When Are Plans Required?

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When Are Plans Required?

The following activities require plans to be approved by both the Planning Department and the Building & Safety Department before permits can be issued.

Projects That Require Plans:

Adding, altering, relocating, or removing interior and exterior walls
Additions to existing structures
Remodels
Complete or partial demolition of structures
New construction
Conversions of structures
Legalizing any unpermitted additions or demolitions
Significant remodeling of a dwelling unit
Tenant improvements
Occupancy changes
Alterations, installation, relocations, or remodel of open and enclosed patios and carports, pergolas, awnings
Outstanding changes to a building's facade or architectural style

To determine if your proposed work requires plans or to learn about the planning review process, contact the Planning Department at (310) 973-3206. For information about the building plan check and permitting processes, contact Building & Safety at (310) 973-3236.

Plans to Permits Process

If your project requires plan approval from both the Planning and Building & Safety departments, the flowchart below provides a general overview of the process and timelines.

Timelines may vary based on the scope of work, staff workload, and if the plans comply with submittal requirements, zoning regulations, building code regulations, etc. Additional clearances may also be required.

Download Plans To Permits Flowchart (PDF) (83.7 KB)

Planning Review/Site Plan Review

The initial review begins with the Planning Department. A Site Plan Review application is required when submitting your project for review.

The Planning Department will also determine if a project needs to go through entitlements (Special Use Permit, Design Review, Tentative Map, Lot Size Exception, etc.) and a public hearing before the Planning Commission prior to moving a project forward to Building & Safety.

Planning Submittal Requirements Information

Download Site Plan Review Application (PDF) (675 KB)

Building Plan Check

A building plan check is conducted by an LA County Plan Check Engineer to ensure proposed designs comply with health and safety regulations.

After the initial plan check, comments are sent to the applicant. A re-check is usually required to ensure all comments have been addressed.

Generally, the applicant is instructed to submit to Building & Safety plan check once the Planning Department conditionally approves the plans.

Building Plan Check Information

Download Requirements for Preparing Plans Flyer (PDF) (199 KB)

City of Lawndale, CA

When Are Plans Required?