F     A     Q’s

I want to build a room addition on my house, what do I need to do?

The first thing you should do is prepare a site plan to discuss your project with Planning staff to see if you can meet the zoning requirements such as lot coverage, setbacks, and height limits. In certain cases Building & Safety inspectors may also require engineered plans.

I would like to do some home improvements. What type of work requires a building permit?

A building permit is required for home improvements such as room additions, patio covers, spas, pools, retaining walls, re-roofing, changing floor plans and other projects. The permit is required before you begin construction. (In some cases, more than one permit may be required). You should contact the Planning Division at City Hall before starting these projects:

When are electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits required?

Permits are required for any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical improvements. New installations, alterations, modifications, replacements, or change outs also require permits.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. A building permit is not required for:

·         Painting, papering, carpeting/flooring and similar finish work.

·         Any fences not over 6 feet high.

Are there any other permits required?

Separate plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits may be required even if the work is exempt from a building permit. Sign permits are always required and grading permits may also be required for certain projects, zoning approval may also be required.

What are the setbacks/height/parking requirements?

The City contains several different residential as well as commercial zones and since each zone has different development standards, planning staff should be contacted to discuss these issues related to the specific property and its zone.  These zoning rules dictate how close you may build to a property line.

Can I add a second story to my garage?

Maybe, if your garage is attached to the residence itself. No, if the garage is detached.

I am having a dispute with my neighbor about our property line, what can I do?  Property line disputes may end up in court.  Please review a copy of your parcel map that is included in your Title report when you purchased your property. If that does not supply you with enough information, you may want to hire a surveyor to determine your property lines.

How tall can a fence, wall, hedge or lattice be?

In general, a wall, fence or hedge, 42 inches in height, may be located on any part of your property (excluding the public right-of-way. A wall, fence or hedge 6 feet in height may also be permitted depending on location of the lot and placement of the wall.

Does a lattice or solid cover patio require a building permit?

Yes, solid cover patios, and lattice type patios require a building permit.  A site plan is required.

Does a concrete or asphalt driveway require a building permit?

The approach or apron (located within the public right-of-way) requires a permit from the County Road Department and prior to that the Planning Division must approve your site plan showing the location of proposed work. Widening of a driveway requires approval of the Planning Division. 

Does a building permit expire?

Yes, a building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permit issued by the Building & Safety Division under the provisions of the technical codes shall expire by limitation, or if the building or work is not commenced within 180 days from the date of such permit, the permit will become null and void. Renewals and extensions on permits may be granted, depending on permit status and completed inspections.

Can I expedite my plan check?

Expedited plan checks will be reviewed, in most cases, by the City's plan checker. In addition to the normal plan check fees, an additional charge of up to $100 per hour will be assessed. The applicant must request expedited plan reviews, in writing.

Do modifications to the approved set of plans need to be approved?

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.

Some cities allow contractors to work without a permit up to a point where the first inspection is required. Is this practice allowed in La Mirada?

No. Permits are required prior to work beginning.

I am looking into buying a home in La Mirada. How can I find out what permits were issued?

The Building & Safety Division maintains records of both residential and commercial properties that may be reviewed during regular business hours. Permits may be copied for $.50 per sheet. Plans may be copied, provided you have written permission from the architect and the building owner and processed through a bonded courier.

What does a permit cost?

Building permit costs are based on the valuation of the work being done. [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]. As an example, a small commercial/industrial tenant improvement with a total valuation of $50,000 would cost $474.30 for the Building Code plan review, and $558.50 for the Building Permit. A bedroom addition with a total valuation of $15,000 would cost $124.10 for the Building Code plan review, and $146.00 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.

Can I get permits through the mail or on the City’s web site?

No

I want to modify the sign for my business and want to know if that requires a permit from the City.

The Planning Division must approve any modification to your sign, including change of lettering or wording.

Do I need a permit for a sign?

Sign permits are required for both residential and non-residential zones. A sign plan with detailed information regarding sign quantity, size, and placement should be submitted with the application. Planning approval and an electrical permit are required prior to installation.

Why are signs regulated?

Signs are a vital part of any city. They are essential to business and industry and help build a strong economy. When signs are too numerous, too big or too gaudy, they actually harm a city by making it look unattractive. Sign regulations are designed to control the sizes, heights and numbers of signs so the signs can contribute to successful business growth.

Are Temporary Signs/Banners legal in the City of La Mirada? 

Yes they are legal in the City of La Mirada.  A commercial business may apply for a Temporary Sign Permit (banners) which are allowed for 42 days for the entire calendar year not to exceed 14 days per permit and must have a 14 day down period between banner permits. You may apply for a permit by contacting the La Mirada Community Sheriff's Station.