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Building & Safety Division
Building Official: David Rasor
Division Focus
The Building and Safety Division's focus is on building construction safety through the implementation and enforcement of construction standards and codes. The Building and Safety division functions include checking plans for compliance with all of the applicable codes, issuing building permits, and conducting inspections of the construction projects as they progress to ensure that the code standards are met and that the project is constructed in accordance with the approved plans. In addition, the division coordinates with the city's geological consultants on the review of geology and soils reports for new construction projects.
WHEN IS A BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED?
- New Structures
- Additions to buildings
- Tenant Improvements
- Accessory Dwelling Unit conversions
- Miscellaneous items (decks, patios, fences over 6’, fireplaces, pools, spas, retaining walls, re-roof/drywall repair more than 100sqft .)
- Remodels and renovations (changes in occupancy or use, garage conversions, kitchen remodels, stucco, window(s) and exterior door(s) changeouts, etc.)
- New, expanded, or replaced electrical, mechanical, plumbing items
- Grading work
*Work Exempt from Permits according to the California Residential Code 2022 can be viewed by researching the California Residential Code 2022.
*Please verify with the Building Official David Rasor before beginning any work you feel may be exempt, otherwise a stop work notice and penalty fees could be issued.
Reporting Code Violations
Construction violations or concerns should be reported to the owner, contractor, and/or the Rancho Palos Verdes Code Enforcement Division at 310-544-5281.If the violation occurs after hours or on a weekend / holiday, please call the Sheriffs' Department at 310-539-1661.
Reporting Unpermitted Work
Building permits are required by law as a public safety measure. Permits ensure that construction is performed in compliance with state and local codes, including safety standards. Before reporting any activity please use our Permit Record Search feature to see if the property has any current open permits.
Failure to obtain a building permit is a violation of Contractors License Law. Further, construction performed without a permit can expose a homeowner to additional liability and costs. When a contractor performs improvement work without a local building permit, it is a violation of Business and Professions (B&P) Code sections 7110 and 7090. Contractors who violate the law are subject to disciplinary action by CSLB, including civil penalty assessments of up to $8,000 per violation, an order of correction that requires payment of permit fees and any assessed penalties imposed by the local building department, and suspension or revocation of the license.
Upon receipt of a building permit complaint, CSLB will contact the contractor regarding the permit allegation and take the appropriate disciplinary action.
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Pursuant to Section 17.56.020(B) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, it is unlawful to carry on construction, grading, or landscaping activities, or to operate heavy equipment except between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, and between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. on Saturday. No such activity shall be permitted on Sundays, or the legal holidays (within the city’s permitted construction hours), unless a Special Construction Permit is approved by the Community Development Director. Click here to download the Special Construction Permit application. For additional information, please contact the Community Development Department at (310) 544-5228 or planning@rpvca.gov