Burbank Permit Guide

You NEED a permit for: New buildings or structures, additions (rooms, second floors, ADUs), interior remodels (walls, layout changes), electrical upgrades (panels, rewiring), plumbing (re-piping, sewer, fixture changes beyond simple swaps), HVAC installs or replacements, roof replacements (depending on scope), commercial signage, and demolition (partial or full).

You typically DON'T need a permit for: Cosmetic work (paint, flooring, cabinets) and minor repairs (replacing a faucet or outlet).

When in doubt, confirm. Burbank is strict about enforcement. Building Permits reference →

Before submitting plans, verify zoning compliance: setbacks, height limits, parking requirements, and use restrictions. You may also need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), variance, or design review — if so, you're in the planning approval stage, not permitting yet.

Departments involved: Planning Division, Public Works, Fire Department, and Burbank Water & Power.

Zoning & land use info → · EconDev concierge →

Strategic tip: Use the Economic Development concierge early. They help coordinate departments and reduce friction — this alone can save weeks.

What you submit: Permit application form, full plan set (PDF format), structural calculations (if applicable), energy compliance (Title 24), and supporting documents.

How to submit: Email or online. Larger projects use ProjectDox, the city's digital plan review system.

Plan submittal info →

Departments reviewing: Building & Safety, Planning, Fire, Public Works, and Utilities. They check code compliance (California Building Code), fire access and safety, structural integrity, ADA compliance, and utility connections.

Timeline reality: First review takes approximately 6–8 weeks. Each correction cycle adds 2–4 weeks. Typical projects go through 2–4 rounds of corrections. Real-world total: 2–4 months minimum for most projects.

What slows this down: Incomplete drawings, poor coordination between architect and engineer, ignoring zoning early, and weak resubmittals.

Strategic tip: Treat resubmittals like proposals — clean, complete, and coordinated. This is the single biggest factor in avoiding delays.

Core fees: Plan check fee, permit issuance fee, and inspection fee.

Additional fees: Development impact fees, utility connection fees, and school district fees (in some cases).

Example ranges: Small permit: $200–$1,000 · Remodel: $2,000–$15,000 · Large development: $50K–$500K+ total fees. Fees are not just administrative — they fund infrastructure impacts.

Fee schedule → · Municipal code →

You receive your permit after all departments approve, all corrections are resolved, and fees are fully paid.

Important: Permits expire if work doesn't start within 180 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must keep inspections active to keep your permit alive.

Typical inspection stages: Foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and final inspection. Work must follow these stages — you cannot proceed freely.

Scheduling: Online or by phone, usually with next-day availability.

Key rule: Failing an inspection means stop work until corrections are made and the inspection is passed.

Schedule an inspection →

All inspections passed, no outstanding corrections, and all fees cleared = you receive a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

Without a CO, you cannot legally occupy or operate. This applies to both residential and commercial projects.

Biggest delays: Planning approvals, plan check correction cycles, and contractor scheduling.

Skipping zoning validation — leads to full redesign mid-process.

Submitting incomplete plans — adds months to the timeline.

Underestimating fees — kills project budgets unexpectedly.

Poor consultant coordination — creates conflicting corrections between architect and engineer.