1.Q) What improvements to my home require approval by the planning division?

A) Planning Division approval must be obtained for all projects that involve grading (retaining walls, slope excavations, etc.) or contemplate any changes to the exterior of an existing residence (additions, decks, pools, spas, skylights, garden windows, mechanical equipment, etc.). The Planning Division’s review will focus on ensuring that the project meets the City’s zoning regulations, such as minimum distances (setbacks) from property lines and height limits for all buildings, structures and equipment. Before starting an improvement project, it is highly recommended that you contact the planning division to check what kind of planning approval your contemplated improvement project will need. The Planning Division may be contacted at 310-544-5228 and planning@rpv.com.

2.Q) What improvements to my home require a building permit?

Building Permits are required for all buildings or structures that are to be altered, repaired, enlarged, improved upon or converted, or where any change in the size of a room takes place or any electrical or plumbing work is involved. Some examples of projects requiring permits are:
- Room Additions
- Interior Remodels
- New or Replaced Decks
- Spa/Swimming Pools
- Foundation Repair
- Termite Repair
- Roof Replacement
- Water Heater Replacement
- Electrical Upgrades
- New Siding
- Gravity Walls (Keystone blocks or similar)
- Retaining Walls
- Grading
Before starting an improvement project, it is highly recommended that you contact the City’s Building & Safety Division at 310-541-7702 or buildingandsafety@rpv.com to make certain that a permit is required.

3.Q.) What is the difference between a Planning Division approval and a Building & Safety Division permit ?

A.) Most improvements to property require BOTH a Planning Division approval and a Building & Safety Division permit. The Planning Division approval focuses on what types of uses or improvements are appropriate for the subject property based on the City's strict development codes. The Building Permit review process focuses on the safety of the structure to ensure that the requirements of the Uniform Building Code and other uniform codes such as Fire, Plumbing, and Electrical, are met. Most building permits cannot be issued until planning approval for the proposed project is obtained.

4.Q.) If I am planning on making improvements to my existing home, where do I start?

A.) Given the complexity of the City's Development code and the unique features of each property in the City, property owners considering improvements to their homes should contact the Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement and speak with a planner. The planner will need information regarding the planned improvements as well as information regarding the specific site in order to provide accurate and complete information. The Planning Division may be contacted at 310-544-5228 and planning@rpv.com.

5.Q.) Does the City retain geological information about my particular property?

A.) The city does keep geology records for properties, however the information available depends on the past proposals on a particular property. Some properties have undergone significant study and a lot of information may be available, whereas other properties may not have been studied at all. The public can come to the Planning Department during public service hours and ask to look at geology files for specific addresses or for the tract in which the property lies. It should be noted that the City does not have information on all lots and tracts in the City, and that geology files are kept strictly as a service to the public for reference purposes. Finally, the City does not provide interpretations of this information, as that is the responsibility of the property owner and their geo-technical consultant.

6.Q.) Does the Department have building plans for my residence?

A.) Most residences in the City were developed under L.A. County jurisdiction. When the City incorporated in 1973, only copies of the building permits for each residence were given to the City. As a result, the City does not have the original building plans for most residences in the City. The City may have building plans for new residences or additions approved by the City since 1973. However, as standard practice, such approved building plans are not retained for single-family residences in the City for more than 2 years. Copies of all building permits and planning approvals for each residence are kept in “address files” that are maintained by the Department. The address files are available for public review during the Department's public service hours.

7.Q.) Is my property located in a Flood Hazard area?

A.) Due to its topographic nature, the area of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes was exempted from Flood Map Hazards. This action was initiated by the County of Los Angeles and accomplished some time before 1984. There is not Flood Hazard Map for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. This applies to all addresses within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.