City of Lawndale, CA

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

Application Fee: $240

The Residential Property Report is the City of Lawndale's equivalent of a pre-sale inspection.

The typical turnaround time for the report is ten business days. There are no retrofit requirements during the sale of the property.

Call (310) 973-3230 for more information about the Residential Property Report application.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a Residential Property Report Required?

• REQUIRED - when a residential dwelling is listed on the market and enters escrow.
• NOT REQUIRED - if there are more than ten residential units on a lot where there is a common parking facility, the first sale of a residential building which has never been occupied, transfers from one co-owner to one or more co-owners, etc.

What Are the Responsibilities of the Seller?

The seller or their authorized agent is responsible for:

• Providing the report to the potential buyer,
• Obtaining the buyer’s signature on the document, and
• Returning the signed document to the City of Lawndale.

Failure to comply with this requirement may constitute a misdemeanor by the seller.

What Gets Inspected?

Generally, a Code Enforcement Officer will inspect any garages, carports, and any other assigned parking areas. Any violations visible to the officer will be noted on the report.

Applicant's may request a more thorough inspection which can include the interior of any dwelling units and other structures.

How to Submit an Application

By Mail: Send your completed application and payment to:

City of Lawndale
Community Development Department
14717 Burin Avenue
Lawndale, CA 90260

In Person: Visit the Community Development Department during business hours.: Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Accepted Forms of Payment

Accepted payment options include:

• Check or Money Order: Payable to City of Lawndale
• Cash: Accepted in person only
• Credit/Debit Card: Accepted in person at the Finance Department

Note: Card authorization forms are not accepted by mail, phone, or email.

Intent

The city council intends to ensure that all parties involved in a residential property sale in Lawndale receive a report. This report identifies any observed violations of city codes, rules, and ordinances, and verifies the availability of legally required off-street parking spaces.

The intent of this report is that the requirement will help reduce existing municipal code violations and prevent future ones. The report prepared pursuant to Chapter 8.80 of the Lawndale Municipal Code (LMC) is not intended to take the place of a professional inspection of the property.

The Residential Property Report Ordinance requires that prior to the sale of a residential property, the property owner or their authorized agent apply for an inspection report from the City of Lawndale. Once submitted, City staff will review the property's permit records and schedule an inspection. Afterwards, an inspection of the property will be scheduled.

Staff will then prepare an inspection report indicating whether any violations of the LMC exist. The seller or their authorized agent is responsible for:

1. providing the report to the potential buyer,
2. obtaining the buyer's signature on the document, and
3. returning the document to the City of Lawndale.

If a violation is found to exist, this will be noted on the inspection report and code enforcement action will be initiated. Failure to comply may result in a misdemeanor charge for the seller.

Lawndale Municipal Code – Residential Property Section

Streets Outside of Lawndale

If the property is located on any of the following streets, it may not be within Lawndale city limits and may not require a Residential Property Report. These streets are in the El Camino Village/Alondra Park unincorporated area which is serviced by LA County.