Building in the City of Azusa
How Projects Are Built in Avalon
Located east of the San Gabriel River, Azusa is a scenic and culturally vibrant city dedicated to fostering livable communities and strong neighborhoods. The Community Development Department, through its Planning Division, plays a key role in shaping the city’s future by guiding development and ensuring a high quality of life for residents.
The Planning Division serves as an essential part of the City’s Development Team, providing expert assistance to residents and developers with land use, zoning, and permit processes.
If you are planning to build or remodel a residential project in Azusa, please schedule an appointment with a Planning Division representative by calling (626) 812-5235. The Planning Department is located in the West Wing of City Hall, at 213 E. Foothill Blvd., Azusa, CA.For additional information, please visit the City of Azusa’s official website.
Building PermitsA building permit is required for most construction work, including building, expanding, repairing, moving, altering, or demolishing a structure. Permits help ensure that construction is safe, meets building codes, and aligns with City standards.
Projects That Don’t Require a Permit
Some small or minor improvements do not need a building permit, including:
1. Small Detached Structures – One-story buildings such as playhouses or tool sheds under 120 square feet.
2. Fences – Fences up to 7 feet high.
3. Interior Fixtures – Movable cases, counters, or partitions shorter than 5 feet 9 inches.
4. Retaining Walls – Walls under 4 feet tall (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall), as long as they do not support a surcharge or hold liquids.
5. Water Tanks – Tanks under 5,000 gallons with a height-to-width ratio less than 2:1, supported directly on the ground.
6. Walkways & Driveways – Surfaces not more than 30 inches above the ground and not located over a basement or lower story.
7. Finishing Work – Painting, wallpapering, and similar cosmetic improvements.
8. Window Awnings – Awnings attached to a house or private garage that project no more than 54 inches.
9. Prefabricated Swimming Pools – Above-ground pools under 5,000 gallons, serving a single-family home.
The Planning Division serves as the City’s main point of contact for residents, businesses, and developers on all zoning and land-use matters. It oversees Current and Advanced Planning, Historic Preservation, and Public Art, ensuring that development supports Azusa’s long-term goals and enhances community life.
Through the implementation of the General Plan, Development Code, and other planning documents, the Division guides both future growth and day-to-day development activity. It also provides professional support to the Planning Commission, Art in Public Places Commission, Cultural and Historic Preservation Commission, and Development Review Committee, helping to preserve Azusa’s character while promoting thoughtful, sustainable development.
The Building & Safety Division serves as a key branch of the City of Azusa’s Economic & Community Development Department. Located at 213 E. Foothill Blvd., the Division is dedicated to ensuring that all building construction and occupancy within the city—whether residential, commercial or industrial—meets the highest standards of structural, fire and health safety. azusaca.gov+1
From plan review and permit issuance to field inspections and final occupancy approvals, the Division manages the full lifecycle of construction projects. This includes verifying licensure of contractors under the California Contractors Licensing Law, reviewing submitted plans for compliance with state and local building regulations, and scheduling inspections until a project is completed and safe for use. azusaca.gov+1
Mission Statement
The Public Works Department strives to improve with pride the quality of life through effective maintenance of community public works assets, such as streets, public buildings, and City vehicles.
The City of Azusa is experiencing steady growth, supported by ongoing investment in infrastructure and smart development. With convenient freeway and transit access, Azusa is attracting new industrial, residential, and mixed-use projects, including transit-oriented developments near the Metro Gold Line.
Major upgrades to water and utility systems are strengthening the city’s foundation for future growth, while thoughtful planning ensures that development enhances community character and quality of life. Azusa continues to evolve as a connected, sustainable, and forward-looking city within the San Gabriel Valley.
