City of Lawndale, CA

The intent of this page is to inform residents when permits will be required before commencing any type of work or repairs on their property.

For more information on what work requires a permit, or if approved plans are required before permit issuance, call (310) 973-3230 for work being done on private property.

Call the Public Works Department at (310) 973-3260 for work being done out on the public right-of-way.

List of Items That Require Permits (By Application Type)

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 Application

• 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, and/or alteration of floor area, to a structure, garage, and/or accessory building
• roof repair and alterations
• change out or replacement of any doors and windows (like-for-like, retrofits, or changes in size and location) (a door schedule and window schedule must be attached with the permit application)
• demolition of structures
• installation, alteration, and 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, rooms, etc.
• residential remodels
• installation and repairs for garage doors
• tenant improvements for commercial properties
• installation of fire sprinklers
• installation of swimming pools

Electrical Permit Application

• installation, repair, or replacement of major appliances (such as dishwashers, clothes washer and dryer, air conditioners, etc).
• installation, repair, or replacement of light fixtures, light switches, outlets, branch circuits, or 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
• other appliances, motors, or apparatuses that are above 3HP
• temporary power pole
• electrical-related work for signs
• electrical-related work for pools, spas, hot tubs, whirlpools, and other comparable items
• lighting fixture for pole, platform-mounted, or theatrical type
• capping off electrical connections 

Grading Permit Application

• cutting, filling, or moving more than fifty cubic yards of soil

Mechanical Permit Application

• installation, repair, or replacement of air conditioning units, air inlets and outlets, air handling units, absorption units, boilers, compressors, evaporative coolers, fireplaces, fire dampeners, furnaces, heaters
• installation, repair, or replacement of appliance vents, standard vents, commercial kitchen hoods, spray booths, standard and convectional duct systems
• installation, repair, or replacement of duct systems and ventilation systems

Miscellaneous Permit Application

• certificate of occupancy
• temporary certificate of occupancy
• special inspections

Plumbing Permit Application

• installation, repair, or replacement of bathroom and kitchen sinks, bathtubs, and showers, drinking fountains, hose bibs, roof drains, shower valve, toilets, urinals, water closets, waste inlet
• installation, repair, or replacement of low, medium, or high-pressure gas systems, and gas outlets, gas meter, gas pressure regulators
• trap primers, waste inlet, backflow prevention device/sprinklers, backwater valves, drainage or sewage back valve
• installation, repair, or replacement of water piping, service lines, pressure regulator
• solar portable water heating system (including heater and vent)
• installation, repair, or replacement of swimming pool drainage and vent trap interceptor and receptors
• installation, repair, or replacement of water softening system, pretreatment interceptor, vent, grease interceptors
• capping off water and gas connections

Sewer Permit Application

• alter, repair, or abandon house sewer or disposal system
• connect additional building or work to house sewer
• disconnect house sewer or disposal system
• house sewer connecting to private disposal system
• house sewer connecting to public sewer
• cesspool, overflow seepage pit, percolation test pit, swimming pool dry well
• gray water system storage tanks
• overflow seepage pit, drain field extension, dry well, manhole
• septic tank, storage tank, seepage pit or pits, and/or drain field
• tap-and-saddle

Planning Permits

Fence Permit Application (Fee: $50)

• installation or modifications to gates and fences
• considerable repair to gates and fences

Flatwork Permit Application (Fee: $75)

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

Shed Permit Application (Fee $390)

• installation or modifications to storage sheds that are no larger than 120 sq. ft., and up to 10 feet in height

Sign Permit Application (Fee: $115)

• installation or modifications to signs (pole signs, wall signs, window signs, electrical signs, etc.)

Temporary Sign/Banner Permit Application (Fee: $115)

• installation or modifications to signs, banners, or flags (pole signs, wall signs, window signs, electrical signs, etc.) for up to 120 days

Permit Fees

Click on the Fee Schedule link below to view the permit costs for specific work items.

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