What Are Planning Permits?

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

Permitted Construction Hours

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

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!

How to Report Unpermitted Construction

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

Quick Facts

  • Requirements for Planning Permits differ from those for Building Permits. A contractor is not required to apply for a Planning Permit. Property owners are not subject to owner-builder requirements and may obtain planning permits regardless of whether they reside at the project address.
  • Drawings and plot plans for the proposed work must be included with the application. Once the Planning Department approves the application, drawings, and plot plans, work can commence.
  • Fence, Flatwork, and Shed permits are valid for six months upon approval. Afterwards, the permit fees will need to be paid for again to extend the permits an additional six months.
  • To finalize Fence, Flatwork, and Shed permits, a final inspection is required from the Planning Department.

Planning Permit Application Forms 

Below are the list of permit applications and a list of work items fall under each permit.

Fence Permit Application ($50)

List of work items:

  • Installing or modifying gates and fences
  • Repairing gates and fences

Download Fence Permit Application (PDF) (1.23 MB)

View Information About Fence Standards

Flatwork Permit ($75)

List of work items:

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

Download Flatwork Permit Application (PDF) (897 KB)

View Information About Flatwork Standards

View Information About Water Efficient Landscaping

Shed Permit ($390)

List of work items:

  • 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

Download Shed Permit Application (PDF) (839 KB)

View Information About Shed Standards

Sign Permit ($115)

List of work items:

  • Installing or modifying signs (pole signs, wall signs, window signs, electrical signs, etc.)
  • Application and design renderings need to be approved by Planning before signs can be installed or replaced

Download Sign Permit Application (PDF) (596 KB)

View Information About General Sign Standards

View Information About Sign Standards in the Hawthorne Boulevard Specific Plan

Temporary Sign/Banner Permit

List of work items:

  • Installation or modifications to signs, banners, or flags (pole signs, wall signs, window signs, electrical signs, etc.) for up to 120 days
  • Application and design renderings need to be approved by Planning before any temporary signs or banners can be installed or replaced

Download Temporary Sign/Banner Permit Application (PDF) (198 KB)

View Information About Temporary Sign/Banner Standards

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