State law requires all cities (and counties in areas where there is no city) to enforce the California Building Standards Code. The California Building Standards Code contains statewide standards for the design, construction, alteration, and maintenance of buildings, structures, and certain equipment. New editions of the California Building Standards Code are adopted by the California Building Standards Commission every three years with additional errata and supplements adopted in intervening years. Due to the frequency with which the California Building Standards Code changes, projects constructed today are likely to be required to comply with standards different than projects that were constructed in previous years.
While homeowners associations may choose to require their own permit-type approvals, review plans, and perform inspections, those requirements are in addition to, and are not a substitute for, the City’s obligations under state law. Though requirements may appear similar, homeowners associations typically focus on ensuring compliance with their own rules, rather than with the California Building Standards Code. As is the case throughout California, buildings, structures, and certain equipment within a homeowners association are still required to comply with the California Building Standards Code.
Before starting any construction or demolition, please contact the City of Laguna Woods to inquire about building permit requirements. The City of Laguna Woods’ permit counter is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (closed 12 to 1 p.m.), Monday through Friday (closed holidays), and by appointment. Please call City Hall at (949) 639-0500 to confirm hours of operation or schedule an appointment.
Beware of unlicensed contractors! State law requires anyone who contracts to perform work on a project that is valued at $500 or more for combined labor and materials costs to hold a current, valid license from the California Contractors State License Board.
