Building Division

March 19, 2020

Please note that public counter hours for the Community Development Department are currently suspended during the County Shelter at Home Order in light of the coronavirus. However, in order to provide the public with continuity of service while protecting both you and our employees, the Department remains open for business and inspections on the following schedule:  

Limited staffing will be available Mondays, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 8am -noon to receive new applications and resubmittals.  Some over-the-counter permits are now available to be submitted online via the Public Access Permit Portal with more information below. You can also contact staff by phone, email, and regular mail, though please excuse any delays in response. 

INSPECTIONS:  Effective immediately, Building inspections are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8am - noon. 

More information on the City’s response to the COVID-19 virus can be found on our website at www.morrobayca.gov/covid19.  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all work through this public health crisis.


The City of Morro Bay Building Division is implementing the following revised Permit Submittal and Issuance Procedures to protect the health and safety of the public and City employees:



Over the Counter Permits:


  • Applicant emails application to Permit Technician (pbruno@morrobayca.gov).
  • Building staff will process the permit and paperwork and notify applicant of fee amount due.
  • Fee payment should be coordinated with the Permit Technician. Payment can be via credit card over the phone or by check by sliding the check under the Community Development (CDD) door.
  • Contractor/owner signature on back of permit will not be required prior to issuance.
  • City Staff will notify applicant of permit availability and approved permit and associated documents will be bundled and labeled with the site address and contractor/owner name then placed at City Hall (595 Harbor Street) for pick up (box will be labeled "Approved Permits for Pick Up").
  • New! - Public Portal access is now available for submitting Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical permits.  For access and how-to instructions, click on the Public Access Permit Portal link to the left.

New Submittals and Resubmittals:


  •  Applicant to coordinate application drop off date and time with Building Division via email to pbruno@morrobayca.gov or phone (805) 772-6267.
  • Submittal will be processed, and applicant will be notified of plan check fees.
  • Fee collection will be via credit card over the phone or a check can be slid under CDD door.
  • Applicants will be routed to applicable departments (no change in process).
  • Email comments will be provided by commenting departments (no change in process).
  • Applicant to coordinate resubmittal package with Permit Technician.
  • Once permit package is ready for issuance the applicant will be notified and the final fee amount will be provided.
  • Collect fee (same process as noted above for Over the Counter Permits).
  • Approved plans/documents will be bundled and labeled with the site address and contractor/owner name then contact will be made to coordinate for a contact-less pick up or permit package can be mailed upon request by applicant.
  • Permit signature will be required prior to final inspection.

Revised Building Division Based Inspections:


  • Inspections requests called in via inspection request line as normal: (805) 772-6204.
  • Only AM inspections will be performed Mondays through Thursdays, 8am - noon.
  • For interior and exterior inspections:
    • All occupants/contractors/workers shall vacate the area where the inspection is taking place prior tot he inspector entering the work area.
    • All occupants/contractors/workers shall maintain 10-feet of separation between themselves and the inspector at all times the inspector is on site.
  • Video or photograph verifications in lieu of physical inspections will be considered on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Building Officials. 

What We Do


We provide consultation, plan review, and inspection in conformance with the Municipal Code and State Building Codes as they relate to residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Building Division is to oversee construction projects for the purpose of protecting the safety of Morro Bay's citizens and facilitating sustainable development objectives.
 
 

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