A building permit is a document that when issued, grants legal permission to the applicant to construct or alter a building or structure.

Specifically, a building permit represents the process that causes the proposed work to be physically inspected and approved during various phases of construction to assure compliance with the approved plans (where applicable), and all applicable local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and standards.

• A building permit provides a means to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction. 
• A building permit provides a means to review, approve and inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards for materials and methods are used.
• A building permit helps the public understand local laws and ordinances affecting building construction.

While there are some exceptions, most building construction projects or improvements to buildings require a building permit of some kind. This is necessary to ensure that all newly constructed buildings or structures, or improvements or alterations to existing buildings or structures meet certain minimum engineering, health and fire-life safety standards to protect the occupants of such buildings and structures and for the protection of its adjoining neighbors, and not just in its everyday use, but in case of emergencies and natural disasters as well.

Clearly, a building permit is required for all construction related activities involving the construction or erection of new buildings and structures, or improvements, alterations, or additions to existing buildings as are regulated by the building codes and ordinances of the City of National City and the State of California or as determined by the Building Official.

Although the term building permit is commonly used to describe a permit to construct or modify a building or structure, there are actually a multitude of permit types:

• A Building Permit is required to construct or modify a building or structure, including, but not limited to, the construction of pools, signs, or towers. 
• An Electrical Permit is required to install or modify an electrical system. 
• A Plumbing Permit is required to install or modify a plumbing system. 
• A Mechanical Permit is required to install or modify heating, ventilation, refrigeration, air conditioning and other related systems.
• A Combination Building Permit is required where the construction involves multiple trades. A Combination Building Permits cover all the building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work necessary for the job. Likewise, Combination Building Permits are issued for both residential and commercial alike.
• A Demolition Permit is required to demolish any building, structure, or improvement to such.

Another common type of permit is the solar permit for the installation of solar photovoltaic energy systems and the electric (EV) vehicle charging station permit for the installation of residential electric vehicle charging stations.

Plans and permits for these systems are eligible for expedited processing upon successful completion of an Eligibility Checklist for Expedited Residential Solar Permits or a completed Residential EV Charging Guidelines and Form.

Very soon, solar permits will become even more streamlined through Symbium, the City’s new 24-hour, real-time solar permitting and plan review software platform. Stay tuned for details.

• Building permits are available to properly licensed contractors working on behalf of and as authorized by the tenant or property owner.
• Building permits are available to owners of one- and two-family dwellings provided the work is done by the owner, or a member of their immediate family, or by individuals hired by them, and they owner resides or intends to reside in the dwelling. 
• Building permits become null and void if work authorized is not commenced within one year of the issuance date or if such work is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of one year. A permit may be extended for an additional period of up to 180 days or as determined by the Building Official if the applicant submits a written request and the reasons for such request to the Building Division prior to the expiration of the original permit, Extensions of permits are also regulated by Section 15.24.045 of the National City Municipal Code.

For mor information, please view our Info Guide (PDF) for information on how to obtain a Building Permit.

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