Permit FAQs

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

Here are responses to some commonly asked questions regarding permits. For any additional questions please call (310) 973-3230 or email [email protected].

1. Why Are Permits Required?

Building permits serve several important purposes:

  • They allow local jurisdictions to verify that construction work complies with current building and safety codes.
  • They enhance safety for building occupants and the surrounding community.
  • They are required by State and County building codes.
  • They provide a record of repairs and alterations, which is useful when selling or transferring property.
  • Insurance companies may deny coverage for damages resulting from unpermitted work.
  • They help ensure that all structures meet minimum standards and regulations designed to protect public health and safety.

2. Items That Do Not Require Permits

  • Painting interior or exterior walls (except for exterior paint on businesses located within the Hawthorne Blvd. Specific Plan area)
  • Flooring changes that do not involve breaking the floor slab
  • Replacement of portable electrical equipment
  • Portable heating, cooling, and ventilation devices
  • Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, and racks
  • Installation of radio or television transmission equipment (e.g., satellite dishes, antennas)
  • Replacing counters or cabinets not connected to electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems, or altering room configuration
  • Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not exceeding 5 feet 9 inches in height
  • Low-energy power, control, and signal circuits not integral to an appliance, with power limited to sources rated at no more than 30 volts and 1,000 volt-amperes
  • Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment operating below 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts
  • Repair or replacement of an existing fence or wall, provided all of the following conditions are met:
    • The fence or wall complies with height limits for its location on the lot
    • Within any 12-month period, repairs or replacements affect less than 25% of the straight-line horizontal length of the segment being repaired or replaced
    • The same materials and style are used as the existing fence or wall
  • Papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work where disabled access requirements do not apply
  • Temporary decorative lighting
  • Private telephone, intercom, sound, and communication systems, provided the system value does not exceed the thresholds outlined in items (9) and (10) of this section
Note: Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work that violates building codes, zoning regulations, or other applicable laws and ordinances.

3. What Other Items Require Permits?

Finance Department - (310) 973-3246 / (310) 973-3244
  • Yard/garage sales
  • Residential rentals
  • Conducting business inside the city
  • Home occupation business
  • Security alarms

Municipal Services - (310) 973-3220

  • Neighborhood block parties
  • Registration/renewals for dog licenses
  • Street parking for oversized vehicles/RV's (up to 7 days, twice a year)
Public Works Department - (310) 973-3260
  • Conducting work on the public right-of-way
  • Storing construction waste bins on the street
  • Alterations to the parkway
  • Parking passes for the Hawthorne Boulevard median
  • Underground utilities

Learn More About the Finance Department
Learn More About the Municipal Services Department
Learn More About the Public Works Department

4. Are There Penalties for Performing Work Without Permits?

If a code enforcement officer or building inspector observes work being performed without the required permits, a stop-work order will be issued at the job site.

When permits are obtained after unpermitted work has begun, an investigation fee will be added:

  • Owner-builders permits: $487.88
  • Contractor permits: $975.78
Additional code enforcement fines may apply for non-compliance. For more information about Administrative Citations, contact the Code Enforcement Department at (310) 973-3220

5. At What Times Can I Do Construction?

Construction can be performed during the following hours:

Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday and City observed holidays: No work allowed!

6. How To Report Unpermitted Construction

To report construction occurring outside of approved work hours or work being performed without the required permits, contact the Code Enforcement Department at (310) 973-3220.

7. How Long Are Building Permits Good For?

Building permits are valid for:
  • One year if work has not begun after the permit is issued
  • Six months if work has started, based on the date of the last successful inspection
You may request up to two six-month extensions:
  • Permit Extension: Pay a 25% extension fee to add six months before the permit expires
  • Permit Renewal: Pay a 50% renewal fee to add six months within one year after the permit has expired

8. How Long Are Planning Permits Good For?

Planning permits remain valid for six months from the date of approval. If the approved work is not completed within that time frame, a new application and fee will be required. For details about renewing a planning permit, contact the Planning Department.
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