Building in the City of Covina
Located in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, Covina is a vibrant and welcoming city known for its historic charm, strong community spirit, and strategic location within the region. Originally established as an agricultural and citrus-growing center, Covina has evolved into a diverse suburban community with a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and local businesses. Its convenient access to major transportation corridors, including the I-10 and nearby rail networks, makes Covina an attractive location for commerce, services, and community-oriented development.
Covina emphasizes balanced growth, community engagement, and quality of life. The city supports residential, commercial, and mixed-use development while preserving its small-town character and historic heritage. Investments in public infrastructure, parks, recreation facilities, and cultural programs contribute to a vibrant community environment, providing residents with opportunities for leisure, connection, and enrichment.
Looking ahead, Covina is focused on fostering economic vitality, sustainability, and community well-being. The city’s long-term vision prioritizes smart development, business growth, improved public amenities, and environmentally responsible practices. Through strategic planning, public participation, and a commitment to its residents, Covina continues to grow as an inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking city where families, businesses, and visitors can thrive.
Construction Procedure in the City of Covina
1. Initial Project Planning
Begin by defining your project’s vision, scope, and feasibility, whether it is residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use. Review your property’s zoning designation, the City of Covina General Plan, and relevant development standards, including the Zoning Code and any specific planning policies. Assess key site-specific factors such as street and utility access, drainage, topography, environmental sensitivity, and infrastructure availability. All construction, additions, grading, demolition, or major remodels within Covina must comply with the city’s permitting process and building codes, so early planning helps ensure a smooth development process.
2. Pre‑Application Consultation & Development Review
Schedule a consultation with the City of Covina Development Services Department, which includes staff from the Planning Division, Building & Safety Division, Public Works/Engineering, and relevant utility providers. This meeting allows you to verify zoning compliance, identify required approvals such as Conditional Use Permits, design review, variances, or specific plan compliance, and review conceptual plans. Early engagement with city staff helps identify potential challenges, streamline review, and ensure your project aligns with Covina’s development goals.
3. Submit Your Permit and Application Package
After incorporating feedback from the pre-application consultation, submit a complete permit and application package. This typically includes permit forms, site plans, floor plans, and building elevations. Larger or site-specific projects may also require grading, drainage, and landscape plans. Additional studies such as traffic reports, geotechnical assessments, environmental evaluations, or noise studies may be required depending on the project. Include all necessary fees to prevent delays in processing.
4. Plan‑Check, Design & Code Review
The city reviews submitted plans for compliance with state and local regulations. The Building & Safety Division verifies adherence to California Building Standards Codes, including structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy requirements. The Planning Division evaluates zoning compliance, land-use compatibility, and architectural design. The Public Works/Engineering Division reviews impacts to public rights-of-way, grading, drainage, and utility infrastructure. Projects in environmentally sensitive areas may require additional review.
5. Permit Issuance & Infrastructure Coordination
Once all plan checks are approved and fees submitted, the city issues the necessary permits. Coordination with utility providers for water, sewer, electricity, and gas connections is required. Off-site improvements, such as street, traffic, or drainage upgrades, are coordinated through the Public Works/Engineering Division. Projects affecting public rights-of-way, grading, or encroachments may require additional permits from the Engineering Division. Proper coordination ensures construction can proceed efficiently.
6. Construction & Inspections
Construction may begin once permits are issued. All work must be performed by licensed contractors and follow approved plans. The city conducts inspections at key stages, including foundations, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and final inspection. Public improvements, such as sidewalks, streetlights, and drainage systems, are also inspected. Any deviations from approved plans must be submitted for review and approval before continuing.
7. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy (or Final Approval)
After construction is complete and corrections made, request a final inspection from the Building & Safety Division. If the work complies with approved plans and conditions of approval, the city issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or Final Approval for tenant improvements or remodels. This confirms that the building is safe for use and meets all regulatory requirements.
8. Project Close‑Out
Project close-out includes meeting all conditions of approval, paying outstanding fees, submitting as-built drawings, completing landscaping and off-site improvements, and addressing any public infrastructure or easements. Once all requirements are satisfied, the project file is officially closed.
9. Ongoing Compliance & Future Modifications
Even after completion, ongoing compliance with Covina’s municipal codes and maintenance standards is required. Future modifications, such as adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), installing signage, constructing fences, or changing land use, must be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Division, Building & Safety, and other relevant departments. This ensures continued safety, compliance, and alignment with the city’s long-term planning goals.
The Planning Division of the City of Covina guides the city’s growth and development to promote orderly, sustainable, and well-designed progress. The division oversees land use, zoning, subdivisions, and community design to ensure all projects comply with the Covina General Plan, Municipal Code, and state regulations. By administering zoning ordinances, design standards, and environmental review under CEQA, the division preserves the city’s character while encouraging responsible development. Working closely with other city departments, the Planning Division ensures that every project contributes to a safe, vibrant, and well-planned Covina.
The Building & Safety Division of the City of Covina ensures that all construction projects meet state and local safety standards. The division provides plan review, issues building permits, and performs inspections for structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire‑safety compliance. By enforcing the California Building Standards Code and local regulations, this division protects the health, safety, and welfare of residents, businesses and visitors throughout Covina.
The Public Works Department of the City of Covina manages and maintains the city’s essential infrastructure to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable services for residents, businesses, and the community. Its responsibilities include street and sidewalk maintenance, water and sewer services, stormwater management, traffic control, transportation systems, and capital improvement projects. By coordinating infrastructure work and environmental services, the department supports the city’s operational needs and future growth.
Covina, located in eastern Los Angeles County, is a vibrant and welcoming city known for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and strong community spirit. Originally established as an agricultural and residential center, Covina has grown into a dynamic hub for commerce, local services, and community-focused development while maintaining its small-town charm. The city’s engaged neighborhoods, active civic programs, and cultural amenities make Covina a place of opportunity, community, and resilience.
Covina’s infrastructure—including its streets, public facilities, parks, water and sewer systems, and transportation networks—is carefully maintained to support residents, businesses, and continued growth. The city’s economy is supported by retail, professional services, small businesses, and light industry, contributing to regional employment, economic vitality, and an enhanced quality of life for the community.
Through proactive planning, strategic investment, and community engagement, Covina continues to strengthen its future. By balancing economic growth, environmental stewardship, and livability, the city blends its historic legacy with modern development—creating a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking community for all who live, work, and invest in Covina.
Building & Safety / Permits — City of Covina
Phone: (626) 384-5431
Address: 125 E. College Street, Covina, CA 91723
Services: Building permits, plan checks, construction codes, and inspection services — including building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. The division ensures that all construction in Covina meets state and local safety standards, supporting safe and high-quality development.
Planning & Land Use Coordination — City of Covina Planning Division
Phone: (626) 384-5445
Address: 125 E. College Street, Covina, CA 91723
Services: Zoning information, development standards, land-use policies, subdivision processing, design review, and environmental review (CEQA). The Planning Division oversees orderly development and ensures that projects align with the Covina General Plan and the city’s long-term community goals.
Public Works / Infrastructure / Roads & Maintenance — City of Covina Public Works Department
Phone: (626) 384-5440
Address: 125 E. College Street, Covina, CA 91723
Services: Street and sidewalk maintenance, water and sewer services, stormwater management, traffic control, and public infrastructure projects. The department maintains Covina’s essential infrastructure and ensures sustainable, efficient city operations for residents and businesses.
