Show All Answers

1. What if I have a complaint about a contractor that I hired to do work at my home?

All complaints against contractors are handled through the Contractors State License Board. They can be reached at (800) 321-2752, or visit their website.

Contractors State License Board

2. How can I verify if the contractor I hired is a state licensed contractor?

To verify if a contractor is licensed with the Contractors State License Board, call (800) 321-2752, or visit their website.

Contractors State License Board

3. When is a permit required?

A permit is generally required for any new building, addition, alteration, repair, or change in use of an existing building or structure, and site improvements. Examples of residential items that require permits: *Water heater replacement *Re-Roof *Interior remodels *Window replacements *Patio covers *Second Story Decks *Balconies.  Examples of commercial items that require permits: *Moveable cases more than 6' in height *Shelving units/gondolas more than 6' in height *Addition of walls *Removal of bearing walls or non-bearing demising walls between two or more spaces *Changes made to the electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems *Change in occupancy. You may also contact the Building and Safety Division at (909) 364-2780 to determine if a proposed project requires a permit.

4. What is exempt from permits?

You may download the Work Exempt From Permit handout or read on for more information.

1. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the height does not exceed 10 feet from the lowest adjacent grade to the highest point and the projected floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15m2).*Note: Pursuant to Section 16.060.70 of the Municipal Code, such structures shall be located outside of front, side or rear setbacks. However, such structures not exceeding 10 feet in height may be located in the side or rear setback provided they are located a minimum of 5 feet from the property line.

2. Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) high 

3. Oil derricks 

4. Retaining walls, which are not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge of impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids. 

5. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1. 

6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route. 

7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work. 

8. Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery. 

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground. 

10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems. 

11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings. 

12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1,372mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3 and U occupancies.

13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1,753 mm) in height. 

14. Flagpoles not erected upon a building and not exceeding 15 feet in height. 

15. A tree house provided that: a. It does not exceed 64 square feet of floor area and does not exceed 8 feet in height from floor to highest point of roof. b. It does not exceed 16 feet in height from adjacent grade to highest point. 

16. Playground equipment 

17. Decks and platforms that do not exceed 30 inches in height from adjacent grade. 

Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be required for the above-exempted items. 

Exemption from the permit requirements of this Code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of other laws or ordinances.

5. How long does a plan review take?

Plan check generally takes 15 business days for each submittal. Larger/complicated projects may require more time.

6. What are the hours of operation for the Community Development counter?

Monday - Thursday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm

Friday
7:30 am - 4:00 pm

7. Can I obtain a copy of the construction plans to my house from the Building and Safety Department?

Building and Safety only retains construction plans for 180-days after the project has been completed.

8. How do I schedule a building inspection?

Please call the Inspection Hotline (909) 364-2790. Only inspection requests left on the hotline prior to 3:00 pm will be conducted the next business day. Any inspection requests left after 3:00 pm on Friday will be performed the following Tuesday. Please state the address, permit number, and type of inspection. Messages left on the hotline are not returned. Hotline is for inspection requests only. Due to the high volume of inspections we are unable to give appointment times, however, you may call the Building & Safety counter at 909-364-2780 the morning of your inspection to get a time frame. If unable to keep an inspection please call the Building & Safety counter at (909) 364-2780 to cancel. If no one is home, or access is not provided, a re-inspection fee may be required.

9. How can I verify if I am on the inspection schedule for today?

Please call the Building & Safety counter at (909) 364-2780. If you need to speak to a Building Inspector, they are typically available from 7:30 am - 8:00 am & 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm.

10. Where can I find the currently adopted building codes?

Please visit the Building & Safety webpage for current building code information.

11. What forms of payment are accepted in the Community Development Department?

Check, cash, or credit card are acceptable forms of payment in Community Development. A 3.75% convenience fee is assessed on ALL transactions for the use of credit/debit cards paid to the City of Chino Hills. This fee appears as a separate charge on your bank statement and receipts are not available from the City.

12. Where can I find a permit dated prior to 1991?

The City of Chino Hills incorporated in 1991. If City staff are unable to locate permits dated prior to 1991, they may be found with San Bernardino County, Building and Safety Division who can be reached at 909-384-7272 or at their website. 

13. What are the requirements for a Plug-In Vehicle Infrastructure Permit?

There are requirements for a Plug-In Vehicle Infrastructure Permit. View the Plug-In Electric Vehicle Requirement Check List (PDF)