California note
Orange building permits start in the Civic Portal
Orange building permit applications go through the Civic Portal, with account setup, a profile signature, application tracking, and inspection scheduling tied to the same online path.
Orange takes every building permit form through Civic Portal. Make an account first. Add your signature under My Profile, then choose the Building Division tab. Use the same portal to track the job and book inspections.
Save the permit number and account email for later steps.
New inspection dates open at 8 a.m. on business days. You can book up to three business days ahead if space is open. A full schedule may hide the day you want.
Keep the city-approved plans at the job site. Give the inspector a way into the work area. An inspector will not enter an occupied home unless an adult is there.
Call Building and Safety first if you are not sure a permit is needed. Once staff confirms the right path, start the form online.
Where to see it
Orange Building and Safety Services page.
Official sources
Official pages
Reviewed September 15, 2026
Current rules, forms, fees, deadlines, maps, and office instructions.
Rules, forms, fees, deadlines, and office procedures can change. Check the current page before you file, pay, or rely on a date.
Connected places
Open the local directory
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