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La Palma, Ca

La Palma, CA is a charming and peaceful city tucked away in northern Orange County. Known for its beautifully maintained neighborhoods, top-rated schools, and strong sense of community, it’s an ideal spot for families and homeowners alike. Despite its small size, La Palma offers easy access to major freeways, making commuting and exploring nearby cities a breeze. The city is also close to popular destinations like Knott’s Berry Farm, Cypress College, and the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Food lovers will appreciate the diverse dining options just minutes away—from cozy local cafés to a wide range of international cuisines in nearby Artesia and Buena Park. Whether you're looking to add space for family or generate rental income, building an ADU in La Palma means investing in comfort, convenience, and long-term value in a truly welcoming community.

Permit Application Process in La Palma, Ca

Building an ADU in La Palma involves several key steps to ensure compliance with local and state regulations:

1. Pre-Application Preparation

  • Determine ADU Type: Decide whether you're building a new attached/detached unit, converting existing space, or creating a Junior ADU (JADU).

  • Gather Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, including:

    • Completed ADU Zoning Application.

    • Site plans and architectural drawings.

    • Copies of existing building permits if converting or rebuilding structures.

    • Details about intended use, occupancy, and utilities.

2. Submit Zoning Application

  • Application Submission: Submit the completed ADU Zoning Application to the Community Development Department at:

    • 7822 Walker Street, La Palma, CA 90623

    • Phone: (714) 690-3336

  • Application Details: The application will require information about the property, proposed ADU specifications, and intended use.

3. Plan Check and Review

  • Plan Submission: Provide three sets of construction plans along with the required plan check fee.

  • Review Process: The Building & Safety Division, in partnership with Bureau Veritas North America, Inc., will review the plans for compliance with building codes and zoning regulations.

  • Additional Reviews: Depending on the project, additional reviews by Fire and/or Health departments may be necessary.

4. Permit Issuance

  • Approval Timeline: The Community Development Department aims to issue building permits or zoning certificates within 120 days of application submission, provided all requirements are met.

  • Deed Restrictions: For certain ADUs, a deed restriction may be required, specifying that the unit cannot be sold separately from the primary residence.

ADU Permit Fees in La Palma, CA

1. Building Permit & Plan Check Fees
La Palma calculates building permit and plan check fees based on the project's valuation, following the International Code Council (ICC) standards. For instance, in the 2024–25 fiscal year, fees for various services include:​

  • Spa - Electrical: $89.24

  • Inspection of Reinstalled Meter: $70.43

  • Miscellaneous Electrical Work: $70.43

  • Illuminated Sign: $89.24​

These fees are subject to change and are detailed in the city's fee schedule.

 

2. Utility Connection Fees

For ADUs contained within an existing residence or accessory structure, La Palma does not require new or separate utility connections or related connection fees. However, for attached and detached ADUs, any applicable fees must be proportionate to the burden of the unit on the water or sewer system and not exceed the reasonable cost of providing the service.

 

3. Additional FeesDepending on the specifics of your ADU project, additional fees may apply, such as:​

  • Fire Department Review Fees: Applicable if the project requires evaluation by the Orange County Fire Authority.

  • Environmental Document Filing Fees: If your project necessitates compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

  • Planning Review Fees: For projects that require discretionary planning approvals

 

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to contact the La Palma Building & Safety Division directly:
Address: 7822 Walker Street, La Palma, CA 90623
Phone: (714) 690-3340
Website: La Palma Building & Safety​

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Types of construction projects we handle in La Palma

  • Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

  • Addition & Expansion

  • Renovation & Remodeling

  • Garage Transformation

  • Remodeling

  • Fix and Flip

  • Commercial Projects

  • Tenant Improvement

  • 3D Visualization

  • Financing Options

Schedule Inspection in Advance in La Palma

1. Determine Inspection Readiness

Before scheduling, ensure that your project is ready for inspection. Common inspections include:

  • Foundation: Before pouring concrete.

  • Framing: After structural framing is complete.

  • Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical: Prior to covering walls.

  • Final Inspection: Upon project completion.

2. Schedule the Inspection

Inspections can be scheduled through the City's OpenGov Portal. It's recommended to provide at least 24 hours' notice. However, if you call before 8:30 a.m., the City may accommodate same-day inspection requests.

3. Prepare for the Inspection

  • Access: Ensure the inspector has clear access to the areas needing inspection.

  • Documentation: Have all necessary permits and approved plans on-site.

  • Presence: Depending on the inspection type, your presence or that of your contractor may be required.

4. Inspection Hours

Inspections are conducted Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The City is closed on Fridays.​

5. Contact Information

For assistance or to schedule an inspection:

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. For the most current and precise information regarding ADU construction requirements and regulations in the City of La Palma, please refer to the official city website. We strongly recommend verifying all details with the official city resources before proceeding with any ADU project.

Best time to build in La Palma, CA

Now is the best time to build an ADU in La Palma, CA because of a combination of favorable factors beyond just the season. State and local laws have become increasingly supportive of ADU construction, streamlining the approval process and reducing barriers like parking requirements and impact fees. Property values continue to rise in California, making ADUs a smart investment that can significantly increase a home's value and generate rental income or provide flexible space for family needs. Additionally, with housing shortages across the state, ADUs are a practical and cost-effective way to add livable space without the high cost of purchasing a new property. Financing options have also become more accessible, and many contractors now specialize in ADU construction, making the process more efficient than ever. All of these factors combined make this an ideal time to take advantage of the opportunity to build.

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