BUILDING PERMITS

The purpose of a building permit and the building codes are to provide minimum construction standards to safeguard life and property. The City also reviews permit applications for zoning matters to ensure that the City continues to be a safe, beautiful area in which to live, work, and play. The City's building and zoning codes have been carefully enacted to protect the health, safety, and general welfare, of you and your property.

A building permit is required for any work that physically changes or adds structures to your property. There are many exemptions from building permits, so telephone (760) 602-2717, (760) 602-2718 or (760) 602-2721 to inquire as to whether a permit is required before beginning your project or check the Carlsbad Municiple Code, CMC 18.04.105. Community Development offices are open between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday.

If you are a homeowner preparing a do-it-yourself project (an owner-builder), you may apply for the permit. Your general contractor may also apply for the permit. (All contractors must have a valid City of Carlsbad business license in order to perform work in the City) Someone acting as an agent, such as an architect or designer, may apply for an owner-builder permit, but the homeowner must still sign the owner-builder disclaimer form before the permit is issued. Although certain accessory structures do not require a building permit, you should contact the Planning Department for information on setbacks from property lines and other zoning regulations that apply to accessory structures. The Planning Department phone numbers are (760) 602-4624 or (760) 602-4625.

Building Permit Application [921 kb] *

* This is a large document and may take several minutes to download.