When Are Plans Required?
The following activities will require plans to be approved by both the
Planning Department and the
Building & Safety Department for permits to be issued
- Adding, altering, relocating, or removing interior and exterior walls
- Additions to existing structures
- Remodels
- Removing structures
- New construction
- Conversions of structures
- Legalizing any unpermitted additions or demolitions
- Significant remodeling of a dwelling unit
- Tenant improvements
- Occupancy changes
- Alterations, installation, relocations, or remodel of open and enclosed patios and carports, pergolas, awnings
- Outstanding changes to a building's facade or architectural style
To determine if your proposed work will require plans, or to learn about the planning review process, please contact the
Planning Department at (310) 973-3206. Contact
Building & Safety at (310) 973-3236 to learn more about the building plan check and permitting processes.
Differences Between Building & Planning Permits
The following applications are designated as Building Permits. These permits are processed by the
Building & Safety Department:
- Building Permit (used for re-roofs, window, and door swap out, demolition, additions, or alterations)
- Electrical Permit
- Grading Permit
- Mechanical Permit
- Miscellaneous Permit (used for new address assignments and certificate of occupancy)
- Plumbing Permit
- Sewer Permit
The following applications are designated as Planning Permits. These permits are processed by the
Planning Department:
- Fence Permit(for installing, modifying, or removing a fence)
- Flatwork Permit (for yard landscaping, concrete, and hardscape replacement and modifications)
- Shed Permit (for building, installing, relocating, or removing a shed that is 120 sq. ft. or less)
- Sign Permit
- Temporary Banner/Sign Permit
Who Can Obtain a Permit?
A building permit can be issued to:
- A property owner, whose worksite is his/her principal residence and has occupied said property twelve months prior to the completion of the work. For more information, visit www.cslb.ca.gov
- A licensed contractor. For more information, visit www.cslb.ca.gov.
When a permit is pulled, the signature and identity of the applicant must be verified. A California driver's license, State of California Identification Card, or other identification will meet this requirement..
Contractors working in the City of Lawndale are required to have a Lawndale business license!
If a contractor has employees, a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance must be on file with the Planning and Building Department. Contractors working alone may waive this requirement, but must show a pocket copy of their State Contractors License.
Contractor Requirements