2026 Permit Pathways: Tier 1 vs. Tier 2
Burbank has simplified its permit intake into two categories. Knowing which one your kitchen falls into is critical for your timeline.Tier 1: The “Simple Permit” (Over-the-Counter)
You qualify for a Tier 1 permit if your kitchen remodel involves no interior wall demolition.
Requirements: You must provide a basic “Before and After” floor plan.
Speed: These can often be issued same-day at the public counter or via the Burbank Online Permits portal.
Includes: Cabinet replacement, new countertops, electrical outlet updates, and plumbing fixture swaps.
Tier 2: The “Plan Check” (ProjectDox)
You fall into Tier 2 if you are moving walls, adding square footage, or changing the structural footprint.
System: You must use ProjectDox (PDOX), Burbank’s electronic submittal system.
Timeline: Expect an initial review period of 20 to 30 business days.
New for 2026: Plans must now include a “2025 Code Analysis” on the cover sheet, explicitly stating compliance with the 2025 CRC and Energy Code.
Electrical & “Electric-Ready” Mandates (Title 24)
As of January 1, 2026, even if you are installing a gas range today, the 2025 Energy Code requires your kitchen to be “ready” for a future electric transition.
Dedicated Cooktop Circuit: You must install a dedicated 240V/50-amp electrical receptacle behind any new or relocated gas range.
Panel Capacity: Your electrical service panel must have reserved space (physical slots) and enough load capacity to support an all-electric kitchen in the future.
Countertop Receptacles: * Outlets are now required within 24 inches of any point along the countertop. Any island or peninsula wider than 12 inches must have at least one receptacle.
2026 Change: All kitchen 120V receptacles must be GFCI protected AND Arc-Fault (AFCI) protected.
Plumbing & Water Efficiency (CALGreen)
Burbank’s 2026 local amendments to the Green Building Standards focus heavily on flow rates and waste.
Faucet Flow: Kitchen faucets cannot exceed 1.8 GPM (gallons per minute) at 60 psi.
Waste Diversion: You are required to recycle or salvage at least 65% of non-hazardous construction debris (cabinets, old tile, drywall). You must keep your “Weight Tickets” from the dump to get your permit deposit back.
Sub-Metering: While not always required for small remodels, large kitchen additions in 2026 often trigger requirements for leak-detection shut-off valves.
2026 Safety & Health Requirements
EPA Lead-Safe: Because over 70% of Burbank’s housing stock was built before 1978, you must provide proof of Lead-Safe work practices if you disturb more than 6 sq. ft. of interior paint.
Smoke/CO Alarms: A kitchen remodel “triggers” a whole-house safety update. You cannot “Final” your kitchen permit until smoke alarms are installed in every bedroom and CO alarms are on every floor level.
Lighting: 100% of permanently installed lighting must be High Efficacy (LED). Screw-in bulbs in old cans no longer pass inspection in 2026.