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1. When are building permits required?

A building permit will be required on all:

• All projects that are to be:
  • Altered
  • Enlarged
  • Modified to an interior or exterior of a structure
  • Remodeled
• Accessory buildings
• Commercial or residential buildings
• Interior or exterior alterations
• Room additions

Building plans are required in detail to show the proposed work.

2. How do I get a building permit?

Customers are able to request services and submit a variety of applications online, including submitting building permit, entitlement, and administrative permit applications, and requesting building inspections. Staff are then able to review such applications and requests virtually to the extent possible, reducing the amount of time these processes would normally take if completed fully in-person. Customers can also request services at City Hall (such as submitting hard copies of plans) by appointment. At their appointment, directional signage leads customers to the appropriate meeting location where they can call city staff using a newly installed intercom unit. Click here to submit online plans now! You may also visit the Building Division webpage for more information.  

3. Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?

No. Garage sales may be held a total of 4 times a year, and only merchandise belonging to the owner may be sold. A single garage sale may extend a maximum of 3 consecutive days. Signs shall not be erected more than 1 day in advance of a proposed sale. Garage sale signs shall be promptly removed by sunset on the last day of the sale.

Garage sale signs may not be attached to any traffic or parking control device, tree, street light or utility pole, or placed so as to obstruct public sidewalks. Signs should be placed on a stake and placed into the ground. The signs may be no larger than 3 square feet in area and no taller than 4 feet in height.

Note: Signs posted illegally will be removed.

4. Where can I dispose of hazardous waste?

Locations

You may dispose of waste at the following locations:

• 17121 Nichols Street
  Huntington Beach, CA 92647
• 6411 Oak Canyon
  Irvine, CA 92618

Additional Information

Orange County residents may dispose of household hazardous waste at the Collection Centers for free. The Collection Centers are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3  p.m. The centers are closed on rainy days, Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving and Independence Day.

5. What are the regulations on trash cans?

Trash containers may be placed curbside or in the gutter, not earlier than 24 hours before collection and must be removed within 24 hours after collection. All trash containers, both residential and commercial, must be shielded from view within a building or area enclosed by a wall not less than 6 feet in height.