Residential projects that require permits
Planning a home beautification project, repair or improvement?
Many residential projects require multiple steps of review and/or permitting by the city's Building & Planning Department.
Not sure where to start?
Below are some examples of projects, but the lists are not necessarily complete.
It's best to check with Building & Safety to be sure of what is needed before starting any home improvement project.
Start with Permitting for these types of projects
- Bathroom or Kitchen upgrades, non-structural
- Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Re-roofing, Sewer
- Inspection requests
Go to Permitting Process page
Start with Planning for these types of projects
- Additions, remodeling (exterior, or interior of multifamily homes)
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Air conditioning units
- Landscaping in the front yard (see Water Wise Landscaping for planning tips)
- Porches, patio covers, pools and spas
- Solar
- Walls and fences
- Water heaters, exterior or in garage
- Windows (if the number, location or size of openings is changing from the current installation)
Go to Planning process page
Start with Building Plan check for these types of projects
- Remodeling, interior of single-family homes, with structural alterations
- Windows (retrofit -- no change to the number, location or size of openings)
Go to Building Plan Check process page
A Miscellaneous Permit will be required for work that has been performed without benefit of permit or expired permits for work performed. It's valid for a one-time-only inspection.
Exterior/structural:
- Detached structures over 120 square feet in area (such as an ADU)
- Attached structures of any size
- Block walls over 42" in height
- Decks over 24" in height
- Patio cover or enclosure
- Reroofing or roof replacement
Interior projects:
- Fireplace
- Skylight
- Kitchen cabinets
- Removal of a bearing wall
- Stucco - new application
- Windows -- new or replacement
This is not a complete list. If you don't see your project listed, please contact the Building & Safety Department to verify whether a permit is needed.
- Air conditioning/heating
- Electrical service upgrade
- Electrical sub-panel
- Light fixtures
- New outlets and switches
- Spas
This is not a complete list. If you don't see your project listed, please contact the Building & Safety Department to verify whether a permit is needed.
- Air conditioning
- Gas outlets - new
- Sewer repair
- Tub and shower combinations
- Water lines - new
- Water heaters - new or replaced
- Water softener
- Yard sprinkler systems
This is not a complete list. If you don't see your project listed, please contact the Building & Safety Department to verify whether a permit is needed.
- Air conditioning/heating system
- Bath fan
This is not a complete list. If you don't see your project listed, please contact the Building & Safety Department to verify whether a permit is needed.
Check out the Lakewood Beautiful awards program once your transformation work is done!