If you're planning a home renovation, addition, or new construction project in Redondo Beach, you almost certainly need a permit. The permit process can feel intimidating — there's paperwork, plan reviews, inspections, and a lot of city jargon — but it's manageable once you understand the steps. This guide walks you through the entire process, from figuring out whether you need a permit to passing your final inspection.
Do you need a permit?
The short answer: if you're doing anything structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical, you almost certainly need a permit. This includes additions, remodels that move or remove walls, new electrical circuits, re-roofing, water heater replacements, HVAC systems, new windows or doors in new openings, retaining walls over a certain height, and most demolition work.
You generally don't need a permit for:cosmetic work like painting, wallpapering, or replacing flooring; replacing kitchen cabinets without moving plumbing; minor repairs that don't change the structure or systems; and fences under six feet (in most cases). When in doubt, call the Building & Safety division at (310) 318-0636 — they'd rather answer your question upfront than discover unpermitted work later.
Planning permits vs. building permits
Redondo Beach has two separate permit tracks, and many projects require both. Understanding the difference saves time and frustration.
Planning permitsdeal with zoning and land use. Does your project comply with setback requirements? Height limits? Lot coverage? Parking requirements? If you're adding square footage, changing the use of a space, or building in a way that might affect your neighbors, you'll likely need a planning review — and in some cases, a public hearing. See our zoning explainer for background. Contact Planning at (310) 318-0637 or PlanningRedondo@redondo.org.
Building permitsdeal with construction standards. Are the plans engineered correctly? Does the electrical work meet code? Is the plumbing up to standard? Building permits ensure the work is safe and follows the California Building Code. Contact Building & Safety at (310) 318-0636 or BuildingRedondo@redondo.org.
For a kitchen remodel that doesn't change the footprint, you probably only need a building permit. For a room addition, you'll need both planning and building permits. For an ADU (accessory dwelling unit), you'll definitely need both. Your first step should always be a conversation with the Community Development Department to figure out which approvals apply to your project.
The application process
The Community Development Department is located at Redondo Beach City Hall, 415 Diamond Street. Counter hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with alternating Fridays. The department is led by Director Marc Wiener.
Step 1: Pre-application consultation.Before you submit anything, visit the counter or call to discuss your project. Staff can tell you which permits you need, flag potential zoning issues, and outline the documentation you'll need. This step is free and can save you weeks of back-and-forth later.
Step 2: Prepare your plans.Most projects require professionally drawn plans. For structural work, you'll need stamped plans from a licensed architect or engineer. The plans should include site plans, floor plans, elevations, structural details, and any relevant calculations. The more complete and accurate your plans, the faster your review will go.
Step 3: Submit your application.Bring your completed application, plans, and any required supplemental documents to the Community Development counter. You'll pay a plan check fee at the time of submission. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation — ask for an estimate during your pre-application consultation.
Working with Community Development
The staff at Community Development are there to help you through the process, not to create obstacles. That said, there are ways to make the process smoother for everyone.
Come to the counter with your property address and a clear description of what you want to do. Bring photos if they help. If you've already worked with a contractor or architect, bring their preliminary drawings. The more information you provide upfront, the more specific the guidance you'll receive.
Counter hours are limited — Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and alternating Fridays. Plan accordingly. Mornings tend to be busiest. If you're making a first visit to discuss a project, mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often a good bet for shorter wait times.
Plan review and corrections
After you submit, your plans go through a review process that typically takes several weeks. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the project and the department's current workload. Simple projects (like a water heater swap) can be approved over the counter the same day. Complex projects (like a major remodel or new construction) may take four to eight weeks for the first review.
Plan check corrections are normal.Don't panic if your plans come back with a list of corrections. This happens on the majority of projects. The plan checker will provide a detailed correction sheet explaining what needs to change. Your architect or engineer addresses the corrections, and you resubmit. Most projects are approved on the first or second resubmittal.
Once your plans are approved, you'll pay the balance of your permit fees and the city issues the building permit. You (or your contractor) can now begin work.
During construction: inspections
Your permit will list the inspections required at various stages of construction. Common inspection points include: foundation (before pouring concrete), framing (before closing up walls), electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, insulation, and final inspection.
You or your contractor schedule inspections by calling the Building & Safety division. Inspections are typically available the next business day. The inspector will either approve the work (sign off on that stage) or note corrections that need to be made before you can proceed.
The final inspectionis the last step. When all work is complete and all inspections have been signed off, the city issues a final sign-off (sometimes called a "final" or a certificate of occupancy for new structures). This confirms that the work was done according to the approved plans and meets all applicable codes. Keep your permit records — you'll want them if you ever sell the property.
Special cases
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): California state law has significantly streamlined the ADU approval process. Redondo Beach must comply with these state requirements, which limit the city's ability to restrict ADUs that meet certain size and location criteria. If you're considering an ADU — whether it's a converted garage, a new backyard unit, or a Junior ADU carved out of your existing home — read our complete ADU guide for the current rules and process.
Solar panels: Solar installations require a permit, but California law requires cities to offer an expedited, streamlined process. Many solar permits can be approved over the counter the same day. Your solar installer will typically handle the permit process for you.
Seismic retrofits:If you own an older building — particularly a soft-story apartment building — you may be subject to mandatory seismic retrofit requirements. The city has specific programs and timelines for these retrofits. Contact Building & Safety to understand your obligations and the permit process.
The building permit process exists to keep people safe. It ensures that the walls hold, the wiring doesn't start fires, and the plumbing doesn't leak into your neighbor's yard. It can be slow. It can be frustrating. But it's not arbitrary — and the staff at Redondo Beach's Community Development Department genuinely want to help you get your project built right. Start with a phone call or a counter visit, and take it one step at a time.