Building Safety Division FAQs

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Below you will find a list of our most Frequently Asked Questions.

For all permit applications, general inquiries, and related matters, please visit our EZ Permit Hub to submit any inquiries. The new system provides a user-friendly interface to streamline the process and improve staff ability to respond in a timely manner and track the status of your inquiry.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our dedicated support team at 310-524-2380. They will be happy to help you navigate the new system or address any concerns you may have.

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

What projects require a building permit?
You will need a building permit from the Building Safety Division any time a building or structure is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished. We recommend that you call us at 310-524-2380 to verify permit requirements.
Will I need additional permits?
It depends on the job you are doing. Separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits may be required even if exempted from a building permit. Sign permits, swimming pool/spa, shoring, fence wall, retaining wall, and grading permits may also be required for certain projects. Planning approval may also be required.
Do I need to submit drawings to get a permit?
Yes. In most cases you will need to submit drawings of your project. If you’re not sure if your project requires you to submit drawings, please email us at permits@elsegundo.org or call 310-524-2380 for information.

The following drawings are usually required:
- Plot plans
- Foundation plans
- Floor plans
- Elevation views
- Construction details
How do I get my plans checked?
Our new online service will provide a single place for all Building permit applications, plan submittals, fee payments, reviews, permit issuance, inspection requests, and communication point for City staff.

Applications, plans, and documents must be submitted electronically by clicking below to go to the El Segundo E-Z Permit Hub. Only PDF and JPG file formats will be accepted for attachments.

EZ-Permit Hub
Can I have plans reviewed over the counter?
Building Safety and Planning Plan reviewers can review plans for compliance with City codes and ordinances at the counter prior to submitting for full reviews. Projects will need to be uploaded through our EZ-Permit Hub to be reviewed and issued for construction.

Community Development Staff are available at City Hall on a walk-in basis from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
Can I submit plans for a plan check prior to receiving other City approvals (AUP, CUP, Precise Plan, etc.)?
You may submit plans for a plan check. However, construction plans cannot be approved if certain other required approvals are not obtained first. Applicants who wish to submit plans before they receive other required approvals will be required to state in a letter they clearly understand these terms.
How do I expedite a plan check?
You can expedite the plan review for your project by paying 50% additional plan review fee.
Do field changes (modifications to approved plans) need to be approved?
Yes. Any changes to the approved set of plans must be submitted and approved by the appropriate Department(s) and/or other Agencies before construction changes are implemented. You must adhere to the approved plan.
Some cities allow work without a permit until the first inspection is required. Does El Segundo allow this?
No. Permits are required before any work can be done. Information can be found here.
How can I get a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)?
Certificates of Occupancy cannot be issued until all permits have received final inspection approval and all City Departments have signed off on their areas of responsibility. Complete a Certificate of Occupancy here.
How can I request an inspection?
Please call our 24-hour inspection line at 310-524-2379 or request online at least one working day prior to the desired inspection date. We do not do same-day inspections. If you need to cancel an inspection, please call 24-hour inspection line at 310-524-2379 to request cancellation.
What are the construction hours in El Segundo?
Based on construction noise regulations, all interior or exterior construction or demolition must be performed within permitted hours:
- Monday through Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- No work is permitted on Sundays or national holidays.
- In general, no one can work outside of these hours.
To report a non-allowable working hours noise compliant, please call the El Segundo Police Department at 310-524-2200.

City Municipal Code

D. Construction Noise: Noise sources associated with or vibration created by construction, repair, or remodeling of any real property, provided said activities do not take place between the hours of six o'clock (6:00) p.m. and seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. Monday through Saturday, or at any time on Sunday or a Federal holiday, and provided the noise level created by such activities does not exceed the noise standard of sixty five (65) dBA plus the limits specified in subsection 7-2-4C of this chapter as measured on the receptor residential property line and provided any vibration created does not endanger the public health, welfare and safety.
What types of plan reviews does the Building and Safety offer?
We’ll review plans for any projects within the City of El Segundo. The following are some examples:

Single-Family (SF) Dwelling(s)
- New Building (House, Garage, Accessory Building)
- Addition to an Existing Building
- Remodel to an Existing Building (interior only)
- Grading
- Site Work: fences, driveways, block walls, retaining walls
- Miscellaneous Permits: Re-roofing, siding, windows/doors change, re-stucco, solar panels, EV chargers, etc.
Single Family Home Owner’s Guide to Permits and Inspections Booklet

Multi-Family (MF) Dwelling(s) (Condominium(s) and Apartment(s)
- New Building (Condo, Apartment, House, Garage, Accessory Building)
- Addition to an Existing Building
- Remodel to an Existing Building (interior only)
- Grading
- Site Work: fences, driveways, block walls, retaining walls, landscape, etc.
- Miscellaneous Permits: Re-roofing, siding, windows/doors change, re-stucco, solar panels, EV chargers, etc.
Residential Addition Plan Requirements

Commercial Projects
- New building
- Addition to an existing building
- Remodel to an existing building (interior only) / Tenant Improvement (TI)
- Mechanical equipment (new)
- Signs
- Grading
- Site work: fences, driveways, block walls
- Miscellaneous permit: roof, siding, window change out
- Change of use (other than a restaurant; may not require any TI)
- Change of use to a restaurant
Information about Disabled Access Upgrades and Unreasonable Hardships

Requirements for Changing Use of an Existing Building

Requirements for Tenant Improvement Plans
Where can I get additional information?
Questions to Community Development staff can be sent through the Inquiry section of our EZ-Permit Hub. or call us at 310-524-2380.

We’ll be happy to help.
Are inspections offered on Fridays?
Yes. However there are limited slots available. Inspections are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The cutoff to request an inspection is 3:00 p.m. the day before your requested inspection.
Can I have plans reviewed over the counter by the Fire Department?
Please visit Fire Prevention Plan Check for the availability of the "over the counter" fire plan checks and you may contact Fire Prevention at fireplancheck@elsegundo.org.
Do I need an appointment to speak to a Plan Check Engineer?
Typically, appointments are not necessary. Please visit the Building Safety Counter to speak with a Plan Check Engineer. Should your project be more involved than an over-the- counter consultation, they may advise you to schedule a meeting.
How can I confirm if my inspection request made it to the schedule?
Please call the Inspection line at 310-524-2379.
How can I contact my inspector?
Inspectors are in the field performing inspections for a majority of the day and are only present in the office for a short window of time each day. To meet in person, please visit City Hall between 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m. If you need to speak with them before or after an inspection, please call the Building Safety Division at 310-524-2380, where your message will be transferred. If it is an urgent request, please contact Building Safety and staff will get in touch with the inspectors. You can also call Inspection line at 310-524-2379 and leave a voice message for your inspector.
In one visit, how many different plans/projects can I submit at once?
We do not have a limit. Projects can be simultaneously applied for through our EZ-Permit Hub.
Is there an additional charge for a field change?
Yes. Field changes will be billed at the current hourly review rate. Additional processing fees may apply.
What do I need to bring with me to re-submit plans?
You can now submit your resubmittal for review to p ermits@elsegundo.org.
What is the turnaround time for an "accelerated" plan check submittal versus a "regular" plan check submittal?
An "accelerated" plan check submittal will be reviewed as soon as possible by all reviewers. We aim for a turnaround time of seven business days for reviews.

All other projects will be reviewed on a 1-week, 2-week or 3+-Week review time based on the scope of work selected.
Where can I check my plan check status?
You may view your plan check status at any time using our online portal If a field is blank, it has not been updated by that department, and is still under review. Please have your plan check number ready since the search is based on plan check number.
Will I receive a confirmation email or call for my inspection request?
The requested inspections are assigned to our inspection staff daily and the assigned inspector will call you to confirm a window of the time he/she will inspect your project.