Over-the-Counter (OTC) Building Plan Check
The Planning and Building Agency is excited to announce the expansion of over-the-counter (OTC) plan review services offered by the Building Safety Division as part of the PBx streamline permit services program. Permits for additional select projects that required a plan review can be issued the same day through the expanded OTC plan review program since the plans will be reviewed the same day as the permit application is submitted.
Which Types of Projects Qualify for OTC Plan Check?
The expanded OTC plan review list now includes:
Residential Projects (Single Family Dwelling and Duplex)
- ADU using City of Santa Ana's pre-approved plans
- Garage to ADU conversions
- Minor interior alterations and remodel
- One story room additions up to 500 sq.ft.
- Minor damage repair
- Patio cover
- Patio enclosure
- Storage shed
- Swimming pool & spa
- Demolition of existing residence or accessory building
- Deck & balcony repair
- Window change-out
- Seismic retrofit for existing raised foundation using City of Los Angeles Standard details
- Retaining walls without surcharge
Non-Residential Projects
- Minor tenant improvement (no change in use and no structural required, up to 1,000 sq.ft. and/or minor scope of work)
- Storefront alteration
- Minor removal of non-bearing partitions
- Remove/install of Suspended Ceiling
- Minor Disabled access improvement (curb ramp, detectable warning, accessible parking spaces, signage, door hardware)
- Accessible restroom upgrade
- Parking-lot restriping
- Minor damage repair
- Flag poles
- Light standards
- Interior demolition to return to building shell condition, not occupancy
- Complete building demolition of existing building/structure
- Replacement of Roof Top Equipment (like for like)
- Special Event stages
- Signs
- Awnings
- Trash Enclosures
How Can I Obtain More Information?
Over-the-counter plan review services is provided by the Planning and Building Agency's associate and senior plan check engineers and is available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. OTC reviews are available to projects not subject to FEMA Flood Zone A or AE requirements or historical properties or districts. To learn more and confirm eligibility, please contact the Building Safety Division at (714) 647-5800 or visit our website.
To learn more about any zoning/planning requirements, please visit the Planning Division homepage for contact information. To check zoning information on a specific property, or plan check status for existing projects, please visit the Property Information homepage.