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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for West Hollywood
West Hollywood Building Code section 106.1 requires a permit before a person erects, constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, improves, removes, connects, converts, demolishes, or equips a building or structure. Separate trade permits are also required for covered electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work unless a specific exemption applies.
A one-story detached residential accessory building used as a shed, playhouse, or similar use if projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet and height does not exceed 12 feet
Fences and walls not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not supporting more than 4 feet of earth, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids
Flagpoles not erected on a building and not more than 15 feet high
Residential canopies or awnings projecting no more than 54 inches and not encroaching into setbacks
Light standards not over 30 feet high, although electrical permits are still required for the wiring
Playground equipment
Minor electrical repair work such as replacement of lamps, switches, receptacles, and sockets
Electrical work under 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts
Temporary Christmas decorative lighting
Replacement of overcurrent devices of the same type and rating
Plumbing leak repairs or clearing stoppages where regulated piping is not being replaced
Repairing leaks in water piping, valves, or fixtures
Portable heating appliances
Portable ventilating appliances
Portable comfort cooling units
Replacement of an appliance component or assembly that does not alter its approval and otherwise complies with code
Unit refrigeration systems
- Exempt A one-story detached residential accessory building used as a shed, playhouse, or similar use if projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet and height does not exceed 12 feet
- Exempt Fences and walls not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not supporting more than 4 feet of earth, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids
- Exempt Flagpoles not erected on a building and not more than 15 feet high
- Exempt Residential canopies or awnings projecting no more than 54 inches and not encroaching into setbacks
- Exempt Light standards not over 30 feet high, although electrical permits are still required for the wiring
- Exempt Playground equipment
- Exempt Minor electrical repair work such as replacement of lamps, switches, receptacles, and sockets
- Exempt Electrical work under 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts
- Exempt Temporary Christmas decorative lighting
- Exempt Replacement of overcurrent devices of the same type and rating
- Exempt Plumbing leak repairs or clearing stoppages where regulated piping is not being replaced
- Exempt Repairing leaks in water piping, valves, or fixtures
- Exempt Portable heating appliances
- Exempt Portable ventilating appliances
- Exempt Portable comfort cooling units
- Exempt Replacement of an appliance component or assembly that does not alter its approval and otherwise complies with code
- Exempt Unit refrigeration systems
Note: The City says some work exempt from a Building & Safety permit still requires Planning Division approval. Trade-specific exemptions are narrow; if replacement becomes installation/reconfiguration, a permit may be required.
Required documents
- At minimum, a complete application, applicable fees, and a complete electronic set of construction documents uploaded through the portal. Depending on project type, the City also references calculations, geotechnical reports, outside-agency approvals, contractor license information, workers' compensation documentation, business tax certificate information, and authorization letters for agents. Owner-builder applications require ID and proof of ownership
- trust/entity ownership requires signatory documentation.
- Building code
- As of projects submitted on or after January 1, 2026, the City states they must comply with the statewide 2025 California Building Codes and 2026 Los Angeles County Amendments, as adopted by West Hollywood. The FAQ page still lists the prior 2023-effective code set for earlier projects.
- Permit validity
- A plan check application expires if no permit is issued within 1 year, with up to two 180-day extensions on written request and an extension fee not exceeding 25% of the plan check fee. A building permit expires if work is not commenced within 12 months, if work is suspended/abandoned for 180 days, or if required inspections are not obtained for 180 days. Extensions of up to 180 days may be granted on written request, with a fee not exceeding 25% of the permit fee; otherwise a new full permit fee is required after expiration.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder permits are limited to single-family dwellings and duplex projects only. ADUs, multifamily projects, and commercial developments require a licensed contractor. The owner must be improving their principal residence, must have lived there at least 1 year, and the work cannot be intended for sale within 1 year after completion.
- Contractor requirements
- The City directs applicants to provide California contractor license information, requires a business tax certificate for contractors, and states that commercial-property building permits require a licensed contractor. The City also notes that all projects outside the limited owner-builder allowance require a licensed contractor.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Permit applications are processed within about 3 business days for intake per the permitting services page snippet; projects requiring plan check are generally contacted within 4-6 weeks of submittal, with at least 3 business days for prescreening before review starts. No expedited service is offered.
- 01 Confirm the property is in West Hollywood and determine whether the scope needs only a permit or also planning/outside-agency approvals.
- 02 Create a Permit & License Portal account. The City requires applicants to register, and it instructs users with older projects already in plan check to register with the same email used on the original application.
- 03 Prepare a complete electronic submittal package. West Hollywood accepts electronic plan/doc submissions through the portal and does not accept physical plans for Building & Safety plan check.
- 04 Submit the application through the portal, upload documents, and pay applicable initial fees. The City says a submittal is formally processed only after the application is completed, fees are paid, and a complete set of construction documents is uploaded.
- 05 Wait for prescreening. The City asks applicants to allow at least 3 business days after upload for prescreening; incomplete packages or noncompliant e-plan files will delay review.
- 06 Respond to corrections and resubmit through the portal if reviewers issue comments.
- 07 After approvals and invoicing, pay remaining fees through the portal. The permit and approved plans are then released through the online system.
- 08 Keep printed approved plans at the jobsite and schedule required inspections through the portal before covering work.
Typical processing time: Permit applications are processed within about 3 business days for intake per the permitting services page snippet; projects requiring plan check are generally contacted within 4-6 weeks of submittal, with at least 3 business days for prescreening before review starts. No expedited service is offered.
Source: City of West Hollywood Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
West Hollywood building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
The FAQ states each permit type carries a processing fee of $38.60.
02
Plan check fee
Not stated as a single universal rate in the public pages reviewed; plan check extension fees may be charged up to 25% of the original plan check fee. Qualifying residential rooftop solar and qualifying EV charging station projects may have building/electrical/plumbing plan check and permit fees waived, though planning zone clearance and state/outside-agency fees may still apply.
03
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are valuation-based. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are generally charged per item. Grading permit fees are based on the larger of cut or fill volume. Swimming pool valuations use a predetermined cost per square foot. Miscellaneous permits not specifically listed are charged on an hourly estimate.
04
Trade permit fee
Building permit fees are valuation-based. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are generally charged per item. Grading permit fees are based on the larger of cut or fill volume. Swimming pool valuations use a predetermined cost per square foot. Miscellaneous permits not specifically listed are charged on an hourly estimate.
05
Reinspection fee
No general reinspection fee was clearly published in the pages reviewed.
West Hollywood invoices fees through the portal. Applicants can add invoices to the cart and pay online once fees have been invoiced by the jurisdiction.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Inspections are scheduled through the Permit & License Portal at (online)
- Inspections are scheduled through the Permit & License Portal at https://www.weho.org/services/online-services/permits and the direct Tyler portal at (online)
- inspector@weho.org (email)
- (323) 848-6335 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests must be scheduled before 4:00 PM for coordination the next business day.
- Inspection hours
- Inspection requests must be scheduled before 4:00 PM for coordination the next business day. The jobsite must be available within 3 hours of the time shown on the inspection record. Construction hours are generally 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday, with interior work only on Saturdays; no construction on Sundays or City holidays.
- Time windows
- Inspection requests must be scheduled before 4:00 PM for coordination the next business day. The jobsite must be available within 3 hours of the time shown on the inspection record. Construction hours are generally 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday, with interior work only on Saturdays; no construction on Sundays or City holidays.
Typical sequence: Permit issuance, keep approved 24 x 36 plans onsite, request inspections as the work reaches required stages, resolve any corrections, and obtain final inspection. Inspection results/history are posted in the portal; the City does not issue paper inspection cards.
Source: City of West Hollywood Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about West Hollywood permits
01 Do I need a building permit in West Hollywood, CA? ▸
West Hollywood Building Code section 106.1 requires a permit before a person erects, constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, improves, removes, connects, converts, demolishes, or equips a building or structure. Separate trade permits are also required for covered electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work unless a specific exemption applies.
02 How much does a building permit cost in West Hollywood, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in West Hollywood, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is The FAQ states each permit type carries a processing fee of $38.60.. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are valuation-based. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are generally charged per item. Grading permit fees are based on the larger of cut or fill volume. Swimming pool valuations use a predetermined cost per square foot. Miscellaneous permits not specifically listed are charged on an hourly estimate.. Plan check fee: Not stated as a single universal rate in the public pages reviewed; plan check extension fees may be charged up to 25% of the original plan check fee. Qualifying residential rooftop solar and qualifying EV charging station projects may have building/electrical/plumbing plan check and permit fees waived, though planning zone clearance and state/outside-agency fees may still apply..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in West Hollywood, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in West Hollywood, CA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the property is in West Hollywood and determine whether the scope needs only a permit or also planning/outside-agency approvals. 2. Create a Permit & License Portal account. The City requires applicants to register, and it instructs users with older projects already in plan check to register with the same email used on the original application. 3. Prepare a complete electronic submittal package. West Hollywood accepts electronic plan/doc submissions through the portal and does not accept physical plans for Building & Safety plan check. 4. Submit the application through the portal, upload documents, and pay applicable initial fees. The City says a submittal is formally processed only after the application is completed, fees are paid, and a complete set of construction documents is uploaded. 5. Wait for prescreening. The City asks applicants to allow at least 3 business days after upload for prescreening; incomplete packages or noncompliant e-plan files will delay review. 6. Respond to corrections and resubmit through the portal if reviewers issue comments. 7. After approvals and invoicing, pay remaining fees through the portal. The permit and approved plans are then released through the online system. 8. Keep printed approved plans at the jobsite and schedule required inspections through the portal before covering work.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in West Hollywood, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in West Hollywood, CA typically run Permit applications are processed within about 3 business days for intake per the permitting services page snippet; projects requiring plan check are generally contacted within 4-6 weeks of submittal, with at least 3 business days for prescreening before review starts. No expedited service is offered.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in West Hollywood, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in West Hollywood, CA. The following work is generally exempt: A one-story detached residential accessory building used as a shed, playhouse, or similar use if projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet and height does not exceed 12 feet; Fences and walls not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not supporting more than 4 feet of earth, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids; Flagpoles not erected on a building and not more than 15 feet high; Residential canopies or awnings projecting no more than 54 inches and not encroaching into setbacks; Light standards not over 30 feet high, although electrical permits are still required for the wiring; Playground equipment; Minor electrical repair work such as replacement of lamps, switches, receptacles, and sockets; Electrical work under 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts; Temporary Christmas decorative lighting; Replacement of overcurrent devices of the same type and rating; Plumbing leak repairs or clearing stoppages where regulated piping is not being replaced; Repairing leaks in water piping, valves, or fixtures; Portable heating appliances; Portable ventilating appliances; Portable comfort cooling units; Replacement of an appliance component or assembly that does not alter its approval and otherwise complies with code; Unit refrigeration systems. Note: The City says some work exempt from a Building & Safety permit still requires Planning Division approval. Trade-specific exemptions are narrow; if replacement becomes installation/reconfiguration, a permit may be required. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in West Hollywood, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in West Hollywood, CA via: Inspections are scheduled through the Permit & License Portal at, Inspections are scheduled through the Permit & License Portal at https://www.weho.org/services/online-services/permits and the direct Tyler portal at, inspector@weho.org, (323) 848-6335. Inspection requests must be scheduled before 4:00 PM for coordination the next business day..
last verified April 2026
source City of West Hollywood Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/california/los-angeles/west-hollywood
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of West Hollywood Community Development Department, Building & Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.