Building and Planning in the City of Alhambra
Starting a construction project in Adelanto requires careful planning. Begin by defining your project’s purpose, size, and budget. Review the city’s zoning laws to ensure your plans comply with local regulations. Hire an engineer to design your project safely and efficiently, then secure the necessary building permits. Once approved, choose a licensed contractor and maintain communication throughout construction to ensure everything meets safety standards and codes.
Alhambra’s zoning code regulates land and building use for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. It establishes limits on building size, height, and number of stories to promote optimal land use, preserve property values, and provide sufficient light and air in accordance with the City’s General Plan.
The Official City Zoning Map, available in the link provided, details the boundaries and regulations for each zone. Before using or modifying land or buildings, the following rules must be observed:
1. No building or structure may be constructed, relocated, altered, or expanded in violation of the zoning code.
2. Structures must comply with height restrictions and cannot exceed limits set in the code.
3. Yards and open spaces cannot be used to satisfy requirements for other buildings on the property.
Most construction projects, whether new, remodeled, or expanded, require building plans and permits. Examples of work requiring permits include:
1. New construction or room additions, exterior stucco, interior renovations, roofing, structural repairs, pools, spas, patio enclosures, window replacement, and other structural modifications.
2. Electrical work, including installation, rewiring, or repair.
3. Mechanical work, such as HVAC or ductwork installation, modification, or repair.
4. Plumbing, including pipeline installation, fixture replacement, and pool equipment.
5. Sandblasting, signage installation, solar panel installation, and expedited photovoltaic solar permitting for single- or two-family dwellings.
6. Installation of electric vehicle chargers and related equipment.
The Planning Division ensures that all developments comply with zoning regulations, from minor home additions to major commercial or industrial projects. The department guides contractors and homeowners through a step-by-step process to expedite permits, including pre-construction coordination meetings with project managers and City staff.
The City of Alhambra enforces the California Building Code, which sets minimum standards to protect public health, safety, and welfare. This includes structural integrity, fire safety, sanitation, ventilation, energy efficiency, and overall safety for both residents and emergency responders.
The Public Works Department manages the City’s infrastructure, maintenance, and public safety responsibilities. Its duties include:
~ Maintaining streets, sidewalks, landscaping, and urban forest areas.
~ Removing hazardous trees or barriers that obstruct traffic or public spaces.
~ Maintaining freeway landscaping in partnership with Caltrans.
~ Ensuring safe roads, traffic signals, street lighting, and signage.
~ Constructing and maintaining public infrastructure, including City vehicles and equipment.
~ Planning future transportation needs and evaluating traffic safety and flow.
~ Issuing permits and overseeing projects impacting the public right-of-way.
~ Collaborating with agencies such as Caltrans, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District on transportation and air quality initiatives.
Alhambra is located approximately eight miles east of Downtown Los Angeles, in the western San Gabriel Valley. With a population of over 81,200, it is known as the “City of Homes” due to its historic residences and well-established neighborhoods.
City of Alhambra Community Department111 South First Street, Alhambra, CA 91801
Phone: 626-570-5007
