In the City of Carlsbad, most construction work requires a permit. However, some types of building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work do not require a building permit. Work exempt from a permit must still comply with applicable Building Codes, State of California Codes, City Codes, and all other applicable ordinances. 

You can find a listing of projects exempt from a permit in the Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC 18.04.015).

See below to view permit exemption specifics, based on the California Residential Code (form B-38), and the California Building Code (form B-39)