City of Lawndale, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Are Permits Good For?

Once a building permit is issued, the permit is valid for up to one year, or within 180 days after the last successful inspection. Additional time may be granted by:

• a permit extension, which costs 25% of the total permit fee. The permit extension will grant up to six additional months to complete the work described in the permit if the fee is paid for before the permit expires.
  
  
• a permit renewal, which costs 50% of the total permit fee. The permit renewal will grant up to six additional months to complete the work described in the permit if the fee is paid for after the permit expires.

Building permits are valid for a maximum of two years (after extensions/renewals). A new permit must be applied for after the two-year maximum.

How Many Permit Applications are Required?

The City of Lawndale does not issue combination permits. A separate permit application is required for each detached structure on a lot and for each separate trade (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sewer).

Who Can Pull a Permit?

A state-licensed contractor or a homeowner that qualifies to pull a permit as an owner-builder can pull a permit. For information on requirements, see the requirement sections below.

Permitted Construction Hours

You can conduct construction work between the following times. Work conducted outside of these hours may result in the issuance of a stop work notice and code enforcement action. 

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

Report Unpermitted Construction

Building Permit Application Forms

• Building Permit

Use this form for work that involves additions, demolition work, new construction, foundation work, re-roof's, new roof layer, solar power systems, and window and door change outs.

Permit and plan check fees are based on the cost valuation for the labor and materials to perform the work. For a calculation of building permit fees, contact the Building Division with the valuation and square footage of the proposed work.

• Electrical Permit

Use this form for work that involves swap out, add, or removing outlet, light switches, conduits, circuits, branch circuits, electrical meters, appliances, temporary power poles, and other apparatus that require electrical work or work that will altering the existing electrical work.

Fees are based on each individual item count for the items listed on the permit application, plus a permit issuance fee.

• Grading Permit

Use this form for work that involves moving, adding, or removing a significant amount of soil (in cubic yards) on a lot.

Permit fee is based on the amount of cubic yards moved or the amount of soil that will be cut or filled.

• Mechanical Permit Application

Use this form for work that involves swap out, add, or removing appliances, air vents, air conditioning systems, furnaces, boilers, boilers, vents and vent appliances, range hoods, fireplaces, alterations to ventilation systems, etc.

Fees are based on each individual item count for the items listed on the permit application, plus a permit issuance fee.

• Miscellaneous Permit

You can use this form for the following items: request a special inspection, apply for Certificate of Occupancy, and apply for Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.

Fees are based on each individual item count for the items listed on the permit application, plus a permit issuance fee.

• Plumbing Permit

Use this form for work that involves swap out, add, or removing kitchen sinks, toilets, bathtubs, water lines, gas meters, water heaters, dishwashers, service lines, capping off gas and plumbing lines, washing machine, clothes dryer, grease traps, shower valves, hose bibs, etc.

Fees are based on each individual item count for the items listed on the permit application, plus a permit issuance fee.

• Sewer Permit

Use this form for work that involves altering, disconnect, or connect sewer lines on private property and for work relating to house sewer manhole's, extending house lateral, cesspools, overflow seepage pit, etc.

Fees are based on each individual item count for the items listed on the permit application, plus a permit issuance fee.

Permit Fees

Building Permits

For work requiring a building permit (such as modifications to a building, window and door installation and swap-outs, modifications or repairs to a roof, etc.), an issuance fee is applied to each permit application. The building permit fee is based on the construction valuation for the work.

Additional building permit fees, such as Green Building Standards Fee and Strong Motion, are also based on the construction valuation.

Electrical, Mechanical, Miscellaneous, Plumbing, and Sewer Permits

An issuance fee is applied to each permit application. The permit fee is determined based on the following formula: base fee x quantity.

Impact Fees

Additional fees must be paid when obtaining building permits if the project is new construction, conversions, use changes, or significant renovations. Contact the Building & Safety Department at (310) 973-3236 for additional information.

Below is a list of common impact fees that may be required:

Development Impact Fees

Development Impact Fees are usually applied for larger residential projects, new construction, or major expansions to commercial buildings. The impact fees are determined by either construction valuation, the square footage of the project, the number of housing units, etc. These impact fees include public arts, park facilities, in lieu of parking, and traffic.

School Fees

Fees are collected by the Centinela Valley Union High School District at 14901 Inglewood Avenue, for all new buildings or additions exceeding five hundred square feet. The rates are as follows:

• Residential Development = $3.402 per square foot
• Commercial/Industrial Development = $0.547 per square foot

Future Sewer

The construction of new buildings, additions, or changes of occupancy requires the payment of sewer capacity fees. The fee is based on the type and size of the structure proposed. The fee per is $204.00 per residential unit.

Fees From Other Agencies

Projects may require additional clearances or approvals from other agencies such as the Public Health Department, LA County Land Development, LA County Building & Safety, AQMD, LA County Fire Department, LA County Sanitation District, Golden State Water, etc. before permits can be issued. Contact these agencies directly to obtain more information about their fee schedules.

• Provide a copy of their driver's license and contractor's license.
• Fill out and turn in a Contractor Declaration Form for each job they do in the City.
• Provide proof that they have an active business license with the City of Lawndale. If a contractor needs to apply or renew a business license, they can go to the Citizen Serve portal.
• If an agent is pulling a permit on behalf of the contractor, the agent must provide a valid Authorization Letter and a copy of their valid driver's license.

• The project address must be their primary residence.
• The property owner must reside on the property for a minimum of 12 months before they can apply for building permits.
• Provide a copy of a valid driver's license.
• Provide a copy of a recent utility bill (trash, water, gas, electricity).
• Fill out and turn in an Owner-Builder Declaration Form.

How Do I Submit an Application?

Click the link below for more information on how to submit your applications and attachments.

You can submit by email or in person.