714-900-3676
San Juan Capistrano,
CA
San Juan Capistrano, nestled in the heart of Orange County, is one of the region's esteemed cities. It boasts a significant land area, holding the distinction of being among the largest cities in the county. San Juan Capistrano is renowned for its historical and cultural significance, including the iconic Mission San Juan Capistrano.
This city is a vibrant and culturally diverse community, with a burgeoning real estate market that exudes immense charm. Notably, San Juan Capistrano's real estate features relatively larger lot sizes, especially when compared to many properties in neighboring areas. This unique characteristic makes San Juan Capistrano an attractive destination for constructing both attached and detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), undertaking addition projects, and more.
Permit Application Process in San Juan Capistrano
Applying for a building permit in San Juan Capistrano involves several key steps and associated fees. Here's a detailed overview:
1. Application Submission:
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Complete the necessary permit application forms.
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Submit all required plans and documentation.
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Email the completed application and documents to the Public Works Department for fee calculation.
2. Fee Calculation and Payment:
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Plan check fees are calculated based on the project's valuation and scope.
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These fees are due at the time of application submission.
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Permit fees are determined after plan approval and must be paid prior to permit issuance.
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The city does not provide fee estimates in advance; fees are formula-based and include state fees derived from the application information and approved plans.
3. Plan Review Process:
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Submitted plans undergo a review by relevant city departments to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
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The review duration can vary based on the project's complexity and the departments involved.
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4. Permit Issuance:
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Once all reviews are completed and fees are paid, the permit is issued.
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The applicant will be notified when the permit is ready for issuance.
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5. Inspections:
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After obtaining the permit, schedule inspections at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with approved plans and codes.
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Inspection requests can be made through the city's online portal or by contacting the Building Division.
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Additional Considerations:
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Outside Agency Permitting: Depending on the project, permits or approvals from external agencies (e.g., Orange County Fire Authority, Santa Margarita Water District) may be required.
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Refunds: The Building Official may authorize refunds of up to 80% of the permit fee if no work has commenced under the issued permit. Similarly, up to 80% of the plan review fee may be refunded if the application is withdrawn before any review work has been done. Refund requests must be made in writing within 180 days of fee payment.
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Re-inspection Fees: If an inspection is requested but the work is incomplete or corrections from a previous inspection haven't been addressed, a re-inspection fee may be assessed.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advisable to consult the City of San Juan Capistrano's official website or contact the Building Division directly. Building technicians can be reached via email at building@sanjuancapistrano.org.
Types of construction projects we handle in San Juan Capistano
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Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
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Addition & Expansion
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Renovation & Remodeling
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Garage Transformation
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Remodeling
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Fix and Flip
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Commercial Projects
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Tenant Improvement
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3D Visualization
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Financing Options
Scheduling Inspection in Advance in San Juan Capistrano
Scheduling an inspection in advance in San Juan Capistrano involves several steps, primarily through the city’s Building Division. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
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1. Determine Inspection Type
Before scheduling, identify the type of inspection required. Common inspections include:
Foundation & Footings – Before pouring concrete.
Framing & Shear – After rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
Drywall & Insulation – Before covering walls.
Final Inspection – After all work is completed.
2. Ensure Permit is Active
Inspections are only scheduled for permits that are active and not expired.
If your permit is nearing expiration, you may need to request an extension before proceeding.
3. Prepare Required Documentation
Permit number
Job site address
Type of inspection
Contact information of the contractor or owner
Any additional documents requested by the city (e.g., engineering reports)
4. Schedule the Inspection
There are two primary ways to schedule an inspection:
A. Online
Visit the City of San Juan Capistrano’s Building Inspection Portal.
Log in using your permit details.
Select the inspection type and preferred date.
Confirm the request and receive a confirmation number.
B. By Phone
Call the City’s Building Division at (949) 443-6347.
Provide your permit number and address.
Specify the type of inspection needed.
Choose an available date (inspections are typically scheduled at least one day in advance).
Receive a confirmation.
5. Inspection Availability & Cut-Off Times
Inspections are conducted Monday through Thursday, excluding city holidays.
Requests must be made before 4:00 PM for next-day inspections.
Specific time slots are not guaranteed—inspectors provide a time window on the day of inspection.
6. Preparing for the Inspection
Ensure approved plans and permits are available onsite.
Make sure the responsible party (contractor or homeowner) is present.
Provide access to all areas required for inspection.
If special equipment (ladders, scaffolding) is needed, have it ready.
7. Receiving Inspection Results
The inspector will issue a pass or fail result.
If corrections are needed, the inspector provides a list of deficiencies.
Schedule a reinspection once corrections are made.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. For the most current and precise information regarding ADU construction requirements and regulations in the City of San Juan Capistrano, please refer to the official City of San Juan Capistrano website. We strongly recommend verifying all details with the official city resources before proceeding with any ADU project.
Best time to build in San Juan Capistrano, CA
The present moment offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in construction projects like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), additional structures, and garage conversions in San Juan Capistrano, CA. This is made possible by the state's directive, encouraging cities to facilitate the development of ADUs. It's a unique window of opportunity, especially given the surging demand, which suggests a potential shift in legislative perspectives on such projects in the near future. However, having approved plans in place acts as a safeguard, allowing you to proceed with your construction project even if regulations change.
San Juan Capistrano boasts a significant number of properties with larger-than-average lots, which are ideal for such additions, expansions, or ADU developments. This characteristic is a valuable asset, given the growing need for additional housing. The city's proximity to prestigious educational institutions like Chapman University, Cal State Fullerton, Southern California Institute of Technology, West Coast University, Santiago Canyon College, Bethesda University, and neighboring colleges further amplifies the demand for augmented housing.
Furthermore, the appeal of San Juan Capistrano is enhanced by its unique blend of urban living and the tranquil ambiance of Orange County, making it an attractive residence for a diverse population. The city seamlessly combines the vibrancy of urban life with the soothing environment of Orange County, making it highly desirable.
Engaging in projects like constructing an ADU, converting garages, or building additions not only significantly increases your property's value but also provides a practical solution to the growing demand for housing in the area. Each project not only personalizes your space or optimizes unused land but also contributes to addressing the community's housing needs.
The importance of seizing this moment to initiate such projects cannot be overstated. Moreover, financial constraints should not hinder your path towards contributing to resolving the housing challenge. We offer financing options to advance your project, even if you don't have significant savings. Our affiliated financing partners are ready to assist in securing a loan, empowering you to kickstart your construction project without delay. Time is of the essence in seizing this opportunity, and we are here to ensure that financial obstacles are overcome so your construction vision can become a reality today in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
