Building Permits & Code Compliance

✓ 99% First-Time Approval Rate ✓ Licensed P.E. Stamp ✓ Local Building Code Experts

Building Permits & Code Compliance - Irvine, CA

Building Department Holding Up Your Project?

Licensed structural engineers providing fast-track building permit services throughout Orange County. When permit approval determines your project timeline, we get you approved quickly.

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When Permits Become Project Killers

The building department says you need "structural engineer drawings"

Your contractor is waiting for permit approval to start work

Your architect's plans got rejected for "structural inadequacies"

The city is demanding calculations you don't understand

Your timeline is slipping while permits sit in review

Ignoring Warning Signs Can Lead To:

○ $500-2,000 daily in contractor standby time

○ Lost construction windows due to weather or scheduling

○ Frustrated contractors who move to other jobs

○ Financing pressure from construction loan deadlines

○ Family stress from living in construction chaos longer

Meanwhile, Your Neighbors Got Permits in 2 Weeks

What's the difference? They used structural engineers who know exactly what Irvine's building department wants to see.

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Common Permit Rejection Reasons:

○ "Insufficient structural details" - Generic drawings don't meet local standards

○ "Load calculations required" - Building department wants professional engineering

○ "Seismic compliance unclear" - California earthquake requirements not addressed

○ "Foundation design inadequate" - Structural engineer stamp required

○ "Code compliance questions" - Plans don't clearly show regulatory compliance

Most homeowners budget $500-1,500 for permits but don't account for the $5,000-15,000 in project delays, contractor rescheduling, and extended living disruption caused by permit problems.

Professional permit preparation prevents these expensive delays.

Building Permits & Code Compliance Services

Our California licensed structural engineers specialize in getting building permits approved quickly by providing exactly what building departments require for structural compliance.

What We Provide:

• Structural Calculations - Professional engineering analysis and load calculations

• Code Compliance Documentation - Clear demonstration of regulatory adherence

• P.E. Stamped Drawings - California licensed engineer approval required by law

• Plan Review & Correction - Fix existing plans to meet building department standards

• Building Department Communication - Direct coordination with plan review staff

• Permit Expediting - Fast-track processing for time-sensitive projects

What You Get:

• 99% First-Time Approval Rate - Plans designed to pass review

• 2-3 Week Average Timeline vs. 6-12 weeks for typical permits

• Licensed P.E. Backing - Professional liability coverage for all work

• Building Department Relationships - Known quantity with local reviewers

• Project Timeline Certainty - Predictable approval process

Our Building Permit Process

Step 1: Project Evaluation (1 Day)

• Review existing plans and project requirements

• Identify building department specific requirements

• Assess structural engineering needs and timeline

• Provide fixed-fee quote and schedule

Step 2: Structural Engineering (1-2 Weeks)

• Prepare structural calculations and analysis

• Create P.E. stamped drawings and details

• Ensure full code compliance documentation

• Coordinate with architects and contractors

Step 3: Permit Application (1 Day)

• Complete permit applications and forms

• Compile all required documentation

• Submit to building department with expediting requests

• Track application through review process

Step 4: Plan Review Management (2-3 Weeks)

• Monitor application status and respond to questions

• Address any plan review comments immediately

• Coordinate corrections and resubmittals if needed

• Communicate progress to all project stakeholders

Step 5: Permit Approval & Project Support (Ongoing)

• Coordinate permit pickup and construction start

• Provide inspection support throughout construction

• Answer contractor questions about approved plans

• Handle any field modifications or change orders

Orange County Building Department Expertise

🏛️ City-Specific Knowledge

• Irvine Building Standards - Local amendments, preferred details, review preferences

• Newport Beach Requirements - Coastal zone compliance, design review standards

• Tustin Procedures - Historic district considerations, expedited processes

• Costa Mesa Standards - Commercial focus, mixed-use requirements

• Mission Viejo Codes - Planned community guidelines, HOA coordination

👥 Building Department Relationships

• Known quantity with plan review staff across Orange County

• Direct communication to resolve questions before they become delays

• Preferred provider status with several city building departments

• Track record of successful projects and satisfied building officials

📊 Success Statistics

• 100% Approval Rate across all Orange County jurisdictions

• Average 2.5 Week Approval vs. 8-week county average

• Zero plan rejections for structural inadequacy in past 2 years

• 500+ Permits Approved in Orange County since 2020

+1-949-775-1930

Why Orange County Trusts Our Structural Inspections

Licensed California Professional Engineers

• P.E. License (Verifiable with CA Board of Professional Engineers)

• 25+ Years Orange County structural engineering experience

• $5 Million Professional liability insurance coverage

Industry Recognition

• 500+ Structural Inspections completed in Orange County

• Trusted by 200+ real estate agents, home inspectors, contractors

• Member: Structural Engineers Association of California

Client Results

• 85% of inspected properties require no immediate structural work

• Average client savings: $12,000 by avoiding unnecessary repairs

• 95% client satisfaction rate with report clarity and usefulness

How much do building permit structural drawings cost?

Structural engineering for building permits typically ranges from $1,200-4,500 depending on project complexity. This investment prevents $5,000-15,000 in project delays and ensures legal compliance.

How long does the building permit process take in Irvine?

With proper structural engineering, most residential permits are approved in 2-3 weeks. Commercial permits take 3-4 weeks. Without proper engineering, permits can take 8-12 weeks with multiple rejections.

Do I need a structural engineer for my remodel?

If your project involves removing walls, adding square footage, changing structural systems, or adding significant loads, California law requires structural engineer involvement for building permits.

What happens if my plans get rejected?

We provide plan correction services to address building department comments. Our 99% first-time approval rate means rejections are rare, but we handle corrections quickly when needed.

Can you work with my architect/contractor?

Absolutely. We coordinate with your entire project team to ensure structural requirements integrate smoothly with architectural and construction plans.

Do you handle the permit application process?

Yes, we can manage the entire permit application process including forms, fees, submittal, and tracking through approval. You focus on your project while we handle permit logistics.

5-Star Google Reviews

Maria A.

Jonathan and Trina are both very professional and good at what they do. They are very flexible and easy to work with. Their quality of work and customer service is excellent. I will not hesitate to hire them again for any of my future projects and I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants excellent and quality work and service.

Lisa H.

Jonathon and his team were top professionals when I hired them to take over an project that was going sideways with another firm. They were very responsive, helped me salvage what I could from the previous firm, and provided the expertise and knowledge needed to finish the job quickly and efficiently. Jonathon went above and beyond to make sure I understood the process and answered all of my questions patiently. I will hire them again for my next structural engineering project and strongly recommend them if you need work done right the first time.

Tim S.

Amazing communication from this amazing team. Absolute value for the all inclusive services you get from a professional and prompt team. I used architecture and engineering services for a major home addition and remodel. Additionally, Jonathon and his network was able to handle every issue from the city including great referrals for soil report and grading plan engineer. Don’t bother wasting your time getting more quotes, this is the firm to use.