Q. When Do I Need a Permit? A. Any building or structure which is erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished will require a building permit from the Building Safety Division. When in doubt, please give us a call to verify permit requirements: (310) 524-2380. Q. Are There Any Exceptions? A. Yes. A building permit is not required for: One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high. Painting, papering and similar finish work. Prefabricated swimming pools, part of single family house in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons. Wood fences not over 6 feet high. Q. Are Any Other Permits Required? A. Separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits may be required even if exempted from a building permit. Sign permits and grading permits may also be required for certain projects, zoning approval may also be required. Q. Do I Need to Submit Drawings in Order to Obtain a Permit? A.In most cases you would need drawings. Please call (310) 524-2380 for information. Drawings would typically include: a plot plan a foundation plan a floor plan one or more elevation views construction details other information depending on the complexity of the project Q. Can I Get an Over-the-Counter Review of my Plans? A. All plans are reviewed by Certified Plans Examiners who make every attempt to review your plans in a timely manner. Over-the-counter plan reviews are available for small projects which have been prepared with enough information to show conformance with the code(s) and other ordinances of this City. Q. What Does a Permit Cost? A. Building permits are based on the valuation of the permit. [Valuation includes the total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued, as well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire-extinguishing systems and any other permanent equipment plus finish work]. As an example, a small commercial/industrial tenant improvement with a total valuation of $50,000 would cost $207.25 for the Building Code plan review, $103.63 for the Energy Compliance plan review, and $414.50 for the Building Permit. A bedroom addition with a total valuation of $15,000 would cost $81.00 for the Building Code plan review, $40.50 for the Energy Compliance plan review, and $162.00 for the Building Permit. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are based on the number and type of fixtures and/or devices which are being installed. Q. What if I Need Help? Who Should I Call? A. Call the Building Safety Division at (310) 524-2380. Your call will be directed to the appropriate person. Q. Can I Get Permits By Mail? A. No Q. Can I Expedite my Plan Review? A. Yes. Expedited plan checks will be reviewed, in most cases, by the City's plan check consultant. In addition to the normal plan check fees, an additional charge of $75 per hour will be assessed. Expedited plan reviews must be requested, in writing, by the applicant. Q. How long will it take for Staff to review my plans? A. A review of your plans will usually take from four to five weeks. This will vary with the complexity and completeness of your plans. An expedited plan review will  be completed within 2-3 weeks. Q. In order to save time, may I submit plans for plan check prior to receiving other City approvals (AUP, CUP, Precise Plan, etc.)? A. Yes. A letter from the applicant will be required which clearly states an understanding that construction plans can not be approved if certain other approvals are not obtained first. Q. Do field changes (modifications to the approved set of plans) need to be approved by your Department? A. 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. Q. When can I get my Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)? A. When all permits have received final inspection approval and when all City Departments have signed off on their area of responsibility. Q. Some Cities allow us to work without a permit up to a point where the first inspection is required prior to plan check approval. Is this practice allowed in El Segundo? A. No. Permits are required prior to work. Q. I am looking into buying a home in El Segundo. How can I find out what permits were issued for a particular property? A. The Building Safety Division maintains microfiche records of both residential and commercial properties that may be looked at during regular business hours. Copies of permits may be copied for $1.00 per sheet. We are able to provide copies of plans if you have written permission from the architect and from the building owner. Q. How Can I Request An Inspection? A. Please call our 24-hour inspection line at (310) 524-2379 at least one working day prior to the desired inspection. Or you may schedule your inspection by e-mail: inspections@elsegundo.org Q. What Codes Are Used: A. We are currently enforcing the 2007 version of the California Building Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Mechanical Code and the California Plumbing Code. Q. Are there any special code requirements in El Segundo? A. Yes: New electrical services are required to be installed in a minimum 2" underground raceway. Driveway permits are required. Hours of construction are from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No work is permitted on Sundays or holidays. Ask a question not found here. Ask a question