Building and Safety

The Building and Safety Division provides assistance in applying for and reviewing Building Permit Applications. Building Permits are required for most structures and alterations of buildings, plumbing, electrical or mechanical systems.

City Hall will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026, in observance of the holidays. This includes closure of the public counter. Normal operations will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.

INSPECTIONS: Building and Safety inspections will continue to be scheduled for the dates of Monday, December 22 and Monday, December 29, 2025. The regular inspection schedule will resume Monday, January 5, 2026.

CODE CYCLE CHANGE: The City of Carpinteria Building & Safety Department uses the California Building Code (CBC) Title 24, CCR as its base and, per state law, we will be transitioning to the 2025 Edition January 1, 2026. The California Building Code (2025 CBC) will be mandatory per state law, effective January 1, 2026.

NEW SUBMITTALS: To be considered under the current building code cycle, new Building Permit applications must be submitted and deemed complete and ready for plan check by end of business day Friday, December 19, 2025.

Building Permit Application

Solar Photovoltaic System Permitting

You can now apply and pay for your solar permit online using SolarAPP+. SolarAPP+ is a web-based portal for residential solar energy system installations developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Eligibility to use SolarApp+

Submit for Automated Review

  • Click herefor an introductory video from SolarAPP+
  • Click Login or Register to get started here and submit your design
  • Pay a processing fee of $25 to SolarAPP+ through their website and the City’s final permit fees (varies).
  • Once your submittal has been accepted you will receive an SolarAPP+ Approval Document and Specifications. Have your permit printed and available onsite for the inspector.
  • Revisions: SolarApp+ allows for limited revisions after their initial approval and permit issuance.

Grant Program

APPLY NOW!

Grants of up to $3,000 are available to qualified homeowners to residential seismic retrofitting!

To learn more about the Brace and Bolt incentive program and to apply, visit the California Earthquake Authority’s website.

A “brace and bolt” retrofit strengthens homes built before 1980 that have what’s known as a raised foundation. Often these houses have one or two steps up to a front porch. This seismic retrofit involves bolting or bolting and bracing the house to its foundation in compliance with California Existing Building Code Chapter A3.

Helpful Links

Note:

  • Pool installation in the City of Carpinteria requires compliance with Ca Pool Safety Act, in compliance with SB442. One of the required items in accordance with the act shall be pool isolation fencing at a min. of 5 feet in height.
  • Installation of ground rods is required per latest Edition of the Cal. Electrical Code.  Two ground rods shall be installed and spaced a minimum of 6 feet apart, when 1 rod is installed, preapproval is required by the building official and the contractor is to provide 3rd party inspection prior to City building department inspection.

 

Additional Submittal Resources and Information
FREE Training Events for Energy Code & High Performance Building (3C-REN)
Energy Code Coach Free Service (3C-REN)

Violations, Complaints and Concerns