Building Permits
The Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department issues building permits for new construction, remodels, repairs and other residential and commercial projects in Lakewood.
Use this page to learn when permits may be needed, who can apply, how to submit an application, how to view permit records and where to find current fee schedules.
Need help? If you have questions about building permits, plan check or the application process, contact Building and Safety at 562-866-9771, ext. 2350.
Apply for a permit
Most permit applications and plan check submittals are submitted through the city’s online permit center.
Apply through OpenGov Permits and Plan Check
If you need assistance using the online permit center or would like help completing the process another way, contact Building and Safety at 562-866-9771, ext. 2350.
Projects that often require permits
Permit requirements depend on the type and scope of work. Planning approval and/or Building Plan Check approval may be required before a construction permit application can be issued.
Residential projects
Residential projects that often begin with permitting include:
- Bathroom and kitchen upgrades, including non-structural work
- Electrical work
- Mechanical work, such as heating, ventilation and exhaust fans
- Plumbing work
- Re-roofing
- Sewer work
Commercial projects
Commercial projects may also require permits, including re-roofing and other construction, repair, alteration or tenant improvement work.
Contact Building and Safety before starting work if you are unsure whether a permit or plan check is required.
Permit applications and forms
Permit applications, forms and reference documents are available on the Permit forms and reference information page.
Permit fee schedules
Effective July 1, 2025, Building and Safety fees increased 3%.
The increase is based on the Consumer Price Index change between March 2024 and March 2025, as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area.
Pursuant to City Council Resolution No. 2010-22 and Resolution No. 2012-42, applicants for Building and Safety related permits shall pay an overhead charge of 18% of the County's Building and Safety permit fee schedule that is to be added to each Building and Safety related permit application fee, as stipulated by the City's Building and Safety Fee Schedule.