Do I Need a Permit?

Explore the Permit Center!

Visit our Permit Center to get information on:

  • Permit FAQs
  • Requesting Inspections
  • When and Why Permits Are Required
  • Viewing Permit Records Online
  • When Are Plans Required
  • Submitting Plans and Applications
  • Construction Hours

Access the Permit Center Online

The purpose of this page is to help residents understand when permits are required before starting any work or repairs on their property.

For details on permit requirements or whether approved plans are needed before issuance, call (310) 973-3230 for work on private property.

For work in the public right-of-way, contact the Public Works Department at (310) 973-3260.

List of Items That Require Permits (By Application Type)

Review the following list to verify whether the work you plan to do requires a permit.

Building permits are valid for up to a year. Permits can be extended twice (six months per extension) after the permit extension fees are paid.

Planning Permits (Fence, Flatwork, and Shed) are valid for up to six months. The Planning Department may extend these permits for six additional months, depending on the circumstances.

Building Permits

Building Permit

  • New construction
  • Installing, repairing, or replacing drywall, insulation, lath, or sheathing
  • Repairing and replacing stucco, siding, or other exterior finishes (not including stucco patching)
  • Any expansion, modification, or alteration of floor area to a structure, garage, or accessory building
  • Roof repair and alterations
  • Replacement of any doors and windows (like-for-like, retrofits, or changes in size and location)
    A door schedule or window schedule must be attached with the permit application.
  • Demolition of structures
  • Installation, alteration, or re-installation of commercial and residential solar PV systems
  • Counters and cabinets with electrical, plumbing, or mechanical fixtures attached
  • Conversion or legalization of any structures or rooms
  • Residential remodels
  • Installation and repairs for garage doors
  • Tenant improvements for commercial properties
  • Installation of fire sprinklers
  • Installation of swimming pools

Electrical Permit

  • Installation, repair, or replacement of major appliances, such as:
    • Dishwashers
    • Clothes washers and dryers
    • Air conditioners
    • Other comparable equipment
  • Installation, repair, or replacement of:
    • Light fixtures
    • Light switches
    • Electrical outlets
    • Branch circuits
    • Conduits
  • Installation, repair, or replacement of electrical wiring
  • Installation, repair, or replacement of vehicle charging systems
  • Installation, repair, replacement, or upgrade of electrical service panels
  • Installation of appliances, motors, or apparatuses rated above 3 HP
  • Installation of a temporary power pole
  • Electrical work related to signage
  • Electrical work related to pools, spas, hot tubs, whirlpools, and similar systems
  • Installation of lighting fixtures for pole-mounted, platform-mounted, or theatrical applications
  • Capping off electrical connection

Grading Permit

  •     Cutting, filling, or relocating more than 50 cubic yards of soil

Mechanical Permit

  • Installation, repair, or replacement of:
    • Air conditioning units
    • Air inlets and outlets
    • Air handling units
    • Absorption units
    • Boilers
    • Compressors
    • Evaporative coolers
    • Fireplaces
    • Fire dampers
    • Furnaces
    • Heaters
  • Installation, repair, or replacement of:
    • Appliance vents
    • Standard vents
    • Commercial kitchen hoods
    • Spray booths
    • Standard and convection duct systems
  • Installation, repair, or replacement of:
    • Duct systems
    • Ventilation systems

Miscellaneous Permit

    • Certificate of Occupancy
    • Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
    • Special Inspections

    • Plumbing Permit

    • Installation, repair, or replacement of:
      • Bathroom and kitchen sinks
      • Bathtubs and showers
      • Drinking fountains
      • Hose bibs
      • Roof drains
      • Shower valves
      • Toilets, urinals, water closets
      • Waste inlets
    • Installation, repair, or replacement of low-, medium-, or high-pressure gas systems, including:
      • Gas outlets
      • Gas meters
      • Gas pressure regulators
    • Installation of:
      • Trap primers
      • Waste inlets
      • Backflow prevention devices or sprinklers
      • Backwater valves
      • Drainage or sewage back valves
    • Installation, repair, or replacement of:
      • Water piping
      • Service lines
      • Pressure regulators
    • Installation of solar potable water heating systems (including heater and vent)
    • Installation, repair, or replacement of:
      • Swimming pool drainage systems
      • Vent trap interceptors and receptors
    • Installation, repair, or replacement of:
      • Water softening systems
      • Pretreatment interceptors
      • Vents
      • Grease interceptors
    • Capping off water and gas connections

    Sewer Permit

    • Connect an additional building or structure to a house sewer
    • Alter, repair, or abandon a house sewer or disposal system
    • Disconnect a house sewer or disposal system
    • Install a house sewer connecting to a private disposal system
    • Install a house sewer connecting to a public sewer
    • Construct or modify a cesspool, overflow seepage pit, percolation test pit, or swimming pool dry well
    • Install gray water system storage tanks
    • Extend or modify an overflow seepage pit, drain field, dry well, or manhole
    • Install or modify a septic tank, storage tank, seepage pit(s), and/or drain field
    • Perform a tap-and-saddle connection

    • Planning Permits

    Fence Permit (Fee: $50)

    • Installing or modifying gates and fences
    • Repairing gates and fences

    Flatwork Permit (Fee: $75)

    • Installing or modifying concrete or hardscape areas in the front yard (decomposed granite, decorative rocks, pavers, wood chips, parking pads)
    • Installing or removing artificial turf
    • Installing drought-tolerant landscaping

    Shed Permit (Fee $390)

    • Installing, relocating, or changing out a shed that is no larger than one hundred twenty sq. ft. in size and no taller than ten feet

    Sign Permit (Fee: $115)

    • Installing or modifying signs (pole signs, wall signs, window signs, electrical signs, etc.)
    • Application and design renderings need to be approved by Planning before signs can be installed or replaced

    Temporary Sign/Banner Permit (Fee: $115)

    • Installation or modifications to signs, banners, or flags (pole signs, wall signs, window signs, electrical signs, etc.) for up to 120 days
    • Application and design renderings need to be approved by Planning before any temporary signs or banners can be installed or replaced
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