Building Permit Application

Step 1.Gather your Document and Review Submittal Requirements

• Copy of Homeowners Association approval letter
• Grant Deed for recent change in ownership
• Asbestos declaration
• Agent authorization
• Backfill of pool and covenant
• Wireless facilities
• Instructions for 10-day, 100 ft. construction notice
• Instructions for 30-day Notification to Intent to Excavate
• Owner Certification form (OC-1R)
• Plan Check thresholds
• Residential submittal requirements
• Signage
• Tenant Improvement, Commercial/Industrial Building
• Window replacement

Some documents may not be applicable to your application. When preparing your submittal, please make sure to follow the document formatting guidelines.

Step 2.Create an Account or Logon to Culver City Permit Portal

How to create an account

Register or Sign in to Online Permit portal

Step 3.Apply Online

Note:  A separate application is required for each structure and each record type (Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Demo, Solar).

1. Click on the Building tab
2. Choose Create an Application
3. Accept "terms" and Continue Application
4. Choose Building and fill out information

• If a single address is found, the system will automatically populate the address, parcel number, and owner information.
• If multiple addresses are available, choose the correct one for your project.

If the parcel number or owner information has recently changed, please check the "Change of Ownership" box and upload the grant deed when submitting your documents.

Upload all required plans and documents under the "documents tab"

Once the application is complete, a permit record number will be assigned to your account under the "My Records" tab.

Step 4.Application Review and Pay Fees

Building Safety staff will review your application submission for completeness and accuracy in preparation for plan check.

• Complete Application: You will be notified by email to pay the plan check fees. Once the fees are paid, your plans will be routed to other divisions for review.
• Incomplete Application: Staff will provide a list of items that need to be completed before your submittal can proceed.

You can expect a response within 2 to 3 business days.  All communication about next steps will be sent via email and available through the Culver City Permit Portal.

Step 5.Plan check

Projects under the Plan Check Threshold will skip this step

Plan check comments and responses are managed through the Culver City Permit Portal. Typically, more than one plan check round is required, with each round taking approximately 20 business days, or 5 days for qualified expedited reviews.  

Step 6.Permit Issuance

• Verify Active Licenses: Ensure both the City Business License and State Contractor License are active.
• Pay Permit Fees: (See the Fee Schedule, Development Impact Fees, and Sewer Fees) Fees can be paid through the Culver City Permit Portal.
• Receive and Sign Permit: An email will be sent to the contractor for a signature. Once signed, the approved construction documents can be downloaded from the Culver City Permit Portal. View Issued Permits: See a sample permit(PDF, 6MB).

Step 7.Construction Phase

• Begin construction within one year of permit issuance, schedule necessary inspections, complete the project, and pass the final inspection.
• Project timelines vary.

Step 1.Gather your Document and Review Submittal Requirements

• Copy of Homeowners Association approval letter
• Grant Deed for recent change in ownership
• Asbestos declaration
• Agent authorization
• Backfill of pool and covenant
• Wireless facilities
• Instructions for 10-day, 100 ft. construction notice
• Instructions for 30-day Notification to Intent to Excavate
• Owner Certification form (OC-1R)
• Plan Check thresholds
• Residential submittal requirements
• Signage
• Tenant Improvement, Commercial/Industrial Building
• Window replacement

Some documents may not be applicable to your application.When preparing your submittal, please make sure to follow the document formatting guidelines

Step 2.Permit Application

Note: A separate application and submittal is required for each structure and each record type (Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Demo, Solar).

Complete the permit application for the specified scope of work:

• Building Permit Application(PDF, 269KB)
• Wireless Facilities Supplemental to Building Permit-Application(PDF, 172KB)
• Mechanical Permit Application(PDF, 601KB)
• Electrical Permit Application(PDF, 247KB)
• Plumbing Permit Application(PDF, 267KB)

Please be sure to provide a contact name, phone number and email address.

Step 3.Submittal

Drop of the application, plans, and supporting documentation to the Building Safety Division counter, City Hall, second floor, between the hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Thursday and  open Fridays.

For a Building application bring 4 full size plan sets.

For Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing applications bring 2 full side plan sets.

Step 4.Application Review and Pay Fees

Building Safety staff will review your application for completeness and accuracy in preparation for plan check.

• Complete Application: Pay the plan check fees. Once the fees are paid, your plans will be routed to other divisions for review.
• Incomplete Application: Staff will provide a list of items that need to be completed before your submittal can proceed.

   

Step 5.Plan check

Projects under the Plan Check Threshold will skip this step

Staff will notify the applicant via email of plan check comments or approval. Typically, more than one plan check round is required, with each round taking approximately 20 business days, or 10 days for qualified expedited reviews.  

Step 6.Permit Issuance

• Verify Active Licenses: Ensure both the City Business License and State Contractor License are active.
• Pay Permit Fees: (See the Fee Schedule, Development Impact Fees, and Sewer Fees) Fees can be paid in person or via email.
• Receive and Sign Permit: Sign the permit in person or via email. Once signed, pick up the approved construction documents at the Building Safety Counter. 
• View Issued Permits: See a sample permit(PDF, 6MB).

Step 7.Construction Phase

• Begin construction within one year of permit issuance, schedule necessary inspections, complete the project, and pass the final inspection.
• Project timelines vary. For more information see plan check and permit extensions.