City of Downey, CA
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The City of Downey, in order to ensure compliance with all the applicable building codes and city regulations, has developed and/or provided the following informational handouts and code guidelines. These are designed to help you in obtaining the proper approvals and permits.
Some designs are more complicated and go beyond the scope of the city standard handouts and will require further design and/or engineering provided by a design professional.
A building permit may be issued only to a California licensed contractor or as an owner-builder living in a single-family residence. Permits for commercial, industrial or multiple residential projects (townhomes, condominiums, apartments, duplexes, etc.) are only issued to California licensed contractors.
Outside Agency Resource/Contact List
The City of Downey provides a listing of outside agencies that may have a potential to impact your project or have required review and/or fee requirements. During the submittal process, the applicable outside agencies will be identified and their requirements explained. Outside agencies are determined by the project scope, on a case-by-case basis.
- Building Related Links
- Before you Dig: Natural Gas Pipeline Safety
City Of Downey Building Standard Handouts 
Please note not all of these handouts reflect the current 2022 codes.
Application for Permit
Agent Authorizations
- Agent Authorization for Property Owner
- Agent Authorization for Contractor
- Example of Contractor Agent Authorization Letter
Submittal Requirements & Information
- Commercial Submittal Information
- Demolition Submittal Requirements
- Residential Submittal Requirements
- Residential (R-3) Standard Plan Check Correction List
- Who Reviews My Plan Check Submittal
- Soils Report Requirements
Permit Forms
- Address Assignment Request
- Common Wall Agreement
- Electric Vehicle Charging Checklist
- Permit Application / Building Permit Expiration
- Permit Application / Building Permit Extension Request
- Request for Refund / Withdrawal
- Changes to Approved Plans
General Procedures
- Building & Fire Post Incident Process
- Change of Permitee
- Core & Shell Buildings
- Change in Use or Occupancy
- Construction Project Best Practices
- Site Management
- Design Professional Licensing Requirements
- How to Legalize Unpermitted Construction
Disabled Access
- AB 3002; Disability Access Requirements and Resources
- Parking Lot Re-Stripe & Re-Surface
- Disabled Access Unreasonable Hardship Request
- ADA Barrier Removal Guidance and Information
Preparation of Project Completion
- Steps to Prepare for Final Inspection
- TCO: Process to Request a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
- Certificate of Occupancy Requirements and Process
Duplication of Plans
Special inspection and Structural Observation
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide
Pools and Spa's
- Swimming Pool and Spa Demo
- Swimming Pool and Spa Submittal Information
- Swimming Pool & Spa Drowning Prevention Safety Measures
- Anti-Entrapment Verification
Exterior Elevated Elements
- Exterior Elevated Elements
- Exterior Elevated Elements- Apartments
- Exterior Elevated Elements-Condominium
General Handouts
- Block Wall and Pilaster Standard
- Building Energy Efficiency
- New & Replacement Rooftop Mechanical Unit (Commercial)
- Residential Water Heater
- Green Building Requirements
- Installing Gas Piping
- Kitchen Renovation
- Patio Cover Standard
- Residential Bathrooms
- Residential Re-Roof
- Residential Service Panel Upgrade
- Sign Submittal Information
- Tankless Water Heater
- Window and Door Replacement
