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Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Review
  • Which codes are used by the City of Beverly Hills?
  • How do I prepare my plans for an e-plan submittal?
  • How do I log into the City's Electronic Plan Review system (Project Dox)?
  • My plans are ready, how do I upload my plans into Project Dox (City's E-Plan System)?
  • How do I view corrections in Project Dox (City's E-Plan System)?
  • How do I resubmit corrected plans for old projects/ permits (Pre-10/4/21)?
  • How do I check the status of my plan check?
  • How long is a plan check application valid for?
  • How do I submit my project for electronic plan review?
  • How do I submit revisions to previously-approved plans?
The following Codes with City of Beverly Hills Code Amendments (BHMC Title 9, Chapters 1 and 2) became effective on January 1, 2023:
  • 2022 California Building Code
  • 2022 California Residential Code
  • 2022 California Green Building Standards Code
  • 2022 California Existing Building Code
  • 2022 California Mechanical Code
  • 2022 California Electrical Code
  • 2022 California Plumbing Code
  • 2022 California Energy Code
  • 2022 California Historical Building Code
  • 2022 California Fire Code
  • 2022 California Existing Building Code
  • 2022 California Referenced Standards Code
  • 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
  • Electronic Plan Review submittal information is located on the City's website.
  • Should you require technical Electronic Plan Review assistance, please send a screenshot of the issue to: EplanSupport@beverlyhills.org (Subject Line: "E-Plan Technical Support")
Electronic Plan Review information is located on the City's website. Should you require technical Electronic Plan Review assistance, please send a screenshot of the issue to:EplanSupport@beverlyhills.org (Subject Line: "E-Plan Technical Support")
  • Electronic Plan Review information is located on the City's website.
  • A video of the file upload process can be viewed here.

Electronic Plan Review correction information is located on the City's E-Plan webpage.

  • Electronic Plan Review correction information is located on the City's website.
  • These are ONLY applicable to old Projects/Permits. New Permits generated after October 4, 2021 will have a different process.
  • A plan check application is valid for five hundred forty-five (545) calendar days (18 months) from the plan check fee payment. A permit must be issued within the aforementioned timeframe.
  • Section 9-1-107(L)(3) of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code states that "An application for a permit for any proposed work for which no permit is issued within five hundred forty-five (545) calendar days (18 months) following the date of application shall expire by limitation, and construction documents, plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official. Any expired application shall require a new application and applicable fees as determined by the building official shall be paid."
Complete the Plan Review and Permit Application and email it to the permit center (cdpermits@beverlyhills.org) for processing. City staff will process the application (2-3 day turnaround) and send an invitation to the primary applicant to upload the electronic plan files. Additional information is located at: beverlyhills.org/eplan
  • First, contact your plan review team to determine if the work is eligible for a revision.
  • Once confirmed, please complete the Plan Review and Permit Application and email it to permit center (cdpermits@beverlyhills.org).
  • On the application, please state: "Revision to approved Permit # BS2... (Provide a detailed description stating what the revision is for)"
  • Permit center staff will process the application and re-open the project in Project Dox (City's electronic plan check system) in order for the applicant to upload and submit the revised plans for review.
Permit Information
  • Why is a Building Permit required?
  • When is a Building Permit required?
  • Who can apply for a Building Permit?
  • What projects can be reviewed in an "over-the-counter" plan review appointment, and what type of projects require electronic plan review? (Plan Check Timeline?)
  • Where can I apply for a permit?
  • How long is a building permit valid for?
  • How can I pay for my Community Development Department fees?
  • How much will my Plan Review and Permit Fees Cost?
  • I am trying to pay fees online, however, the payment won't go through. What should I do?
  • Where can I locate applications, forms, checklists, and informational handouts?
  • 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:
  • When is a Means & Method Plan required?
  • I am a contractor working on a project in the City of Beverly Hills, but my business is located outside Beverly Hills. Am I subject to any business tax/business license fees?
  • When is a water efficient landscaping permit or landscape water meter required? Where can I find information about soft-story seismic retrofit program?
A building permit is a license that grants legal permission to start construction of a building project. Permits allow the enforcement of the codes that have been adopted as law by the State of California and they provide the means for code officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used. You have an investment in the home or business you are about to build or remodel; when that home or business building does not comply with the codes, your investment could be reduced. The City cannot design nor prepare your documents for you. If you do not know how to prepare construction documents then you should consider hiring a licensed contractor, designer, licensed architect, or licensed engineer. In the State of California building is a privilege, not a right. Much in the same way you need a driver's license to drive a motor vehicle, you need a building permit to construct.
  • Section 9-1-107 of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code states that "no building, structure or building service equipment regulated by this code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, installed, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate, appropriate application has been made and permit for each building, structure or building service equipment has first been obtained from the building official. No grading shall occur without the prior procurement of a grading permit or as authorized by the building official."
  • Section 9-1-107 (B) of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code lists work exempt from 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".
  • 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

"Over the counter" permits require an appointment. Call (310) 285-1141 to schedule an appointment.


Our address is:

455 North Rexford Drive, 1st Floor

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

  • Building permits are valid for one year (365 calendar days) from the issuance date of such permit. Construction must begin, and inspections must be scheduled within the aforementioned timeline. The permit expiration date will be extended for an additional one hundred eighty (180) calendar days after the date of the last successful inspection.
  • Section 9-1-107(N) of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code provides additional information.
    Credit Card: Pay in person or online. Check: Pay in person or via mail.
    • Mail Check to: City of Beverly Hills, CDD 455 North Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
    • Make Payable to: City of Beverly Hills, CDD Permit activity #
    Wire Transfer
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.
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  • If you are not able to make an online payment after following the first two steps, please email a screenshot of the error message to cdpermits@beverlyhills.org to troubleshoot.
Please visit the City's Form Library webpage to access these documents.
If the 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 & Method Plan to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance Division.
The City of Beverly Hills requires all general contractors to pay a Contractor's Business Tax Registration fee on each project, equivalent to 0.2125% of the project valuation. All sub-contractors employed by a general contractor are covered by this fee. The fee is assessed when a building permit is issued, and requires no filing of additional paperwork with the City.
Permit Management and Modifications
  • How do I change the contractor on an issued building permit?
  • How do I change the owner on an issued building permit?
  • How do I change the professional (engineer or architect) on an issued building permit?
  • How do I apply for a plan check or permit fee refund?
  • My construction project is complete, how do I apply for a bond refund?
To change the contractor on a permitted jobsite, a "Change of Contractor Form" and new Permit Application (signed by the new contractor of record) must be submitted via email to CDPermits@beverlyhills.org for processing. A change of contractor fee will be applicable per permit activity.
To change the owner on a permitted jobsite, a completed Change of Ownership checklist and associated documentation must be submitted via email to cdpermits@beverlyhills.org for processing. A change of ownership fee will be applicable per permit activity. Bond activities are not transferable.
To change the architect or engineer on a permitted jobsite, an applicant must submit a completed Change of Professional Form via email to cdpermits@beverlyhills.org for processing. A change of professional fee will be applicable per activity. New plans must also be submitted, and hourly plan check fees will be applicable.

Some fees may be eligible to be refunded. Please refer to the Beverly Hills Municipal Code Section 9-1-110E for more information.

Bonds are eligible to be refunded back to the original payee (depositor) when the bond conditions of approval have been met, and the permits have been "finaled" by the project inspector. Applicants must email the following documents to cdpermits@beverlyhills.org for processing:

General Information
  • What are the approved construction hours? Can I work on a holiday?
  • Is Romex wire allowed to be installed in single family and multi-family residential homes?
  • I am selling my property. What do I need to do?
Yes, Romex wire (and all other electrical wires/cables) are allowed to be installed in single family and multi-family residential homes when installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code. Romex wire was previously outlawed in Beverly Hills for construction work that occurred prior to January 2008.

A Sale of Property Affidavit must be completed and emailed to cdpermits@beverlyhills.org upon transfer of property.

Inspections
  • How do I schedule a private property (Building & Safety) inspection?
  • How do I cancel my private property (Building & Safety) inspection?
  • How do I submit construction documents to my building inspector?
  • How do I schedule a Public Works (PW) inspection?
Inspections may be scheduled up to ten days in advance. A limited number of next-day inspections are available beginning at 9 am each weekday. Login to the CitySmart portal to request a private property building inspection. For detailed instructions on how to schedule online inspections, please view our step-by-step Online Inspection Guide.
Inspections can be cancelled using the City's City Smart Portal. Call the Community Development Department directly at 310-285-1141 if you need to cancel an inspection within 24 hours so we can notify the inspector before they leave for the field.
  • The City of Beverly Hills' Development Services Division requires construction documents necessary to show compliance with state and local construction codes to be submitted to your Building Inspector via email.
  • Email documents to: fieldreports@beverlyhills.org
  • Visit the City's Field Report webpage for more information.
As listed in the conditions of your "PW" permit, applicants must schedule an inspection at least 5 business days before the anticipated start date. Please contact Supervising PW Inspector (Jeff Bartizal) at 310-285-2518 or jbartizal@beverlyhills.org at least 5 business days before work starts for field coordination.
Trousdale Estates
  • How do I certify a heavy vehicle before traveling to the Trousdale Estates?
  • How do I request a heavy hauling approval for the Trousdale Estates?
  • Where can I locate the Trousdale Certified Truck List?
  • Where can I locate the City-Approved Heavy Truck Route?
Prior to hauling in the Trousdale Estates, vehicles that exceed 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight GVW or 10,000 pounds GVW with 3 or more axles must be inspected. Please complete the Online Application to initiate the vehicle inspection process. City staff will notify you as soon as the permit fees are ready to be paid online.
  • Before construction can begin in the Trousdale Estates, general contractors must submit a Construction Traffic Management Plan and an Acknowledgment Form via email to Trousdale@beverlyhills.org to register the Trousdale jobsite. (These forms only need to be submitted one time at the beginning of the project.)
  • The City must also receive a 24-hour notice before any heavy (certified [exceeds 26,000 pounds GVW or 10,000 pounds GVW with 3 or more axles]) vehicles travel to the jobsite. No vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 50,400 pounds or more may travel on any street within the Trousdale Estates Area. If a truck exceeding 50,400 pounds approved for use in the Trousdale Estates area, additional conditions will be required.
  • Please email the Notification of Hauling Form to trousdale@beverlyhills.org to obtain City hauling approval.
  • The contractor must receive a reply email from the City, acknowledging receipt and approval for hauling in the Trousdale Estates area, prior to the truck arriving in the Trousdale Estates area.
The Certified Truck List and other Trousdale information is located on the City's Trousdale webpage: beverlyhills.org/trousdale
The Heavy Truck Route and other public right of way use information is located on the City's R-O-W webpage: beverlyhills.org/row. If it is necessary for a vehicle to deviate from the designated streets to reach its destination address, the vehicle shall travel by a route so that the point of travel is the shortest possible distance over prohibited streets. However, if the additional distance of travel to reach the shortest route would exceed two miles, the vehicle may take the most direct route to its destination.
Public Right-of-Way
  • How can I find information about Public Right-of-Way use permit fees?
  • When is a Public Right-of-Way use permit required?
  • When is an excavation permit required?
  • When is a utility permit required, and who can apply for?
  • Is a separate permit required for construction-related hauling?
  • When is a traffic control plan required?
  • What is the traffic plan application and submittal process?

A Public Right-of-Way Permit is required for any activity (e.g. loading/unloading of construction materials, cranes, ladders, dumpster, construction barricades) that uses public right-of-way including but not limited to sidewalks, parkways, streets, and public property.


Also this permit applies to repairs of the Public Sidewalk, Streets, Alleys, Curb & Gutter, etc.


Loading/unloading of construction materials on private property does not require a Public Right-of-Way Use permit. More information including the application form, sample insurance requirements, and City of BH standard drawings can be found via links below.


Application- ROW USE


Sample Insurance Req.


CBH Standard Drawings (See section 1 for street improvement standards)

An Excavation permit is required for any excavation in the public right-of-way. Sewer laterals, telecom lines, Edison Conduit, any other excavation or utility work done by a private contractor. (Utility Companies need to apply for Utility permit).


Sewer Lateral permits require California "A", "C-42"or "C-34" licensed contractor "C-36" plumbing may not pull permits for work outside of private property.


More information including the application form, sample insurance requirements, City of BH standard drawings, and sewer lateral locations can be found via links below.


Application-Excavation


Sample Insurance Req.


CBH Standard Drawings (See section 1 for street improvement standards, Section 2 for Sewer standards)


Sewer Lateral Locations - North of Santa Monica Blvd.


Sewer Lateral Locations - South of Santa Monica Blvd.; North of Wilshire Blvd.


Sewer Lateral Locations - South of Wilshire Blvd.

Utility permits, along with plan submittal of proposed work, are issued only to utility companies, and are required before any utility company performs any work in the public right-of-way. (For Edison, AT&T, Spectrum, SoCal Gas Co., etc.). More information including the application form and sample insurance requirements can be found via links below.


Application-Utility Permit


Sample Insurance Req.

No separate permit is required for construction-related hauling. The hauling of construction debris, material, or equipment is regulated in conjunction with Building, Grading, Demolition, or Public Right-of-Way Use permits.


Permit applicants are responsible for abiding by all hauling conditions listed on the aforementioned construction permits.


Vehicles exceeding 6,000 lbs. (gross vehicle weight), or wider than 8'-6", may only travel on streets designated for heavy vehicle usage (also reference the Approved Heavy Haul Street Map below).


If it is necessary for a vehicle to deviate from the designated streets to reach its destination address, the vehicle shall travel by a route so that the point of travel is the shortest possible distance over prohibited streets. However, if the additional distance of travel to reach the shortest route would exceed two miles, the vehicle may take the most direct route to its destination.


For approved heavy hauling routes, use link below:

Approved Heavy Hauling Routes


*** NOTE ALL HAULING AND OR WORK IN TROUSDALE MUST ABIDE BY TROUSDALE HAULING RESTRICTIONS ***

TROUSDALE HAULING INFO

Any and all work that will impact travel lanes and or pedestrian access will require traffic control plans. This applies to EXCAVATION permit, Public Right-of-Way use permit & Utility Permit.


The following information (as a minimum) shall be shown on traffic control plans:

  • Plot Plan of Working Area
  • Street Names
  • Quantity of Lanes impacted
  • Location of work
  • Vehicle Parking Locations
  • Construction Sign Locations
  • Traffic Control Handbook - Delineation Codes

**Major streets and signalized street/intersections require engineer stamp on plans**


Sample traffic control plans can be found in "California Temporary Traffic Control Handbook" (following link):

SAMPLE TRAFFIC CONTROL

  • Complete ROW, Excavation or Utility permit application
  • Completed After-Hours permit application (if needed)
  • Insurance certificate - Insurance Requirements Sample Insurance Req.

Applications must be submitted through the City Hall Permit Center during regular business hours or can be emailed to cdpermits@beverlyhills.org.


Please Note: All drawings, closure scenarios, striping, markings and signs shall comply with the Current CA MUTCD-California Supplement-Part 6, "Temporary Traffic Control". California MUTCD 2014 Edition Part 6

Records
  • Where can I locate my permit records?
  • Where can I locate building permit records and permit reports?
  • The City utilizes the CitySmart online permit portal system to manage City permits. This is where you can access and pay for your Planning, Building and Safety, Public Works, Fire Department, and Special Events permits (CitySmart). You can also pay for Code Enforcement related fees and schedule construction inspections, etc.
  • To manage your permits, please login here: https://cs.beverlyhills.org/csportal/
The Community Development Department provides access to building records for residential and commercial properties. Visit the page to access records: beverlyhills.org/records
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