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When is a Building Permit required?

Section 106.1 of the West Hollywood Building Code states that "no person shall erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, connect, convert, demolish, or equip any building, structure, or portion thereof???without first obtaining a separate permit for each such building or structure??.. from the building official".

Section 106.3 of the West Hollywood Building Code exempts the following items from building permits:

  • A one-story, detached residential accessory building, used as a tool shed, storage shed, playhouse, or for a similar use, provided the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet and the height does not exceed 12 feet. (Planning Division is required)
  • Wire fences not over 12 feet in height and other fences and walls not over 6 feet in height.
  • Retaining walls that do not support more than 3 feet of earth, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids.
  • Flagpoles not erected upon a building and not more than 15 feet in height.
  • Canopies or awnings attached to a residential building or a residential accessory building and not extending more than 54 inches from the exterior wall of the building (and not encroaching into yard setback areas).
  • Light standards not over 30 feet in height (although electrical permits are required for the wiring of light standards).
  • Playground equipment.
  • NOTE: Although the above listed items do not require permits from the Building and Safety Division, you must obtain approval from the Planning Division prior to installation or construction of the listed items.