Building

Plan Check Submittal Process 

DIGITAL PLAN CHECK SUBMITTAL PACKAGES SHALL BE IN THE FOLLOWING FORMAT:

A building permit application, both sides completed, with full description of scope of work and valuation specified, in a single file.

A single pdf file of the complete set of plans to include both architectural and structural sheets. Please make sure the sheets are in order, in horizontal direction, right side up and the file is “unlocked and unsecured”.

A separate single pdf file of the Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing plans, if deemed necessary by the Project Planner or the Plan Check Engineer. Please make sure the sheets are in order, in horizontal direction and right side up. This would be for reference only and for further evaluation of the project, so the applicant may be directed to other agencies to obtain their approvals and clearances.

An unlocked single pdf copy of the structural calculations, energy calculations, and soils reports, cut-sheets, ICC or City of LA research reports, product information sheet etc., if deemed necessary by the Plan Check Engineer. Please make sure the sheets are in order and right side up and digitally stamped and signed by the design engineer.

Each pdf file shall be clearly named (labeled) (i.e. 11710 Telegraph Road_rack calculations). Any incomplete submittal packages not following these directions will not be accepted for screening and may cause further delays. For the time being; all submittal packages may be sent via “Dropbox”, “WeTransfer”, by bringing in a flash drive containing all the requested material, or any other approved similar means. Multiple emails, use of I-clouds or Google drive are not acceptable means.

Step 1: Planning Department Review

  1. Please submit a digital copy of the  proposed plans via e-mail to: teresacavallo@santafesprings.org. Plans may also be submitted via Dropbox or WeTransfer.
  2. A project planner will be assigned within 2-3 business days to review the architectural plans for compliance with the Zoning Code.  
  3. The project planner will either provide the applicant with corrections or authorize the plans for submittal to the Building Department for plan check. If corrections are required, the applicant will need to revise the plans prior to submittal for Building Plan check.  Typical turnaround for Planning review is 1-2 weeks.
  4. Before the plans are approved or otherwise authorized for plan check submittal by Planning, the applicant will need to provide the project planner with a completed building permit application.
  5. The project planner will then forward the proposed plans and completed building permit application to the Building Department for their review.

If you are resubmitting plans for a project that is already in plan check, please make sure that is clearly indicated. If you are already working with a planner, please make sure that you that you inform the building clerk who said planner is. 

Step 2: Building Department Review

  1. The Building Plan Check Engineer will review the plan check package for completeness.
  2. Once the plan check package is deemed complete, Building Department staff will process the application(s) and contact the applicant to obtain payment. Once payment is received, the applicant will be provided with an agency referral sheet, which advises the applicant what other agency clearances are required prior to issuance of any permits.
  3. The Building Plan Check Engineer will review the digital copies for conformance with the Building Code. If corrections are required, Plan Check Engineer will contact the applicant via e-mail.
  4. Revisions must be resubmitted by mail. For rechecks, the revised plan check package along with the original marked plan check package and all correction lists must be resubmitted digitally.
  5. Once plans are approved, Building Department staff will contact the applicant to make arrangements for pulling permits.

FOR MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY INQUIRIES

For determinations of a facilities "Maximum Occupancy" (maximum occupant load), a business owner can either gather the information from the building owner (based on the original approved plans of the building/space) or hire an architect to determine the correct maximum occupant count (maximum occupant load) per Fire/Building Codes.  For a review fee, the City's Building Department will verify if the architect's occupancy calculations are correct.

 

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

The Building Department is responsible for compliance with the City adopted Los Angeles County Building Codes in all RESIDENTIAL, INDUSTRIAL, and COMMERCIAL buildings and other structures within the City for all:

  • New Construction
  • Remodeling or Tenant Improvements
  • Conversions, Alterations or Repairs
  • Demolition

Adherence to the Building Code ensures that each project meets a minimum set of safety standards preserving the value and integrity of the homes, buildings and structures. Appropriate permits must be obtained prior to the start of any project and are subject to applicable fees and inspections.   Please note: Permit applications may be downloaded for your use.  Please visit the Building Handouts page to download permit applications.  

To view open permits or if you would like to research permits that have been issued commencing from September 2009 to present for properties located within the City of Santa Fe Springs please visit: BUILDING PERMIT VIEWER.  For permits issued prior to September 2009 you may visit the Building Department, during public counter hours, to research property permit files. 

According to City Ordinance Chapter 50, you will be required to identify materials that will be reused, recycled, or disposed of - the required goal is to reuse or recycle at least 75% of project waste.  There is a Construction and Demolition Recycling Form that must be approved prior to permit issuance. - Click here to download recycling forms.

Visit the Building Department located inside City Hall for permits, to submit plans for plan check, request inspections and answer questions.
  
Please note: The Building Dept. public counter is open between 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. City Hall is closed every other Friday. 

The Plan Check Engineer is available during the counter hours of 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and/or by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.  You can reach Consulting Plan Check Engineer Dave Takata at (562) 868-0511, ext. 7366.

The building inspector(s) are available for phone or counter consultations from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. All inspection requests may be requested up to 48 hours in advance. The Plan Check Engineer is available for counter consultations from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and plan reviews only by appointment. Additionally, you may contact the Building Department staff by calling City Hall at (562) 868-0511 ext. 7560 or the extensions provided below:   

The City of Santa Fe Springs currently uses the following Building Codes:

  • 2023 County of Los Angeles Building Code based on 2022 California Building Code, with the exception of Chapters 94, 95 and 96 therein.
  • 2023 County of Los Angeles Residential Code based on 2022 California Residential Code
  • 2023 County of Los Angeles Plumbing Code based on 2022 California Plumbing Code
  • 2023 County of Los Angeles Mechanical Code based on 2022 California Mechanical Code
  • 2023 County of Los Angeles Electrical Code based on 2022 California Electrical Code
  • 2022 California Building Green Code
  • 2022 California Building Energy Efficiency Standards

Wind Speed : 95 MPH

Exposure: C

ASCE 7-16

Important links:

Information about licensed contractors may be obtained by contacting the Contractors’ State License Board at 1020 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. or the website: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/