City of Lawndale, CA

Requirements for Planning Permits are different compared to Building Permits. A contractor is not required to apply for a Planning Permit. Property owners are not subject to owner-builder requirements and are able to pull planning permits regardless of whether they live at the project address or not.

Drawings and plot plans of the proposed work must be included with their respective application. Once the Planning Department approves the application, drawings, and plot plans, work can commence.

Most Planning Permits are valid for six months. The Planning Department must conduct a final inspection and pass the inspection to formally close out a planning permit (inspections are not required for Sign Permits or Temporary Sign/Banner Permits).

Permitted Construction Hours

Report Unpermitted Construction

Fence Permit ($50)

Required when altering or removing an existing fence or installing a new fence. Permit expires 180 days from the date of approval.

Flatwork Permit ($75)

Required when altering, installing, or removing live landscaping, shrubs, artificial turf, parking pads, and hardscape such as mulch, stones, decomposing granite, etc., in the front yard setback. Permit expires 180 days from the date of approval.

Shed Permit ($390)

Required when installing, relocating, or changing out a shed that is no larger than one hundred twenty sq. ft. in size and no taller than ten feet. Permit expires 180 days from the date of approval.

Sign Permit & Temporary Sign/Banner Permit ($115)

Required when installing or replacing cabinet signs, window signs, wall signs, projecting signs, or pole signs.

Also required when installing or changing signs or banners that are normally used for promoting services or other information for a brief period. The application and design renderings need to be approved by the Planning Department before any sign/banner can be installed.

Application and design renderings need to be approved by Planning before signs or banners can be installed or put up.

Sign Permits do not expire; however, Temporary Sign/Banner permits are valid for only one hundred twenty days.

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.