glendale. Our streamlined approach saves you from unnecessary frustration, delays, and wasted time navigating the permit process yourself. Our organized, thoughtful approach minimizes the likelihood of errors that could lead to rejections or corrections, allowing you to focus on other critical aspects of your project.

• Efficient Communication with Glendale

  Effective communication with city departments is crucial for a successful permit application. The team at Carter Permit Consulting have established relationships with various Glendale agencies, which can facilitate smoother interactions. Our familiarity with the Glendale Development Services department can not only expedite the review process, but also enhance the chances of approval, as we know how to present your application in the best possible light.

  
  

• Cost-Effective Solutions

  While some may view consulting services as an additional expense, Carter Permit Consulting can actually save your project thousands of dollars in the long run. By preventing delays, minimizing the risk of permit denials, and ensuring compliance with all regulations, our services can save you money that might otherwise be spent on costly redesigns, time navigating the permit process, and lost contracts due to missed deadlines and delays.

Contact the team at Carter Permit Consulting today

Carter Permit Consulting can significantly enhance your project's efficiency and success rate. With our expertise, personalized approach, and commitment to client satisfaction, we are well-equipped to help you navigate the often complicated world of permitting with confidence and ease. By partnering with Carter Permit Consulting, you can alleviate the stress associated with the permit application process, ensuring a more efficient and successful outcome for your Glendale building project. Read more about how we can help on our services page, or contact us for a free quote today.