New PBx service offers same-day express permits for many residential and commercial projects

SANTA ANA, Calif. - The City of Santa Ana Planning and Building Agency has launched a same-day express permit service for certain residential and commercial projects.

Called PBx, this service allows residents, contractors and others to get same-day permits at the Building Safety Division counter in Santa Ana City Hall for projects that do not require plan check and are not designated as historic. It is intended to improve customer satisfaction, streamline the development process, reduce wait times, and speed up the review and approval process.

"The City of Santa Ana is taking a major leap forward with the launch of PBx," Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. "This new initiative is set to revolutionize how we handle residential and commercial projects, slashing wait times and streamlining approvals. PBx represents our dedication to making development in Santa Ana smoother and more effective than ever."

Adequate staffing, providing clear documentation guidelines, and staff training on customer service and the permit process will ensure prompt and accurate assistance for applicants.

Qualifying construction activities for PBx include:

• Commercial and residential mechanical, electrical and plumbing permits
• Residential projects:

• Interior remodeling, such as kitchen and bathroom remodels and alterations
• Replacement of existing exterior stucco or siding
• Interior drywall replacement
• Re-roofs permits - like for like in color and materials
• Windows replacement with retrofit windows

• Commercial
• Re-roofs permits - like for like in color and materials

As part of the PBx same-day express services, the Planning and Building Agency is also expanding our same day over-the-counter plan review services to include:

• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) projects that do not require Planning Division plan check, such as City standard pre-approved ADU plans
• Minor one-story residential accessory buildings or structures such as storage sheds, carports or garages
• Residential patios - including City standard plans and I.C.C. (International Code Council) approved plans
• Residential enclosure patios and sunrooms
• Residential decks
• Demolition of residence or accessory building
• Swimming pools or spas accessory to a single-family dwelling
• Residential voluntary seismic retrofit with approved standardized retrofit plans
• Trash enclosures
• Special event temporary structures including stages and enclosures
• Retaining walls up to 6 feet in height and fences/block walls up to 8 feet in height above grade

For more information on PBx, please visit santa-ana.org/PBx. For Planning counter hours, please visit the Planning and Building Agency webpage.

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