Remodeling & ADU Contractor in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is a big city with a wide range of homes, from waterfront houses in Huntington Harbour to blocks of single-story tract homes miles from the sand. IA Builders is a licensed California general contractor (CSLB #1124696) based in Culver City, and we handle remodels, room additions and ADUs across Surf City. The first thing we sort out on any Huntington Beach project is which side of the coastal zone line the property falls on, because that sets the permit path.

Two permit paths in one city

Building permits in Huntington Beach are issued by the Building & Inspections division of the Community Development Department, through the city's Permit Center. Applications are submitted online, and for residential work the city offers a combination permit that bundles building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical into a single permit. A remodel that changes structure or the floor plan needs a full set of plans, including existing and proposed floor plans, structural details and an energy report, and we prepare that package for you.

The coastal zone adds a second layer for homes near the ocean, the harbour and the wetlands. Huntington Beach has a certified Local Coastal Program made up of a Coastal Element, first certified by the California Coastal Commission in 1985, and an Implementation Program. The city is now working on a comprehensive update of that program. Inside the coastal zone, additions and other development may need a Coastal Development Permit from the city, and some decisions can be appealed to the Coastal Commission, which adds time to the schedule. Homes farther inland usually go through building permits alone. We confirm which applies to your address before design begins.

Huntington Harbour and the waterfront

Huntington Harbour is one of the areas that sits inside the coastal zone, and the city has processed coastal development permits there for single-family additions. Waterfront homes in the harbour, along with houses near downtown and the beach, also face the salt air and moisture that come with living near the ocean. On these projects we choose exterior materials, fasteners, windows and doors for corrosion resistance, and we pay close attention to flashing and drainage. Inside, good ventilation matters in kitchens and bathrooms that see a lot of humidity.

Inland neighborhoods and tract homes

Much of Huntington Beach is made up of single-family neighborhoods built out in the second half of the twentieth century. Many of those homes are now due for a kitchen remodel, updated bathrooms or a full interior refresh. Single-story homes on standard lots are often good candidates for a room addition that adds a bedroom or primary suite, and some owners look at going up instead of out. Either way, we check setbacks, height and structural requirements early so the design fits what the city will approve.

Huntington Beach code also limits the hours when permitted construction can take place. We schedule crews and deliveries to stay within those hours and to keep the neighbors on your street in mind.

ADUs in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach allows ADUs and junior ADUs under state law, and the city has created a free Pre-Approved ADU Program. Pre-approved plans can shorten design time, but they still have to be sited on your lot, connected to utilities and permitted. Homes in the coastal zone may also need a Coastal Development Permit for an ADU. We can help you decide between a pre-approved plan, a custom design or converting an existing garage into an ADU or garage conversion.

If you are planning a project in Huntington Beach, call (213) 816-6465 or use the form on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Who handles building permits in Huntington Beach?

The City of Huntington Beach Community Development Department, through its Building & Inspections Permit Center. Applications are submitted online.

Is my Huntington Beach home in the coastal zone?

It depends on how close it is to the shoreline, Huntington Harbour or the wetlands. Homes in the coastal zone may need a Coastal Development Permit for additions and other development. We check the city's maps for your parcel.

Does Huntington Beach offer pre-approved ADU plans?

Yes. The city has a free Pre-Approved ADU Program; ask us which plans are currently offered. Site planning, utilities and permits are still required.

Can I do a kitchen and bathroom remodel under one permit?

Huntington Beach offers a residential combination permit that covers building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work together, which is common for kitchen and bath remodels.

Last reviewed October 2026