Fireplace Permit Requirements in Temple City, CA

Temple City is an incorporated LA County contract city that issues building permits under its own name through the City Community Development Department's Building & Safety Division at City Hall. Day-to-day building official, plan check, inspection, and permit-counter services are contracted to a private firm, Transtech Engineers, Inc., which has provided these services since 2012, so inspections are contracted but the AHJ is the city. Plan check and permit fees (except encroachment) are set at 120 percent of the County of Los Angeles fee schedule and the city directs applicants to LA County Public Works for the base amounts. California enforces statewide Title 24, currently the 2025 California Residential Code (based on the 2024 IRC) effective January 1, 2026.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified June 4, 2026 · How we research →

Code: 2024 IRC (2025 CRC) Verified: 2026-06-04 1 local rules

When you need a Fireplace permit

Required·Rule 1

CA (ZIP 91780), a new fireplace or wood or gas stove requires a building permit from the City of Temple City Building & Safety Division under the 2024 IRC (2025 California Residential Code, Chapter 10), and a gas unit adds a gas-piping permit and pressure test. Clearance to combustibles, hearth extension, and chimney termination must meet the CRC. A CO alarm is required near sleeping areas.

Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceCity of Temple City Building & Safety (Transtech) / 2025 California Residential Code (2024 IRC, Title 24) · view source

Fireplace Permit Costs: Temple City vs. Nearby

CityEstimated Fee
Temple City N/A
Los Angeles $75 – $800
Sacramento County $75 – $800
San Diego $75 – $800

Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Temple City permit costs →

Zoning Considerations

Zoning

Fireplace and wood stove installations rarely trigger zoning review. Many California air quality districts (SCAQMD, BAAQMD) prohibit NEW wood-burning fireplaces in new construction. Chimney height requirements must comply with IRC R1003.9 (3 ft above roof penetration, 2 ft above any point within 10 ft horizontally).

Estimated Project Timeline

Here's a typical timeline for a fireplace project:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings (plan drawings required).
Week 2
Prepare permit documents
Contractor prepares site plan, construction drawings, and permit application. Gather required documents per your city's checklist.
Week 3
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to Temple City's building department, apply online here.
Week 4-5
Plan review & approval
Typical processing time: about 2 weeks. Plan review examiner checks drawings for code compliance.
Week 6+
Construction & inspections
Post the permit card on site. Work begins. Schedule inspections at required stages (varies by project). Final inspection required before closing the permit.

Timeline is based on the typical about 2 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.

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Building Department Contact

NameCity of Temple City Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division
Address9701 Las Tunas Drive, Temple City, CA 91780
HoursPermit Technicians: Mon-Thu 8:00-11:30 AM & 1:30-4:30 PM; Plan Checkers: Mon & Wed 8:00-11:30 AM; Inspection requests (626) 656-7327, inspections Mon-Thu

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the building department for current Fireplace permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.

It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Fireplace projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.

Working without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.

Typical approval time for Fireplace permits is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.

Learn More About Fireplace Permits

Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.

Read Fireplace Guide →

Estimate your permit fees →

Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-06-04. Building permit requirements may change. Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) are separate and vary by location. Always confirm with your local building and planning departments before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.