Agoura Hills, California • 2026 Permit Guide
Building Permits, Inspections & City Services
The City of Agoura Hills Building & Safety Division handles building permits, construction plan reviews, and inspections for properties within Agoura Hills city limits in Los Angeles County, California.
Need a permit? Apply through the City’s MGO Connect online permitting portal. For application questions, call (818) 597-7334 or email Permits@AgouraHillsCity.gov.
Building Department Contact & Office Hours
| Department | City of Agoura Hills Building & Safety Division |
| Office Address | 30001 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 |
| Permit Phone | (818) 597-7334 |
| Permit Email | Permits@AgouraHillsCity.gov |
| Permit Counter | Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Cashier Hours | Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. |
| Plan Check Appointments | Tuesday & Thursday: 8–10 a.m. Monday & Wednesday: 1:30–3:30 p.m. Appointment required. |
| Inspection Hours | Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Permit Portal | MGO Connect |
| Official Department | Agoura Hills Building & Safety |
Hours are in local Pacific time and may change on holidays. The City operates its own Building & Safety permitting service; do not automatically use Los Angeles County’s EPIC-LA portal for a property within Agoura Hills city limits.
Which Building Permits Do You Need?
Agoura Hills reviews residential and commercial construction, additions, alterations, and building-system work. Permit requirements depend on the proposed work, existing conditions, and local code provisions.
| Project | Typical Permit Considerations |
|---|---|
| New Home or Addition | Building permit, construction plans, structural review, and applicable planning approvals. |
| Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel | Building and trade permits where layouts, walls, plumbing, or electrical systems change. |
| Electrical Work | Permit for covered wiring, circuits, panels, and other regulated electrical changes. |
| Plumbing or Water Heater | Plumbing permit for covered installations or replacements. The City specifically identifies water-heater replacement as requiring a permit. |
| HVAC Replacement | Mechanical permit and any applicable energy documentation. |
| ADU or Garage Conversion | Building review, zoning compliance, and applicable residential or fire-safety requirements. |
| Deck, Patio Cover or Fence | Permit requirements depend on size, height, design, structural conditions, and applicable exemptions. |
| Pool or Retaining Wall | Building review, structural requirements, and required inspections. |
| Commercial Tenant Improvement | Building permit with applicable accessibility, occupancy, fire, and trade reviews. |
| Solar Installation | Solar permit through the applicable City process, including expedited pathways when eligible. |
Exemptions depend on the applicable City-adopted codes and the actual work. An exemption from a building permit does not eliminate zoning, electrical, fire, or other legal requirements. Confirm with Building & Safety before starting work.
How to Apply for a Building Permit in Agoura Hills
The City accepts online building permit applications through MGO Connect. Use the following process to avoid incomplete submissions and preventable review delays.
- Confirm your property and project. Make sure the property falls within Agoura Hills city limits. Identify whether your project needs a building permit, planning approval, or another authorization.
- Prepare your documents. Gather the property address, owner and contractor information, scope-of-work description, and construction drawings. Depending on the project, you may also need structural calculations, energy compliance documents, a site plan, or a soils report.
- Open MGO Connect. Create your one-time user profile or sign into an existing account. Choose the appropriate building permit or plan-check application category. Do not select a planning application when you need a building permit.
- Complete and submit the application. Enter the project information, attach the required documents, and submit the application through the portal. Keep your application reference for follow-up.
- Respond to plan-review comments. City staff reviews the application and coordinates applicable department approvals. If corrections are requested, revise the required documents and resubmit them through the applicable process.
- Pay required fees and obtain issuance. Follow the City’s payment instructions. Start work requiring a permit only after the permit has been issued and all applicable preconstruction approvals are in place.
Application assistance: If you cannot identify the correct MGO application type, email Permits@AgouraHillsCity.gov with your property address, project description, and questions before submitting.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
- Building permit application and owner/applicant information.
- Property address and parcel identification where requested.
- Site plan showing existing and proposed improvements.
- Floor plans, elevations, sections, and structural details when applicable.
- Structural calculations, Title 24 energy documentation, or geotechnical reports if required.
- Contractor information and applicable owner-builder documentation.
- Planning, fire, utility, or other outside-agency approvals where applicable.
Small projects may qualify for a simpler review. The City’s plan-review guidance identifies patio covers, smaller remodels, some pools, walls, sheds, and signs as examples that may be suitable for over-the-counter review. Eligibility is determined by the actual project; call before visiting.
View official application guides and handouts.
How to Schedule Building Inspections
Agoura Hills inspects permitted construction at required stages to confirm compliance with approved plans and applicable codes. Depending on the project, these may include foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, insulation, and final inspections.
For permits managed through MGO Connect, sign into your account, open your permit dashboard, and request the required inspection. For older permits, contact Building & Safety at (818) 597-7334.
- Complete the work that must be inspected. Do not conceal work requiring an inspection.
- Open the applicable permit in your MGO Connect dashboard.
- Request the correct inspection type and provide any necessary site-access information.
- Keep approved plans and permit documentation accessible at the job site, with the address visibly posted.
- Arrange access and have someone familiar with the project available when required.
- Review the inspection outcome. Correct deficiencies and request another inspection if necessary.
| Inspection Detail | City Guidance |
|---|---|
| Inspection Window | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
| Next-Day Scheduling | Requests made before 4 p.m. on the preceding business day are typically performed the next business day, subject to availability. |
| Two-Hour Arrival Window | Call (818) 597-7334 at approximately 7:30 a.m. on inspection day. |
| Inspection Cancellation | Call the department before 8 a.m. on inspection day. |
After all required trade and building inspections are completed, request the applicable final inspection. New buildings and certain changes of use may also require a Certificate of Occupancy before lawful occupancy.
Older City documents mention an automated telephone inspection line. The newer City instructions direct MGO-managed permits to the MGO dashboard and older permits to Building & Safety by telephone.
Permit Fees, Plan Review & 2026 Building Codes
How Much Does a Building Permit Cost?
Agoura Hills permit fees depend on the work being performed. The City states that fees may be calculated using project or contract valuation or an adopted fee schedule. Plan-review fees and other applicable charges can increase the total.
To obtain an accurate estimate, provide the department with your project address, scope, estimated labor and material valuation, and any required plans. Ask whether separate planning, fire, engineering, or other agency fees apply.
Official Agoura Hills fee information
Which Building Codes Apply in 2026?
Effective January 1, 2026, the City transitioned to the 2025 California Building Standards Code, with adopted City amendments. Applicable codes include:
- 2025 California Building Code and California Residential Code.
- 2025 California Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Codes.
- 2025 California Energy Code and CALGreen.
- 2025 California Existing Building Code and applicable Wildland-Urban Interface Code provisions.
- Applicable California Fire Code and Los Angeles County fire requirements.
The City’s adoption includes Ordinance No. 25-480. Projects submitted under earlier code cycles may have different applicable requirements, depending on their submission and approval history.
Official 2026 codes-in-effect document (PDF) · City Code Adoption Ordinance 25-480 (PDF)
Permit Expiration: Important 2026 Rules
Agoura Hills Ordinance 25-480 establishes progress-based requirements for regular permits, including qualifying work progress and a successful inspection within the first 12 months. The ordinance specifies 20% progress for Group R-3 occupancies and 10% for other occupancies, as determined by the Building Official, with further progress requirements and final-completion deadlines.
For regular permits, final approval deadlines depend on project valuation: generally three years for projects below $250,000, four years for projects between $250,000 and $1 million, and five years for projects above $1 million. Special permits, including certain permits to legalize unpermitted structures, have different expiration rules. Confirm the conditions for your particular permit and request any extension before expiration.
Local Approvals & Common Delays
Some Agoura Hills projects need approvals beyond the building permit. Examples include zoning or architectural review, grading, fire safety, environmental requirements, and clearances from applicable outside agencies.
- Zoning and architectural review: New construction, additions, exterior alterations, and changes in property use may need Planning Division review.
- Fire and wildfire requirements: Applicable fire-department approvals and wildfire-related construction standards can affect project plans and materials.
- Hillside and grading work: Sloped properties, retaining walls, or significant earthwork may require engineering documentation and additional review.
- ADUs: Accessory dwelling units must satisfy applicable state law, local requirements, building codes, and required utility or fire clearances.
- Contractors: The City requires contractors performing work in Agoura Hills to have an applicable City business license. State contractor licensing rules also apply.
A common reason for delay is submitting plans that do not match the proposed scope or omitting required agency approvals. Resolve planning and technical requirements early rather than waiting until the final permit review.
Official Agoura Hills Permit Resources
- Building & Safety: Office contacts, hours, and building codes
- Online Applications: MGO Connect permit portal
- Permit Administration: Building permits and application policies
- Plan Check: Plan-review requirements and clearances
- Inspections: Scheduling and inspection preparation
- Permit Fees: Fees and valuation information
- Municipal Code: Agoura Hills ordinances and local regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who issues building permits in Agoura Hills?
The City of Agoura Hills Building & Safety Division issues building permits for properties within the City’s jurisdiction. Its office is at 30001 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.
2. Can I apply for an Agoura Hills building permit online?
Yes. The City uses MGO Connect for online building permit applications. Create a user profile, choose the appropriate application, submit the project documents, and follow the review process.
3. Do I need a permit to remodel my home?
Many remodels require permits, especially when structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems change. Cosmetic work may qualify for exemptions. Confirm the specific scope with Building & Safety.
4. Does Agoura Hills require a permit to replace a water heater?
Yes. The City identifies water-heater replacement as work requiring a permit. Installation must also satisfy applicable safety, seismic bracing, venting, and plumbing requirements.
5. How do I schedule a building inspection?
For MGO-managed permits, request inspections from your MGO Connect dashboard. For older permits, call Building & Safety at (818) 597-7334.
6. Can I get a next-day inspection?
Inspections requested before 4 p.m. on the previous business day are typically scheduled for the next business day, subject to availability. Call at approximately 7:30 a.m. on inspection day for a two-hour arrival window.
7. How much are Agoura Hills building permit fees?
Fees depend on project valuation, permit type, and required reviews. Request a project-specific estimate from the Building & Safety Division and check the City’s official fee information.
8. What building codes apply in Agoura Hills in 2026?
The City uses the 2025 California Building Standards Code, effective January 1, 2026, with applicable local amendments under Ordinance No. 25-480 and other relevant requirements.
9. How long is a building permit valid?
Under the City’s 2026 rules, regular permits have progress and inspection milestones, generally beginning within the first 12 months, along with final-completion deadlines. Special permits can have shorter terms. Verify your specific permit conditions with the City.
10. Can a homeowner obtain a permit without hiring a contractor?
Eligible homeowners may apply as owner-builders under California law. However, owner-builders assume significant responsibilities, and contractor licensing requirements still apply to hired professionals. Review those obligations before applying.
Confirm your permit type, required approvals, current fees, and inspection requirements with the City. The correct first step for most applicants is to review the City’s permit instructions and then use MGO Connect or contact Building & Safety.
Information reviewed: October 2026. Sources include official City of Agoura Hills webpages and code-adoption documents. USBuilding.org is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with the City of Agoura Hills. Official permit approvals, requirements, and decisions remain with the responsible government agencies.