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ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) In Brea, CA
The City of Brea, located in northern Orange County, California, is a thriving community known for its strong economy, cultural attractions, and high quality of life. Originally an oil town, Brea has transformed into a vibrant city with a mix of residential neighborhoods, business hubs, and entertainment centers.
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The city is home to a diverse economy, featuring major corporations, retail destinations like the Brea Mall, and a variety of small businesses. Brea also has a strong commitment to arts and culture, with institutions like the Brea Art Gallery and the Civic & Cultural Center hosting exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Residents enjoy a well-maintained network of parks, trails, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal place for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Brea Olinda Unified School District provides top-rated education, further enhancing the city's appeal for families. Conveniently located near major freeways such as the 57 and 90, Brea offers easy access to Los Angeles, Riverside, and other parts of Orange County, making it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
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Building Permit Application Process in Brea
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To apply for a building permit for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Brea, California, follow these steps:
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Prepare Your Application:
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Building Permit Application: Complete the Building Permit Application form, available through the City's Permits & Forms Center.
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Plan Submittal: Compile the required plans and documents, which may include architectural and structural plans, structural calculations, Title 24 Energy Analysis, site-specific plans, and other pertinent documents.
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Electronic Submission:
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The City of Brea accepts only electronic submittals for building permit applications. Submit your completed application and all required documents electronically. For detailed instructions, visit the Building Division's website or contact the Building & Safety Division at (714) 671-4406 or building@cityofbrea.net.
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After submitting they will send you an email of the plan review fees you need to pay.
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Plan Review Process:
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Once submitted, your plans will be reviewed by relevant City departments, including Building, Planning, Public Works, and Fire. This review ensures compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.
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They will request for you to send an application for new address specific to your ADU
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Permit Issuance:
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After your plans are approved, you will be notified to pay the necessary permit fees. Upon payment, the building permit will be issued, allowing you to commence construction.
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Additional Considerations:
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Pre-Approved ADU Plans: Brea offers a Pre-Approved ADU Plans Program to streamline the permitting process. If your property qualifies, you can utilize these pre-approved designs to expedite approval. Ensure your property is not located within restricted zones such as Methane or flood zones. Consult with the Building & Safety Division to determine eligibility.
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Property Restrictions: Properties in Hillside Zones, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, or Liquefaction Zones may have additional requirements. Use the City's Online GIS map system to check your property's status and consult with the Building & Safety Division for guidance.
Fees: Various fees are associated with ADU building permits and construction.
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Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Development
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Additions & Expansions
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Renovation & Modernization
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Garage Conversions
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Interior Remodeling
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Fix and Flip Ventures
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Commercial Constructions
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Tenant Space Enhancements
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3D Project Visualization
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Financing Solutions
Types of construction projects we handle Brea
Steps to Schedule Inspections in Advance
​In Brea, California, the Building & Safety Division oversees construction inspections to ensure compliance with safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency standards. These inspections are a critical part of the construction process, verifying that work adheres to approved plans and applicable codes. process.​
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Plan Your Inspection Timeline:
Identify the key milestones in your construction project that will require inspections. Create a timeline to ensure inspections are scheduled well in advance.
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2. Contact the Building & Safety Division:
24-Hour Inspection Line: To request a building inspection, call the 24-Hour Building Inspection Line at (714) 990-7668 and leave a message.
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Required Information: When leaving your message, please provide:
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Permit number
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Job site address
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Type of inspection needed
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Preferred inspection date and time (AM or PM)
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3. Confirm Inspection Date and Time:
Inspection schedules are typically available after 5 PM on the workday prior to the requested inspection date. While the city strives to accommodate all requests, scheduling is subject to availability.
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4. Prepare for the Inspection:
Ensure your site is ready for the inspection. This includes having all relevant areas accessible and any required documentation readily available for the inspector.
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3. Documentation
Maintain thorough records of all inspections and approvals, as they may be required for future reference or project completion.
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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 Brea, please refer to the official City of Brea website. We strongly recommend verifying all details with the official city resources before proceeding with any ADU project.
Best time to do construction in Brea, CA
The present moment unveils an unprecedented opportunity to embark on construction projects like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), additional structures, and garage conversions in Anaheim, CA, thanks to the state's directive encouraging cities to facilitate the development of ADUs. This is a golden window of opportunity, especially now that the demand is surging, hinting at a possible shift in legislative stance in the near future making it more difficult to build such projects.
Nevertheless, having approved plans in place serves as a safeguard, granting you the autonomy to proceed with your construction project even if such changes happen. Aside from many locales, Anaheim is blessed with a considerable number of properties featuring bigger than average sized lots, which is favorable for such additions, expansions or ADU developments. This characteristic is a substantial asset, given the increasing demand for additional housing. The city's geographical closeness to some of the best educational institutions such as Chapman University, Cal State Fullerton, Southern California Institute of Technology, West Coast University, Santiago Canyon College, Bethesda University, and many other colleges in neighboring cities, amplifies the exigency for augmented housing provisions.
Moreover, the attractiveness of Anaheim is further enriched by a unique mixture of urban living and the serene ambiance of Orange County, rendering it a magnet for a diverse populace. The city seamlessly intertwines the hustle of urban life with the calming reprieve availed by Orange County's serene environment, making it a highly desirable residence for many. Delving into projects like constructing an ADU, converting garages, or building additions to existing edifices not only increases the valuation of your property significantly but also provides a tangible solution to the escalating housing demand in the area. Each project undertaken not only personalizes your space or optimizes unused land but contributes wholesomely to addressing a community's growing need for housing.
The salience of this moment for initiating such projects cannot be overstated. Furthermore, financial limitations should not serve as a deterrent in your path towards contributing to solving the housing quandary. We extend financing avenues to propel your venture forward even in the absence of adequate savings. Our affiliated financing entities are primed to provide assistance in securing a loan, thereby capacitating you to kickstart your construction project without delay. The essence of time in harnessing this opportunity is paramount, and we're here to ensure that financial hurdles are surmounted so your construction vision can transition into tangible reality TODAY.