West Hollywood is its own city. It is not part of the City of Los Angeles, so LA's permit offices (LADBS, the LA Bureau of Engineering, StreetsLA) don't handle work on West Hollywood property. A contractor who has only worked in the City of LA may not know West Hollywood's process. Ask about it when you compare quotes.
Who issues permits in West Hollywood
- Building and Safety Division (City of West Hollywood Community Development): building permits and plan check. Applications are submitted online through the City's permitting and licensing portal (weho.org). Ask the division about current review times.
- Engineering Division, encroachment permits (Public Works): needed before any work that affects the public right-of-way. That includes sidewalk, driveway, curb and gutter improvements, as well as loading materials, parking work vehicles and staging a debris container (weho.org).
The municipal code adds that an encroachment permit is not a substitute for a building permit when one is otherwise required (WeHo Municipal Code 11.18).
What the encroachment permit asks for
According to the City, typical documents include (WeHo encroachment permits):
- a certificate of insurance naming the City of West Hollywood as additional insured
- a contractor license (the City notes Class A is acceptable for most right-of-way work)
- a West Hollywood business tax certificate
- a traffic control plan
- a construction plan
Review takes about 10 business days per submission, including each resubmittal. Applications are cancelled if the applicant doesn't respond to corrections for two weeks. "No Parking" signs must be posted and verified at least 72 hours before work starts (WeHo encroachment permits). Since December 2, 2024, new applications go through the City's EP&L portal (WeHo encroachment permits). The City doesn't allow overnight storage of construction equipment, such as concrete pumps, or materials in the right-of-way (WeHo encroachment permits).
The takeaway: for a driveway with a new apron, plan for at least two weeks of right-of-way permitting, and ask each contractor whether they already hold a West Hollywood business tax certificate.
Historic resources
West Hollywood has its own designated cultural resources and historic districts, for example the Harper Avenue district (WeHo Preservation). Work that affects a designated resource goes through the City's cultural heritage procedures and its Historic Preservation Commission (Municipal Code 19.58). LA's HPOZ rules don't apply here.
West Hollywood FAQ
Does LADBS issue my permit?
No. The City of West Hollywood's Building and Safety Division and its Engineering Division handle permits here (weho.org).
Can my contractor park a truck or a concrete pump on the street?
Parking work vehicles, loading materials and staging equipment in the right-of-way need the encroachment permit (weho.org). The City also doesn't allow overnight storage of construction vehicles or equipment, such as concrete pumps, or of materials in the right-of-way, so the pump and any leftover materials have to leave at the end of each day (weho.org). Construction hours are limited too; confirm the current rules with West Hollywood Engineering before you schedule the pour.
How to compare West Hollywood quotes
Because the right-of-way process here involves insurance certificates, a City business tax certificate and a traffic control plan, ask each contractor:
- Have you pulled a West Hollywood encroachment permit before?
- Do you already have a West Hollywood business tax certificate, or will you need one for this job?
- Does your price include preparing the traffic control and construction plans?
- Who posts the No Parking signs and calls Parking Enforcement to verify them?
- What happens to the schedule if the City sends corrections?
Many West Hollywood homes are condos or apartments, so check your HOA or the property owner's rules too. Get their written approval before you schedule any work on shared driveways or walks.
Sources
- WeHo Building & Safety
- WeHo Encroachment Permits
- WeHo Municipal Code 11.18
- WeHo designated cultural resources
- WeHo Municipal Code 19.58
This page is general information, not legal or permit advice. Rules change; confirm with the agency before starting work.