How do I report a unlicensed business operating in the City?
To report a business; callthe City's Code Compliance Officer at 310-377-1577 ext. 104
How many horses can I have on my property?
A maximum of 4 horses is permitted on your property provided that you meet the following requirements:
• Your property is located within the Horse Overlay zone
• You provide at least 800 sq. ft. of horsekeeping area for the first horse.
• For each additional horse, you must have at least 300 sq.ft. of additional horsekeeping area
• The horsekeeping area (including barns, stables, corrals, etc.) must be at least 35’ away from any dwelling and no closer than ten feet to a swimming pool.
Please contact the Planning Department for more information.
Who do I contact regarding barking dogs?
The City contracts with the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care & Control. You can call the Carson office at (310) 523-9572 for assistance with barking dogs, animals at large, dog and cat licenses, and other pet related issues.
Can I store my recreational vehicle at my residence?
Recreational vehicles may be parked in a side or rear yard with a minimum 10’ setback. However, recreational vehicles may not be parked or stored in yard areas contiguous to streets or highways.
Can I park my vehicle in the public street overnight?
No. Parking on the public street between the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. is prohibited. This provision helps maintain the clean appearance of City streets, reduction in street maintenance costs, serves as a deterrent to crime, and allows for maximum accessibility of emergency vehicles and safe vehicular circulation on all streets.
Do I need a permit to re-roof?
Yes. A re-roofing application is required and can be obtained at City Hall or you can download the form by clicking here.
What type of roofing material is permissible?
The roof material must be Class “A” fire rated and compatible with other roofing found in your neighborhood. Treated wood shingles are not permitted in the City.
Does the City have building or architectural plans for my residence?
The City retains most architectural plans for major additions and/or improvements. Please contact the Planning Department at (310) 377-1577 for more information.
Do I need a permit to construct a fence in the front yard?
No. However, the maximum height for any fencing in the front yard is 24”. If the property is located within the Horse Overlay zone, a 42” high 3-rail fence may be built to City standards. For more information, please contact the Planning Department at (310) 377-1577.
What are the construction hours in the City?
Construction work is permitted Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and the following major holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. See Municipal Code for further information.
What types of improvements require Planning Commission review and approval?
Minor additions and/or remodels that comply with the City’s municipal code are generally approved over-the-counter. Some modest additions and/or remodels that comply with the City’s municipal code can be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director with appeal to the Planning Commission possible. Large additions and improvements involving Minor Deviations, Variances, Conditional Use Permits, Special Use Permits, etc. require Planning Commission review and approval. You can download the necessary planning application forms by clicking here. For more information, please contact the Planning Department.
Can I build a second story on my home?
All second story additions require Planning Commission review and approval. The City generally allows second stories provided that they comply with Neighborhood Compatibility and View Preservation ordinances, as well as other sections of the municipal code. For more information, please contact the Planning Department at (310) 377-1577.
Examples of work that do not require a building permit include: accessory structures that are 120 square feet or less; re-plastering pools/spas; fences that are 6 feet or less in height, along interior side and rear yards; garden walls, typically under 36" in height, in the side or rear yards; and flatwork in the side and rear yards. Even though a project might not require a building permit, there are applicable zoning considerations, such as lot coverage and setbacks, and thus will require zone clearance by the Planning Division. Please contact the Planning Division at 310.377.1577 before commencing work on any project, to ensure zoning compliance.
