Building in the City of Claremont
Claremont, located at the eastern edge of Los Angeles County, is a well-established and thoughtfully planned city renowned for its tree-lined streets, historic charm, and strong commitment to education, sustainability, and community engagement. Known as “The City of Trees and PhDs,” Claremont blends a rich cultural and academic heritage with modern urban amenities, creating a vibrant and inclusive community. The city operates under a comprehensive General Plan that outlines a long-term vision for balanced growth, environmental preservation, and the continued enhancement of quality of life for residents.
Claremont’s zoning and land-use policies are designed to maintain the city’s unique character while accommodating thoughtful development. The city is divided into residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and open space zones—each with specific development standards to ensure orderly and compatible land use. Residential neighborhoods feature a mix of historic and contemporary architecture, complemented by parks, greenbelts, and pedestrian-friendly streets. Commercial areas, including the Claremont Village, integrate retail, dining, and cultural venues in a walkable, community-centered environment. The city’s planning approach encourages compact, sustainable development that supports active transportation and preserves its small-town character.
A hallmark of Claremont’s identity is its commitment to environmental stewardship and open space preservation. The city maintains an extensive park and trail system, including the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park, which provides recreation opportunities and protects the natural foothill environment. Through sustainable land-use practices, tree preservation programs, and green infrastructure initiatives, Claremont actively promotes environmental health and resilience.
The city’s Housing Element focuses on providing diverse and affordable housing opportunities while maintaining design quality and neighborhood compatibility. Claremont works to address regional housing needs and support residents of all income levels, with an emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, and community integration.
Looking ahead, Claremont’s vision for the future emphasizes maintaining its strong sense of community, supporting economic vitality, and investing in infrastructure and public amenities. The city continues to enhance transportation systems, public safety, and community services while fostering a balance between development and preservation.
Through comprehensive planning, civic engagement, and a deep commitment to environmental and social sustainability, Claremont continues to thrive as a forward-thinking city that values both tradition and innovation. Its dedication to smart growth, historic preservation, and community collaboration ensures that Claremont remains a desirable, livable, and resilient city for generations to come.
Construction Process in the City of C
1. Initial Project Planning
Begin by defining your project’s vision, scope, and feasibility, whether residential, commercial, institutional, or other development. Review your property’s zoning designation, the City of Claremont General Plan, and applicable development standards in the Claremont Municipal Code. Assess site-specific factors such as street and utility access, drainage, topography, environmental sensitivity (proximity to hillsides, open space, or historic resources), and infrastructure availability. All construction, renovations, grading, or demolition projects in Claremont require appropriate city permits before work can commence.
2. Pre-Application Consultation & Development Review
Schedule a pre-application meeting with the Community Development Department, which includes the Planning Division and Building & Safety Division. This consultation helps you verify zoning compliance, identify required approvals, and review conceptual plans. Depending on the project type, additional approvals may be required, such as:
- Conditional Use Permit (CUP): for land uses requiring special review
- Design Review: for commercial, multifamily, hillside, or historic projects
- Variance: for relief from specific zoning standards
Projects that may affect traffic, environmental resources, historic structures, or open space could require environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
3. Submit Your Permit and Application Package
After incorporating feedback from the pre-application consultation, submit a complete permit application via the City of Claremont online portal or in person at City Hall. Applications typically include:
- Completed city permit application forms
- Site plans, floor plans, and building elevations (as applicable)
- Grading, drainage, and landscape plans for hillside or large-scale projects
- Supporting reports or studies (e.g., soils, geology, traffic, biological, or noise assessments)
- Construction valuation and fees
Permits are required for all new construction, additions, remodels, grading, and structural modifications. Including all necessary documents upfront helps ensure timely processing.
4. Plan-Check, Design & Code Review
Submitted plans are reviewed by the Building & Safety Division for compliance with the California Building Standards Code (structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy requirements) and the Claremont Municipal Code. The Planning Division reviews zoning compliance, land-use compatibility, and architectural design. Projects in environmentally sensitive areas, hillsides, or near historic resources may require additional engineering or environmental studies.
Claremont emphasizes aesthetic and architectural standards, particularly for hillside, commercial, or historic areas, to preserve the city’s character and visual appeal.
5. Permit Issuance & Infrastructure Coordination
Once plan checks are approved and fees are paid, the city issues the building permit. Before starting construction, coordinate with utility providers (water, sewer, electricity, gas, and telecommunications) to ensure connections are available. Developers may also need to work with the Public Works Department regarding grading, stormwater management, traffic control, and off-site improvements. Compliance with erosion control and stormwater pollution prevention requirements is mandatory for projects disturbing soil.
6. Construction & Inspections
Construction may begin once all permits are issued. Work must be performed by licensed contractors and strictly follow approved plans. The Building & Safety Division conducts inspections at critical phases, such as:
- Foundation and footings
- Framing
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems
- Final inspection
Special attention is given to hillside stability, drainage, historic preservation, and safety compliance. Any deviations from approved plans must be reviewed and approved in writing before proceeding.
7. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy
After construction, request a final inspection from the Building & Safety Division. If the project passes all inspections and meets approved plans, the city will issue a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or a Final Approval for remodels and tenant improvements. This officially authorizes the building to be occupied or used for its intended purpose.
8. Project Close-Out
Close-out includes paying outstanding fees, submitting final as-built drawings, and completing required landscaping, grading, or off-site improvements. Any public improvements or easements must be accepted and recorded before the project file can be closed. Once all conditions of approval and inspections are satisfied, the City of Claremont officially closes the permit record.
9. Ongoing Compliance & Future Modifications
Property owners in Claremont must maintain compliance with city codes and property maintenance standards. Any future modifications—including additions, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), fences, signage, or changes in land use—must be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Building & Safety Divisions before construction. Ongoing compliance helps preserve Claremont’s safety, historic character, environmental quality, and community appearance.
The Planning Division of the City of Claremont plays a central role in guiding the city’s growth and development to promote sustainability, preservation of historic and environmental resources, and a high quality of life for residents. The division oversees land use, zoning, and community design to ensure that all new development, redevelopment, and public improvements comply with the policies and goals outlined in the City’s General Plan and Municipal Code. By administering zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and design guidelines, the Planning Division helps maintain Claremont’s unique small-town character, historic charm, and environmentally sensitive landscapes while ensuring development is compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.
Planners assist property owners, developers, and community members through the entitlement and planning process by reviewing site plans, ensuring zoning compliance, evaluating potential environmental and historic impacts, and verifying compliance with state and local regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The division collaborates closely with other city departments—such as Public Works, Building & Safety, and Community Services—to ensure that projects are safe, functional, and aligned with Claremont’s vision for well-planned, sustainable growth. Through this coordinated approach, the Planning Division ensures that each project enhances Claremont’s character, strengthens its neighborhoods, preserves its historic and environmental assets, and supports a vibrant, community-focused city.
The Building & Safety Division of the City of Claremont plays a critical role in ensuring that all construction, renovation, and development projects are safe, code-compliant, and built to the city’s high standards. The division administers building permits, plan checks, inspections, and code enforcement for residential, commercial, and public projects. By enforcing the California Building Standards Code, local municipal codes, and safety regulations, the division helps protect the health, safety, and welfare of Claremont residents while supporting responsible growth and development.
Staff within the division assist property owners, architects, and contractors throughout the permitting and construction process. They review construction plans for compliance with structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy codes, conduct inspections at critical stages of construction, and issue Certificates of Occupancy upon project completion. The division works closely with other city departments, including Planning and Public Works, to ensure that all development is not only safe and compliant but also consistent with Claremont’s community design standards, environmental goals, and small-town character. Through this work, the Building & Safety Division ensures that new and remodeled structures contribute positively to the city’s safety, aesthetics, and long-term livability.
The Public Works Department of the City of Claremont is responsible for maintaining, improving, and managing the city’s infrastructure to ensure the safety, functionality, and quality of life for residents. This includes the maintenance of streets, sidewalks, stormwater systems, parks, public facilities, and city-owned buildings. The department also oversees capital improvement projects, traffic management, and environmental programs to support Claremont’s long-term sustainability and community well-being.
Staff within Public Works collaborate closely with other city departments, such as Planning and Building & Safety, to coordinate infrastructure needs for new development, ensure compliance with city standards, and provide essential services to residents and businesses. The department is also responsible for stormwater management, flood control, and the maintenance of public rights-of-way, ensuring that Claremont’s streets, drainage systems, and utilities operate efficiently and safely. Through its comprehensive planning, maintenance, and project management, the Public Works Department helps preserve Claremont’s unique small-town charm, support sustainable growth, and enhance the livability of the city for current and future generations.
Claremont, located in eastern Los Angeles County at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, is a vibrant, fully incorporated city renowned for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and strong sense of community. Known as “The City of Trees and PhDs,” Claremont offers a high quality of life supported by excellent schools, cultural institutions, and well-maintained parks and public spaces. The city’s infrastructure—including roads, utilities, and public facilities—is carefully managed to support current needs while accommodating thoughtful, sustainable growth.
Claremont has successfully balanced residential, commercial, and institutional development while preserving its small-town charm, historic character, and environmental assets. Its local economy benefits from education, professional services, retail, and small businesses, anchored by the presence of the Claremont Colleges. Through strategic planning, historic preservation, and strong community engagement, Claremont continues to thrive as a modern, forward-thinking city that blends cultural richness, natural beauty, and urban convenience—promoting long-term sustainability, livability, and a strong, connected community.
Building & Safety / Permits — City of Claremont
Phone: (909) 399-5465
Address: Claremont City Hall, 207 Harvard Ave, Claremont, CA 91711
Website/Application Portal: Claremont Building & Safety Division — for building permits, plan checks, construction codes, and inspection services.
Planning & Land Use Coordination — City of Claremont Planning Division
Phone: (909) 399-5470
Address: Claremont City Hall, 207 Harvard Ave, Claremont, CA 91711
Website: Claremont Planning Division — for zoning information, development standards, land-use policies, and design review applications.
Public Works / Infrastructure / Roads & Maintenance — City of Claremont Public Works Department
Phone: (909) 399-5431
Address: Claremont City Hall, 207 Harvard Ave, Claremont, CA 91711
Website/Info: Claremont Public Works Department — for street maintenance, water and sewer services, stormwater management, and public infrastructure projects.
