Questions about permits? Here's where to find the answers.
Who Can Obtain A Permit?
A licensed contractor is required for all jobs with a valuation of $500 or more. Here is a link to the CSLB Licensing Classifications. Please be prepared to submit an agent authorization letter (signed by the license owner) if you are not the license holder.
If the work takes place in a single family residence, and the owner occupies that residence, the owner can act as their own general contractor on the job (Owner Builder), and either does the work themselves or has employees (or subcontractors) working on the project. The homeowner cannot construct and then sell more than two structures during any three-year period. Commercial and Multi-family properties do not qualify for “Owner Builder”.
How Long Does It Take To Obtain a Permit?
Some permits may be issued on the day of request, “over-the-counter”. Other projects may require that plans be submitted electronically for plan review. Please click the link below for plan check timelines. Projects listed under e-OTC can be reviewed in over-the-counter plan review appointment.
- Over the Counter vs. Plan Review timelines
- Additional Plan Review & Permitting Questions? Visit our Plan Review page
How Much Does a Permit Cost?
Fees vary depending on the project valuation (size and scope of the project, labor, and materials are factored into the valuation). An appointment will be required to determine plan review and permit fees.
How to Acquire a Permit
Plan review and permit processing requires an appointment with Community Development Staff. Call (310) 285-1141 to schedule an appointment.
- Our address is:
455 North Rexford Drive, 1st Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 285-1141
Still Have Questions?
You may find the answers on our FAQ page. If not, or if you are not sure which permit(s) you need for a proposed project, call the Community Development Department at (310) 285-1141.
Online Permit Services
You may use our online permit portal to manage your permits, or to pay a permit/application fee. An account is required. To create an account or access our online permit services, click here.
Types of Permits
If you know the type of permit you need to obtain, click the link(s) below for additional information. Permits issued by the Community Development Department include but are not limited to the following:
Additional Permit Information
PERMIT EXTENSION Requirements
Change of Contractor On Issued Permits/Approved Plan Reviews
Change of Architect/Engineer
- Submit an application to the Community Development Department
- Change of Architect
- Change of Engineer
Construction Barricades
Excavation/Sewer Lateral
Submit an application to the Community Development Department
Garage Sales
The following regulations apply to garage sales, estate sales, lawn sales, yard sales, attic sales, rummage sales, moving sales, and patio sales.
Sales may be held no more than once every six months. Apartment and condominium buildings are also restricted to one sale every six months regardless of the number of units in the building.
Sales are limited to two consecutive days, which may not be split up over two weekends. The permitted hours of the sale are from 9am to 6pm.
Merchandise for sale may only be displayed in a permanent structure, a back yard, or any rear or side yard on the property that is not visible from or does not front a public street. The area between the sidewalk in front of the residence and the street (the parkway) may not be used to display or store any merchandise.
Municipal Code rules governing these sales are addressed here.
Submit an application to the Community Development Department
Multi-Family Properties/Means & Methods
If a property is tenant-occupied, and the construction could impact the habitability of any unit on the property (work taking longer than one day), prior to obtaining a permit, the applicant shall submit a construction Means and Method Plan to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance Division (bhrent@beverlyhills.org)
Owner Builder Requirements
When you sign a building permit application as an owner-builder, you assume full responsibility for all phases of your project and its integrity. Once you have decided you want to take on these responsibilities. the Community Development Department requires you to submit the following documents for each permit.
If the work takes place in a single family residence, and the owner occupies that residence, the owner can act as their own general contractor on the job (Owner Builder), and either does the work themselves or has employees (or subcontractors) working on the project. The homeowner cannot construct and then sell more than two structures during any three-year period. Commercial and Multi-family properties do not qualify for “Owner Builder”.
Plan Review and Permit Extension Requests
Submit the appropriate request form:
Temporary Tent, Generators and Temporary Trusses
Tree Removal
Some circumstances require for a tree removal permit which can be obtained from the Community Development Department. Prior to the issuance of a tree removal permit, the Director of Community Development, or designated representative, may also request the submittal of an arborist report administered by a licensed arborist concerning the subject tree(s).
