When Are Permits & Plans Required?

When is a Permit Required?

Major projects, fixture swap-outs, general repair, demolition, and remodels require that building permits be pulled by a licensed contractor or a qualified owner-builder. This is necessary to ensure that all structures meet minimum standards and regulatory requirements to protect the occupants and surrounding neighbors.

When Are Plans Required?

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

    Projects That Require Plans:
    • Adding, altering, relocating, or removing interior and exterior walls
    • Additions to existing structures
    • Remodels
    • Removing 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 will require plans, or to learn about the planning review process, please contact the Planning Department at (310) 973-3206. Contact Building & Safety at (310) 973-3236 to learn more about the building plan check and permitting processes.

Differences Between Building & Planning Permits

The following applications are processed by the Building & Safety Department.
    Building Permit Applications:
    • Building Permit Application
    • Electrical Permit Application
    • Grading Permit Application
    • Mechanical Permit Application
    • Miscellaneous Permit Application
    • Plumbing Permit Application
    • Sewer Permit Application
The following applications are processed by the Planning Department.
    Planning Permit Applications:
    • Fence Permit Application
    • Flatwork Permit Application
    • Shed Permit Application
    • Sign Permit Application
    • Temporary Sign/Banner Application

Who Can Obtain a Permit?

    Building & Planning permits can be issued to:
    1. a property owner, whose job site is their principal residence and has occupied said property for twelve months prior to the completion of the work.
    2. a licensed contractor.

When a permit is pulled, the signature and identity of the applicant must be verified. A California driver's license, State of California Identification Card, or other identification will meet this requirement. 

Look Up Contractor Information

Residents can visit the Contractor State License Board ("CSLB") website to search for a contractor's license or view a database of registered contractors in the state.

Owner-Builder Requirements

If a property owner is planning to pull building permits for their property, they must meet the following criteria:

    Owner-Builder minimum requirements:
    1. Subject address must be their primary residence
    2. The property owner must reside on the property for a minimum of twelve months before they can apply for building permits
    3. Provide a valid copy their driver's license
    4. Provide a copy of a recent utility bill (trash, water, gas, electricity) under their name
    5. Fill out and turn in an Owner-Builder Declaration Form

Licensed Contractor Requirements

When pulling permits, a licensed contractor must provide documents and information to the Building & Safety Department.

    Required documents from licensed contractors:
    1. A valid copy of their contractor's license
    2. A valid copy of their driver's license/ID
    3. Proof of having an active city-issued business license
    4. Complete a Licensed Contractor Declaration form
    5. Workman's compensation documents
    6. If using an authorized agent, a notarized letter of authorization on company letter head
    7. If using an authorized agent, a copy of the agent's driver's license/ID
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