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City of Los Banos

Building

Building Division

The mission of the Los Banos Building Division is to promote safe, code-compliant construction that protects the health, safety, and property of our community through effective plan review, permitting, and inspection services.

The Building Division operates under the direction of Community and Economic Development Director Stacy Souza-Elms. Building inspection services are provided through the City’s contracted building services provider.

Why Building Codes and Permits Matter

Building codes establish minimum standards for safe construction and help protect the health, safety, and property of our community. California and local building and fire codes address areas such as structural safety, fire protection, accessibility, energy efficiency, plumbing, mechanical systems, and electrical work.

The City of Los Banos is responsible for enforcing applicable building codes within the city. The Building Division carries out this responsibility through services such as plan review, permitting, and building inspections.

Building Codes & Requirements

Construction within the City of Los Banos must comply with applicable state and local building codes. The City has adopted the California Building Standards Code, which includes requirements for building, residential, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy and green building standards.

When Is a Building Permit Required?

Building permits help ensure that construction projects comply with applicable building and fire codes. Depending on the project, plans may need to be reviewed before work begins, and inspections may be required at various stages of construction.

Permits are not limited to new construction or major remodeling projects. In general, a building permit may be required when a building or structure is:

  • Constructed
  • Enlarged
  • Altered or remodeled
  • Repaired
  • Moved
  • Demolished

Permits may also be required for certain electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other improvements or installations. Some minor projects may be exempt from permit requirements.

Not sure if you need a permit? Contact the Building Division before beginning work. Checking with staff in advance can help you understand the requirements for your project and avoid unnecessary delays, additional costs, or penalty fees.

Common Projects Requiring Permits

The examples below are intended as a general guide and do not include every project that may require a permit. Permit requirements may vary depending on the scope of work. Contact the Building Division if you have questions about your project.

Structural Permits

ProjectNew InstallationReplacement
Carport or garageYesYes
Garage conversionYesYes
Deck over 30 inches highYesYes
Fence or screening over 6 feet highYesYes
Fence/retaining wall over 6 feet highYesYes
Partition wall/firewallYesYes
Patio cover/trellisYesYes
Patio enclosureYesYes
Pool (in-ground or above-ground over 5,000 gallons)YesYes
Retaining wall over 3 feetYesYes
Roof/re-roofYesYes
Room addition or remodelYesYes
Shower enclosureYesYes
SkylightYesYes
StairwayYesYes
Storage loft/platformYesYes
Sliding glass door (new or replacing previous window/door)YesYes
Bedroom windowYesYes
Window/garden windowYesYes

Mechanical Permits

ProjectNew InstallationReplacement
Air conditioning (any type)YesYes
Ducting systemYesYes
Extension of duct systemYesYes
Exhaust fans: bathroom, kitchen or laundryYesOnly if type changed or rating increased
Fireplace insertYesYes
Heating unit (any type)YesYes
Wood/pellet stoveYesYes

Plumbing Permits

ProjectNew InstallationReplacement
Fixtures: bathtub, bidet, laundry tray, lavatory, shower, sink or toiletYesYes
DishwasherYesOnly if air gap isn't existing
Garbage disposalYesOnly if plumbing is changed
Gas piping (new and extensions)YesYes
Sewer lineYesYes
Solar equipmentYesNo
Sprinkler anti-siphon valvesYesYes
Standpipe (washing machine or softener)YesYes
Water heaterYesYes
Water piping (new and extensions)YesYes
Water softenerYesOnly if air gap isn't existing

Electrical Permits

ProjectNew InstallationReplacement
Cooktop/oven/range, etc.YesOnly if type changed (gas to electric; electric to gas) or rating increased
Garbage disposalYesOnly if rating increased
Garage door openerOnly if adding overhead outletNo
Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)YesNo
Paddle fansYesYes
Service or sub-panelYesYes
Spa/hot tubYesYes
Transformers for sprinkler valves, landscape lighting, etc.YesOnly if unit is not approved for plug connection
Wiring, new or extended, 120V or 240VYesYes
Wiring devices (switch, outlet, etc.)YesOnly if original wire is aluminum
Whole-house/attic fansYesYes

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Accessory Dwelling Units, commonly called ADUs, are additional residential units located on a property with an existing or proposed primary residence. ADUs may be attached to the primary home, detached, or created through the conversion of existing space such as a garage.

The information below provides answers to common questions about ADUs in Los Banos and resources to help you get started.

California ADU Handbook

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) publishes an Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook with detailed information about California ADU laws and requirements.

View the California ADU Handbook →

For the most current information regarding State ADU Law, visit the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

Solar & Battery Storage Permits

The City of Los Banos uses Symbium to process eligible residential solar and battery storage permit applications online. The system guides applicants through the permitting process, checks projects for compliance with applicable state and local requirements, and allows qualifying permits to be issued automatically.

How to Apply

  1. Click the Get Started button above.
  2. Under Site Details, enter the property address.
  3. Select your Project Type, then click Scope Your Project.
  4. Answer the questions about your proposed solar and/or battery storage system. Symbium will check the project for compliance with applicable state and local requirements and identify any issues that may need to be addressed.
  5. Complete and submit your permit application through Symbium. Eligible permits may be issued automatically without an in-person visit or manual review. The system will also verify applicable contractor and business license information.
  6. Stay informed. Application updates will be sent by email and will also be available through your Symbium dashboard.

Need help getting started?

Watch a demonstration of how to apply for an instant solar permit through Symbium.

Stormwater Requirements

Construction activities can carry sediment, debris, chemicals and other pollutants into the storm drain system. Projects in the City of Los Banos must follow applicable stormwater pollution prevention requirements and use appropriate best management practices (BMPs) during construction.

Construction Stormwater Best Management Practices

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Helpful Resources

Accessibility Requirements

California law requires cities that issue certain building permits for commercial properties to provide information about state and federal disability access requirements.

The California Government Code Section 4469.5 notice provides information and resources to help commercial property owners and tenants understand their responsibilities under disability access laws.

View the Accessibility Notice:

English | Spanish | Korean | Vietnamese | Tagalog | Traditional Chinese | Simplified Chinese

 

Required pursuant to California Government Code Section 4469.5 (AB 3002).

Contact Us

Staff are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In Person:520 J Street, Los Banos, CA
Phone:(209) 827-7000, ext. 1300
Email:losbanosbldg@losbanos.org