Home owners considering home remodeling projects are sometimes so focused on choosing appliances and fixtures that they can overlook the building permit process. Neglecting the City’s planning approval and building permit process poses safety and legal problems, and also may complicate an otherwise standard property sale.

The City recommends hiring a licensed contractor for all remodeling work.   Licensed contractors can navigate the building permit process by completing paperwork at City Hall, and being present for required inspections.  When home owners use unlicensed contractors to perform the work, they risk facing problems later.

While permits are always needed for kitchen and bathroom remodels and housing additions, permits are also required for window installations, replacing electrical fixtures, or building a fence or block wall.

For questions as to whether your home improvement project requires a building permit, contact the City’s Planning Division at (562) 943-0131.