State law stipulates that plans become copyrighted documents when an architect or engineer has placed their professional seal upon them. As such, they may not be duplicated without the written authorization of the architect or engineer who prepared them. The law also requires the owner authorize the duplication of the plans. 

Building permits is needed for all types of construction. In many cases, a permit is needed for the repair or replacement of existing fixtures, such as replacing windows. A plumbing, electrical, or a mechanical permit maybe needed for any addition or changes to a building’s existing system; for example, moving or adding an electrical outlet, replacing a water heater or replacing a heating or air conditioning unit. Please refer to City of Agoura Hills Municipal Code for all exemptions. 

Permit issuance periods vary. Some projects can be fully permitted over-the-counter, meaning a return trip won’t be needed. Some projects, however, require that plans be left for additional review.

It is your responsibility to call us for inspections at specific times during construction. You may have your contractor make the call, but it is still your responsibility, as the property owner, to make sure the inspections are made. Inspections are made during certain points in the project, depending on the work that’s being performed. For example, retaining walls require inspections of the footing, after block is laid and steel placed but before grouting, and when all work is finished.

A building permit is valid for 365 days after it is issued. In addition, the Building Official may grant a one time 180- day extension. In most cases, a permit will not be expired unless the applicant has failed to call for an inspection and show progress. Once a permit is expired, you may be required to begin the permit process from the beginning and pay all of the applicable fees again, so it is wise to avoid permit expiration.

Yes, if it is for his/her own home and the owner is doing the work or the owner can act as a general contractor, hiring licensed sub-contractors.  For more information, contact the Building and Safety Division at (818) 597-7334 or email KSanders@AgouraHillsCity.org.

Yes, unless you have given specific permission to the inspector and the work to be inspected is on the exterior with all permits and plans accessible. Inspections cannot be done if unsupervised minor children or unsecured animals are present.  For additional information, call the Building Division at (818) 597-7334.

Yes. Water heaters located in the garage also need to be elevated 18" above the garage floor and the pressure-temperature pipe must terminate to the outside. All water heaters must be strapped to the adjacent wall, to protect against earthquake damage to water pipes and gas lines.

To schedule a building inspection please call (866) 701-3365. Inspection called in before 4 pm the day before will be performed the next business day. Inspection cancelation can be made by calling the Department of Building Safety at (818) 597-7334 before 8 am the morning of the inspection.