The Building and Safety Division issues permits for all new construction or modifications to existing developments (commercial, residential or industrial) in the City. 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.

It 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.  Please contact George Suarez, Building Services Supervisor At (562) 806-7729 for more information.

Applicable Codes

• 2022 LACO Code Amendments
• 2022 California Building Code
• 2022 California Residential Code
• 2022 California Plumbing Code
• 2022 California Mechanical Code
• 2022 California Electrical Code
• 2022 California Green Building Standards Code
• 2022 California Energy Code
• 2022 California Fire Code

Plan Check Information

Plan check submittals are received between the hours of 7:30am and 11:00am, Monday through Thursday. Plan checks are required for all new residential, commercial and industrial structures/developments. Minor home improvements and tenant improvements may be reviewed over the counter if time permits.

Plan checks will expire twelve (12) months from the date of the application. A one-time extension may be requested in writing prior to the expiration of the plan check application if the applicant can show that circumstances beyond their control prevented them from obtaining permits before the expiration date. An extension fee of 25 percent of the plan check fee is required. 

Permit Counter Hours

Building and Safety is open for permit issuance Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 11 :00 a.m. ONLY

Inspections are conducted Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Development Impact Fee Information

The 1987 California Mitigation Fee Act allows collection of development impact fees pursuant to the preparation of a nexus fee study. On October 10, 2022, the City Council (by a vote of 5-0) adopted a Development Impact Fee (DIF) Nexus Study and conducted the first reading and introduction by title only of Ordinance No. 928 amending Title 3 of the Bell Gardens Municipal Code to Establish Chapter 3.27, “Development Impact Fees" and waiving further reading thereof made effective November 24, 2022. DIFs offset the costs of upgrading and expanding public facilities and services necessitated by the construction of new developments.

A DIF calculator is available to help create a DIF estimate: DIF Calculator Here

Select a land use from the drop-down menu, and then input the number of building square feet for a proposed project. This can be done for multiple land uses, like in a mixed-use project. The estimated fees would be calculated separately for the residential and commercial portions of the proposed project.”

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

For information on ADUs please visit here.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) Permitting

The City adopted Ordinance No. 950 to add provisions for permit streamlining procedures for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) to comply with state requirements to promote the installation of EVCS within public and private properties. Please review BGMC Chapter 6.35 EXPEDITED REVIEW OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION PERMITS for details on the permitting procedures.

Additionally please review and complete the EVCS Permitting Checklist to facilitate the streamline process here 

Solar Permits

- NO PHYSICAL PLANS REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS
- OBTAIN PERMIT IN 30 MINUTES 

Contractors can now use SolarAPP+ for instantaneous rooftop solar permitting in the City of Bell Gardens.

For solar on Mobile Homes, see State Housing Requirements: Manufactured Home Solar PV Requirements

What is SolarAPP+

It's an automated online application for instantaneous permitting of certain new residential rooftop solar and storage systems.

Why use SolarAPP+

• Obtain a permit without needing a full plan diagram.
• Lower your costs, including free revisions.
• Expedite installation with instantaneous permit issuance once you've completed the application.

SolarAPP+ lowers costs and expedites solar installations, encouraging property owners to invest in generating renewable and sustainable energy.  To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the Eligibility Checklist.  Only projects that conform to this list are eligible to use the automated SolarAPP+ portal for instant permitting.  All other Solar/PV installations require a regular building permit.

How to get started:

• If you are a licensed contractor or installer, you may register for a new SolarAPP+ account (Non-licensed/owner-builders must apply for a building permit with Plan Check).

• After registering with SolarAPP+, it's as simple as:

• Apply for pre-approval on the SolarAPP+ website.  
• Email all required documentation to the City of Bell Gardens.
• Once you've paid all applicable fees your permit will be immediately electronically issued.

• Request an inspection in order to obtain a release of solar to SCE.  

For more information on how to use SolarAPP+, please check out frequently asked questions.

Go to SolarAPP+ webpage to get started now!

For more information, contact Building and Safety staff at 562-806-7700 or building@bellgardens.org.

Helpful Links

• Contractors' State License Board
• International Code Council