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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lomita
Generally required for new buildings, additions, tenant improvements, ADU conversions, decks, patios, fences over 6 feet, fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, remodels/renovations, occupancy/use changes, garage conversions, new or replaced electrical/mechanical/plumbing work, and grading
One-story detached accessory sheds, playhouses, and similar structures up to 120 square feet, up to 12 feet high, with roof projection up to 24 inches
Fences not used as pool/spa barriers if masonry/concrete fences are no higher than 6 feet and properly set back, or other fences are no higher than 6 feet
Retaining walls up to 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids
Decks, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
Prefabricated pools for Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches deep, or do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are entirely above grade
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work where disabled-access requirements do not apply
Minor electrical repair work such as replacement of lamps, switches, receptacles, sockets, and similar items
Limited plumbing repairs such as clearing stoppages or repairing leaks where no valves, pipes, or fixtures are replaced or rearranged
Portable heating, cooling, ventilating, and certain minor mechanical equipment/component replacements
- Exempt One-story detached accessory sheds, playhouses, and similar structures up to 120 square feet, up to 12 feet high, with roof projection up to 24 inches
- Exempt Fences not used as pool/spa barriers if masonry/concrete fences are no higher than 6 feet and properly set back, or other fences are no higher than 6 feet
- Exempt Retaining walls up to 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids
- Exempt Decks, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Prefabricated pools for Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches deep, or do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are entirely above grade
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work where disabled-access requirements do not apply
- Exempt Minor electrical repair work such as replacement of lamps, switches, receptacles, sockets, and similar items
- Exempt Limited plumbing repairs such as clearing stoppages or repairing leaks where no valves, pipes, or fixtures are replaced or rearranged
- Exempt Portable heating, cooling, ventilating, and certain minor mechanical equipment/component replacements
Note: Exemptions do not waive zoning or other legal requirements, and separate plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits may still be required even when a building permit is exempt. Pool barrier devices are not exempt. Grading has its own separate exemption rules
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- plans and specifications
- supporting documents/calculations as required
- agency approvals on referral sheet when triggered. County guidance says most projects need accurate detailed plans/specifications/supporting documents, and ADU minimum submittals include site plan, floor plans, roof plan, elevations, sections, structural plans/details, energy forms, and MEP information
- Building code
- Lomita states projects are reviewed for consistency with the Los Angeles County Building Code. LA County Building and Safety lists its current codes effective January 1, 2023 as the 2023 County of Los Angeles Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Residential, Green Building Standards, and Existing Building Codes, which incorporate the 2022 California codes with County amendments
- Permit validity
- Permit application expires if no permit is issued within 1 year; up to two 180-day plan-check extensions may be granted on written request. Issued permits expire if work does not start within 12 months or if work stops for more than 180 days; 180-day permit extensions may be granted on written request
- Owner-builder
- A property owner of a one- or two-family principal residence may obtain permits as an owner-builder if the work is not intended for sale within 1 year after completion; the owner-builder assumes full responsibility for permits, code compliance, materials, and project management
- Contractor requirements
- Permits may be issued only to a contractor with appropriate CSLB license(s), the property owner in certain cases, or an authorized agent. County guidance says most construction projects require qualified licensed contractors even though some residential owner-builder work is allowed
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: City-published estimate is about 2 to 3 weeks for screening plus 6 to 8 weeks for plan review, not counting corrections, agency clearances, or rechecks
- 01 Check with the City of Lomita Planning Division whether the project needs a Pre-Review for Building Permit or other planning entitlement; Lomita says this commonly applies to additions, new single-family homes, ADUs, garages, pools, landscaping, and hardscape.
- 02 If planning review is required, submit the City pre-review application through the City's online permitting portal and obtain City approval or clearance.
- 03 Create an account in LA County BSOP, search the project address, and apply for the building permit.
- 04 Upload plans and supporting documents in BSOP. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work should be applied for as separate trade permits when applicable.
- 05 County staff screens the application for completeness. The City of Lomita says screening is typically about 2 to 3 weeks.
- 06 Pay plan review fees when prompted so the project can move into plan review. The City of Lomita says plan review is typically about 6 to 8 weeks.
- 07 Respond to corrections if issued, upload revised plans and response materials in BSOP, and secure any outside agency approvals shown on the agency referral sheet.
- 08 After approval, wait for permit issuance instructions and fee amounts from County permit staff, then pay issuance fees and obtain the permit before starting work.
- 09 During construction, call the Lomita Building and Safety office to schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance. Final approval closes out the permit, and a certificate of occupancy is issued for buildings/structures when applicable.
Typical processing time: City-published estimate is about 2 to 3 weeks for screening plus 6 to 8 weeks for plan review, not counting corrections, agency clearances, or rechecks
§ 04
Fee schedule
Lomita building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Permit issuance fee is $81.98 in addition to applicable permit fees; the valuation table shows the smallest listed building permit fee as $130.07 without energy/disabled access checks, or $149.51 for the smallest listed R-occupancy permit fee with those checks
02
Plan check fee
Valuation-based per table; minimum standard-plan check fee is $447.24. The fee schedule also lists a 2% plan maintenance fee based on the building permit fee, with a $29.38 minimum and $1,251.10 maximum
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit and plan-check fees are primarily valuation-based under the City of Lomita building valuation fee table; certain permit types and special reviews are flat-fee or hourly
04
Reinspection fee
The fee schedule separately lists a $649.46 inspection/reinspection fee for Group A, Division 4 structures
05
Penalty (no permit)
Investigation fee for work without a required permit equals the permit fee, but not less than $1,000.15, or $500.08 for one- or two-family owner-builder work. Noncompliance fee after written order is $300.36 for Group R-3 occupancy and $601.18 for other occupancies.
City guidance says applicants are prompted in BSOP to pay plan review fees after screening, and after approval County permit technicians send issuance-fee instructions by email. County plan-check guidance says online account-linked invoices may be paid in person at a district office or through the online system used for the submittal
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- For Lomita contract-city permits, inspections are scheduled by phone through the Lomita Building and Safety office at (310) 534-3760. General County inspections page (online)
- (310) 534-3760 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance and inspections are performed during regular working hours.
- Inspection hours
- Requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance and inspections are performed during regular working hours. Lomita office hours listed by County sample referral sheet are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Time windows
- Requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance and inspections are performed during regular working hours. Lomita office hours listed by County sample referral sheet are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Typical sequence: Post permit/inspection card at the job site; request inspection when work reaches each required phase; keep work accessible and exposed; complete all required rough and progress inspections before concealment; obtain final inspection and final sign-off; receive certificate of occupancy when applicable
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Lomita permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Lomita, CA? ▸
Generally required for new buildings, additions, tenant improvements, ADU conversions, decks, patios, fences over 6 feet, fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, remodels/renovations, occupancy/use changes, garage conversions, new or replaced electrical/mechanical/plumbing work, and grading
02 How much does a building permit cost in Lomita, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Lomita, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Permit issuance fee is $81.98 in addition to applicable permit fees; the valuation table shows the smallest listed building permit fee as $130.07 without energy/disabled access checks, or $149.51 for the smallest listed R-occupancy permit fee with those checks. Fees are calculated as: Building permit and plan-check fees are primarily valuation-based under the City of Lomita building valuation fee table; certain permit types and special reviews are flat-fee or hourly. Plan check fee: Valuation-based per table; minimum standard-plan check fee is $447.24. The fee schedule also lists a 2% plan maintenance fee based on the building permit fee, with a $29.38 minimum and $1,251.10 maximum.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Lomita, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Lomita, CA, follow these steps: 1. Check with the City of Lomita Planning Division whether the project needs a Pre-Review for Building Permit or other planning entitlement; Lomita says this commonly applies to additions, new single-family homes, ADUs, garages, pools, landscaping, and hardscape. 2. If planning review is required, submit the City pre-review application through the City's online permitting portal and obtain City approval or clearance. 3. Create an account in LA County BSOP, search the project address, and apply for the building permit. 4. Upload plans and supporting documents in BSOP. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work should be applied for as separate trade permits when applicable. 5. County staff screens the application for completeness. The City of Lomita says screening is typically about 2 to 3 weeks. 6. Pay plan review fees when prompted so the project can move into plan review. The City of Lomita says plan review is typically about 6 to 8 weeks. 7. Respond to corrections if issued, upload revised plans and response materials in BSOP, and secure any outside agency approvals shown on the agency referral sheet. 8. After approval, wait for permit issuance instructions and fee amounts from County permit staff, then pay issuance fees and obtain the permit before starting work. 9. During construction, call the Lomita Building and Safety office to schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance. Final approval closes out the permit, and a certificate of occupancy is issued for buildings/structures when applicable.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Lomita, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Lomita, CA typically run City-published estimate is about 2 to 3 weeks for screening plus 6 to 8 weeks for plan review, not counting corrections, agency clearances, or rechecks. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Lomita, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Lomita, CA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory sheds, playhouses, and similar structures up to 120 square feet, up to 12 feet high, with roof projection up to 24 inches; Fences not used as pool/spa barriers if masonry/concrete fences are no higher than 6 feet and properly set back, or other fences are no higher than 6 feet; Retaining walls up to 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids; Decks, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route; Prefabricated pools for Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches deep, or do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are entirely above grade; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work where disabled-access requirements do not apply; Minor electrical repair work such as replacement of lamps, switches, receptacles, sockets, and similar items; Limited plumbing repairs such as clearing stoppages or repairing leaks where no valves, pipes, or fixtures are replaced or rearranged; Portable heating, cooling, ventilating, and certain minor mechanical equipment/component replacements. Note: Exemptions do not waive zoning or other legal requirements, and separate plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits may still be required even when a building permit is exempt. Pool barrier devices are not exempt. Grading has its own separate exemption rules When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Lomita, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Lomita, CA via: For Lomita contract-city permits, inspections are scheduled by phone through the Lomita Building and Safety office at (310) 534-3760. General County inspections page, (310) 534-3760. Requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance and inspections are performed during regular working hours..
last verified April 2026
source Los Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division; City of Lomita Community & Economic Development Department handles planning/zoning review tied to building projects ↗
entry id permits/california/los-angeles/lomita
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Los Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division; City of Lomita Community & Economic Development Department handles planning/zoning review tied to building projects before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.