What does “Exempt” mean on a building permit?

The work, or the record, is exempt from a permit requirement. In the phase-derivation rules, 'exempt' is treated as an active (non-blocking) outcome for EPIC-LA and Pomona portals. Across jurisdictions, certain minor scopes — like painting, like-for-like fixture swaps on the service side of a shut-off valve, small detached accessory buildings, and low-voltage wiring — are exempt from a building permit (though separate trade permits may still be required).

What should you do when a permit shows “Exempt”?

If your record is exempt, no permit action is required for that scope — but confirm whether a separate electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permit is still needed, because building-permit exemption does not always exempt the trade work. When in doubt, check the jurisdiction's 'work exempt from permit' list before proceeding.