OVERVIEW:

The Building and Safety Division regulates construction and occupancy of all residential, commercial and industrial buildings in order to ensure life, fire and health safety. The Building and Safety Division performs plan check of all proposed construction projects which includes additions and alterations to existing buildings, prior to issuance of building permits. Field inspections are performed on all new construction, additions, alterations and demolitions for compliance with all structural, fire, energy and life safety requirements. 

The responsibilities of the Division also include providing the general public with basic construction information, seismic safety information, calculating of fees, and issuing building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and demolition permits. 

LOCATED AT:

1315 Valley Drive, Room 103, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: (310) 318-0235
Email: CommunityDevelopment@hermosabeach.gov

HOURS OF OPERATION:

7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday - Thursday.

It is closed on Fridays.

CONSTRUCTION HOURS:

Residents, businesses and visitors to our city value a calm, peaceful environment, so we have created times when construction is allowed: 

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday or National Holidays - Construction work is not allowed on these days.

CODES ADOPTED:

• The City has adopted the 2022 California Building Codes, effective January 1, 2023.
• The City does contract Fire Services through LA County Fire and has adopted the Los Angeles County Title 32, Fire Code.  To inquire on their requirements, please contact them directly by CLICKING HERE.

UNIQUE LOCAL REQUIREMENTS:

The local high-water table can cause basement flooding.

Geotechnical Reports are required.

The City requires applicants to submit a geotechnical report before starting construction. This is especially important since Hermosa Beach has areas where the groundwater table ranges from six to 15 feet below ground and there are several subterranean streams running from inland groundwater sources to the Pacific Ocean.  Digging a basement in the coastal zone can breach the ground water table, causing basement flooding.  Water pumps can be used but the risk of saltwater contaminating fresh ground water remains.