PLANNING / CONSTRUCTION

When are allowed “working hours” for private construction and other projects?

Construction hours for private property are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

No private construction is allowed on Sundays, January 1st, last Monday in May, July 4th, the first Monday in September, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.   To report after hour, holiday, or Sunday construction please contact the non-emergency Police line at (310) 378-4211.

What are permitted times for leaf blowers?

Permitted times for leaf blowers are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.  Leaf Blowers are prohibited on Sundays, January 1st, last Monday in May, July 4th, the first Monday in September, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.  To report leaf blower use on holidays, Sundays, or during non-designated hours, please contact the non-emergency Police line at (310) 378-4211.
 
How do I make a complaint regarding a construction project?

Please contact the City Code Enforcement Officer at (310) 378-0383 ext. 2209. Please have the address of the construction site and specify what the complaint is regarding. Code Enforcement will investigate the issue and rectify it as necessary.

How big of a home may I build on my property?

The size of your house is determined in large by the size of your lot. The allowable floor area for your lot, which is the summation of each floor level, is based on the smaller of these two calculations:  30% of the lot size + 1,750 sq. ft. or 50% of the lot size. The smaller of these two calculations is the maximum amount of square footage you can have on your lot. Keep in mind that the basic footprint of the house cannot exceed 30% lot coverage.

The size of a new house or addition may be further regulated by the City's Neighborhood Compatibility ordinance.  Per this ordinance, certain projects will require review by the Planning Commission.  The Planning Commission may restrict the size, location, and or height of new construction with the intent of minimizing the project's impacts to the neighborhood.  For more detail, please review the handout titled "Single Family Residential Development Guidelines and Information" located under the "Planning/Building" heading. 

What is the “Homes Association” and how/when do I need to contact them?

The Palos Verdes Homes Association and Art Jury were established in 1923 to enforce the Protective Deed Restrictions set forth in the early planning and development of this beautiful city. These deeds restrictions determine the building setbacks within each lot as well as the type of architecture allowed. A group of local architects and engineers, known as the Art Jury, reviews all projects within Palos Verdes Estates to determine if the design meets all criteria set forth in the Protective Restrictions.  Any project that includes modifying the exterior of the house (i.e. additional square footage, window/door changes, roof material change, paint colors, etc.), or the landscaping, requires Art Jury review and approval.

The Palos Verdes Homes Association is located on the easterly side of City Hall. It is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This office is closed to the public on Tuesdays for plan reviews and site inspections. For further information, you can contact the Homes Association at (310) 373-6721.

PALOS VERDES HOME ASSOCIATION

How do I schedule a Building Inspector to come to my home to make an inspection on a permitted project?

The easiest way to schedule an inspection for your permitted project is to call the automated inspection request line at (310) 791-8400.  If the call is received by 4:00 p.m., the inspector can be at your site as soon as the next work day.  Please leave the address, permit number and type of inspection you are requesting on the message system.

When can I speak to a Building Inspector?

The Building Inspectors are available at City Hall Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  They are performing inspections the remainder of the day .