What are the Commercial Building & Structural permit rules in California?

California enforces trade permit fee schedules determined by local AHJ building departments per county. General contractors and sub-trades must maintain active state licenses and bond filings ($10,000–$50,000).

Are sub-trade contractor surety bonds required in California?

Yes. Most California municipal building departments require trade contractors to file an active license bond prior to permit issuance.

🏗️ STATEWIDE TRADE HUB (CA) 2 County Workstations

California Commercial Building & Structural Permit Guide

Building valuation schedules, structural PE stamps, and plan review add-on rates. Compare municipal fee structures, plan check add-on rates, and contractor bond thresholds across California.

California Commercial Building & Structural County Workstations

Select a county building department to calculate exact trade permit fees & bond rules

Los Angeles County

LA County Dept of Public Works & LADBS

2026 Verified

Plan Review Rate: 85%

Tech Surcharge: 6%

Mandatory Surety Bond: $25,000

Open Los Angeles County Commercial Building & Structural Workstation →

Orange County

Orange County Public Works Building & Safety

2026 Verified

Plan Review Rate: 80%

Tech Surcharge: 5.5%

Mandatory Surety Bond: $25,000

Open Orange County Commercial Building & Structural Workstation →