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1. I’m interested in remodeling my house? How do I go about this process?

To help the Community Development Department staff assist you, start by drawing up a floor layout of the house as it currently is and incorporate the proposed changes. (See the Floor Plan Example)

At this point, this drawing does not need to be produced by a licensed Architect, Engineer, and or Designer. It is acceptable to be done by anyone that is capable of identifying the exterior walls, interior walls, room uses, doors, windows, and specific areas in question that will be considered for the initial review by staff.

Once completed, bring to the Community Development Department within City Hall which is located at 425 S. Mission Dr. (626) 308-2806. Start with the Planning Division and next speak with someone within the Building Division for guidance on the next steps needed for your submittal requirements.
Floor Plan Example

2. Are there restrictions on construction hours and use of mechanical powered devices (motor-powered tools/equipment)?

Construction work shall take place within the city only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and on such holidays as may be designated by Council resolution. The restriction on construction hours shall not apply to emergency repairs required to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
Constructions Concerns

3. If I want to construct an addition to my house, what are the setback requirements?

If it is a one-story house, the required side yard setback is 6 feet. If you would like your addition to line up with the existing side yard setback of the house, this is allowed as long as the existing side yard setback is at least 4 feet. If you are adding a second floor, the required side yard setback for the second story is 10 feet or less if the entire second story falls within a 45-degree angle as measured from a point 10 feet above the side property line. The required rear yard setback is 25 feet. The required front yard setback is determined by taking the average of the front yard setbacks of the houses on either side of you. In no case can your front yard setback be less than 20 feet or more than 35 feet. Click the link for additional information and a summary of single family development standards, including diagrams illustrating the setback requirements. Additional Information

4. What are the requirements for building a wall or fence?

The requirements for building a wall or fence depend on the location, height, and materials. All walls and fences require Planning review and approval, but may not need a building permit.
• In general, six feet is the maximum allowable height of any fence, wall or hedge along the rear lot line or between the rear lot line and the front line of the main building in residential zones.
• Four feet is the maximum height of any fence, wall, or hedge along the front lot line or between the front lot line and the front of the main building in residential zones.
• Special stricter height limits apply to fences, walls or hedges in the front yard of a corner lot.
Additional Information

5. How can I find my property lines?

The only way to know for certain where your property lines are is to hire a licensed land surveyor to do a survey. You will need to pay for this, as the City does not provide this service. In cases where a property has previously been surveyed, you may be able to find a survey marker on the sidewalk or curb in front of the property. The marker is a small metal disk, about the size of a penny, with a nail in it. It is usually placed to identify the property line separating two properties.

6. Can I convert my garage into living space?

Usually not. A 2-car garage is required for all residential units, whether it’s a single-family home, apartment or condominium unit. Even more garage space is required if your single-family home has 5 or more bedrooms. You might be able to convert it to living space if you can provide adequate garage parking elsewhere on the property. Any application to convert a garage into living space will require plans to be submitted to the City for review. The converted space will also need to meet state Building Code requirements for living space. Please speak to Planning and Building Division staff to see if your garage can be converted.
Staff Directory

7. Does the City have the original blueprints for my house?

Unfortunately, the City does not have the original plans for the majority of homes. However, there may be a site plan if the home was built after 2010. Contact the Planning Division to find out what is on file for your property. Staff Directory