Building in the City of Beverly Hills
Located in the heart of Los Angeles County, the City of Beverly Hills is world-renowned for its luxury, architectural excellence, and forward-thinking approach to urban development. Beyond its iconic residential neighborhoods and premier commercial districts, Beverly Hills continues to offer outstanding opportunities for developers and investors interested in high-quality residential, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use projects. With its strong infrastructure, exceptional public amenities, and strategic location between Los Angeles and West Hollywood, the city remains a prime destination for innovative, sustainable, and value-driven developments.
If you are planning a construction or development project within Beverly Hills, your first point of contact should be the Community Development Department – Planning Division. This division administers the City’s General Plan, Zoning Code, and Design Review processes, ensuring that every new project aligns with Beverly Hills’ architectural standards and community vision. The department works closely with architects, engineers, and developers to facilitate a seamless review and permitting process.
You can contact the Planning Division directly at (310) 285-1141, or partner with our experienced engineering and consulting team to represent you through every stage of development. We can coordinate meetings with city officials, address technical and regulatory requirements, and assist with permits, plan reviews, and approvals—from initial concept to final completion.
Building and Development Process in the City of Beverly Hills
1. Initial Project Planning
Before beginning your project, establish a clear vision and determine feasibility:
- Define Your Project Goals: Identify the type of development—residential, commercial, mixed-use, or infrastructure.
- Check Zoning and Land Use: Verify that your proposed use complies with the Beverly Hills Zoning Code and General Plan.
- Site Evaluation: Assess property conditions, accessibility, environmental factors, and any existing improvements.
- Budget and Timeline: Estimate costs for land acquisition, design, permits, and construction.
2. Pre-Application Consultation (Recommended)
Prior to submitting formal plans, you may request a pre-application meeting with the Community Development Department – Planning Division. This allows you to discuss your project concept with city planners and receive early feedback.
- Discuss Project Scope: Review zoning, height limits, parking requirements, and architectural guidelines.
- Identify Required Approvals: Determine if your project will need Planning Commission, Architectural Commission, or City Council review.
- Coordinate with Staff: City planners, engineers, and building officials can help identify potential issues early in the process.
- Contact: Planning Division – (310) 285-1141
3. Submit a Development Application
Once your project concept is finalized, submit a complete development application to the Planning Division.
Your submittal may include:
- Application Form and required processing fees.
- Site and Floor Plans, Elevations, and Landscape Plans.
- Project Description detailing use, size, and purpose.
- Environmental Documentation, if required under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act).Traffic, Parking, or Infrastructure Studies, if applicable.
The Planning staff will review your submission for completeness and compliance with the city’s standards.
4. Design and Planning Review
The City of Beverly Hills places a strong emphasis on architectural quality and community compatibility. Depending on your project type, reviews may include:
- Architectural Commission Review: For new commercial buildings, multifamily projects, or major façade renovations.
- Planning Commission Review: For conditional use permits, variances, or major development entitlements.
- City Council Approval: Required for large-scale or policy-impacting developments.
Public notices and hearings may be required for certain projects, giving residents an opportunity to provide input.
5. Obtain Building Permits
After planning and design approvals, submit detailed construction drawings to the Building & Safety Division for review and permitting.
This step ensures your project meets all California Building Code (CBC) and City of Beverly Hills Municipal Code requirements.
Typical permit types include:
- Building Permit – for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
- Grading or Excavation Permit – for site preparation and foundation work.
- Encroachment Permit – for work that impacts public right-of-way (sidewalks, streets, utilities).
- Demolition Permit – if existing structures are being removed.
Once plan check is complete and all departments approve, permits will be issued.
6. Coordinate Utilities and Infrastructure
Before and during construction, coordinate with the Public Works Department and relevant utility providers to ensure proper connections and upgrades:
- Water, Sewer, and Storm Drain connections.
- Electric, Gas, and Telecommunications coordination.
- Street and Sidewalk Improvements (if required).
Projects that impact city infrastructure must comply with Public Works engineering standards and may require inspection and approval by city engineers.
7. Begin Construction
After obtaining all necessary permits, construction can begin under the supervision of licensed contractors and engineers.
- Site Preparation: Grading, excavation, and utility installation.
- Building Construction: Framing, systems installation, and structural development.
- City Inspections: Conducted at key stages to ensure compliance with approved plans and codes.
Inspections typically include:
- Foundation and Framing
- Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Systems
- Fire and Life Safety Systems
- Final Building Inspection
8. Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
Once construction is complete, request a final inspection from the Building & Safety Division.
If all inspections are passed and conditions of approval are met, the city will issue a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).This document certifies that the building is safe and approved for its intended use.
9. Project Closeout
After obtaining your Certificate of Occupancy:
- Pay Remaining Fees: Settle any outstanding development or inspection fees.
- Record Final Documents: File any required plans or agreements with the city.
- Transition to Operations: Begin property management, leasing, or business setup as applicable.
10. Long-Term Compliance
Post-construction, all property owners and developers must maintain compliance with city regulations.
- Maintain Building Standards: Ensure continued adherence to safety and property maintenance codes.
- Apply for Modifications (if needed): Any future changes, remodels, or additions require review and approval.
- Ongoing Inspections: Certain facilities (e.g., commercial or public buildings) may require periodic inspections.
ConclusionDeveloping in Beverly Hills requires close collaboration with the Community Development, Building & Safety, and Public Works Departments. The city’s structured process ensures that every project upholds the community’s standards for quality, safety, and design excellence.
For assistance or guidance with your development project, contact:
City of Beverly Hills Planning Division
Phone: (310) 285-1141
Address: 455 North Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The Planning Department in Beverly Hills plays a central role in guiding development and construction throughout the city. It oversees the General Plan, zoning regulations, and land-use policies, ensuring that all projects align with the city’s vision for design, safety, and community character. The department reviews development proposals, coordinates with architects and engineers, and manages approvals for residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. By providing guidance on permits, design standards, and compliance requirements, the Planning Department helps developers and builders navigate the construction process efficiently while maintaining the city’s architectural and environmental standards.
The Building & Safety Department ensures that all construction in Beverly Hills meets the highest standards of safety, structural integrity, and code compliance. The department reviews construction plans, issues building permits, and conducts inspections at every stage of a project—from foundations and framing to electrical, plumbing, and final occupancy. By enforcing the California Building Code and local regulations, Building & Safety protects residents, workers, and the public while supporting developers in bringing their projects to completion efficiently and safely.
The Public Works Department manages the city’s infrastructure and public facilities, ensuring that streets, sidewalks, storm drains, and utilities are designed, built, and maintained to the highest standards. In the construction and development process, Public Works coordinates utility connections, reviews civil engineering plans, and inspects infrastructure improvements to ensure compliance with city standards. By overseeing the safe and efficient development of public spaces and essential services, the department supports both private development projects and the overall quality of life in Beverly Hills.
Beverly Hills has long been synonymous with luxury, high‑end retail, premium hospitality and residential exclusivity. In recent years the city has stepped up major redevelopment and infrastructure enhancements to support economic expansion and reinforce its global brand. For example, the city’s retail core—especially around Rodeo Drive—continues to attract marquee luxury brands, flagship stores and world‑class hospitality assets. PR Newswire+2CRE Daily+2 Meanwhile, large scale mixed‑use projects such as One Beverly Hills (a ~$10 billion development covering 17.5 acres) are designed to add a next generation of residential towers, hotel, retail and open space to support the city’s economy. herebeverlyhills.com+2LA News Daily+2
Building & Safety Division (for building permits)
Phone: (310) 285‑1141 MapQuest+2beverlyhills.gov+2
Email: askBH@beverlyhills.org beverlyhills.gov+1
Address: 455 N Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 California Building Officials+1
Services: Issues permits for new construction, remodels/modifications, plumbing/mechanical/electrical systems in buildings, plan review and inspections. beverlyhills.gov+1
Public Works Department (for civil/infrastructure / engineering / right‑of‑way)
Tel: (310) 285‑1000 (General) beverlyhills.org+1
Emergency/ after‑hours: (310) 550‑4900 beverlyhills.org
Address: 345 Foothill Road, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 beverlyhills.org+1
Mission: Oversees city infrastructure and maintenance — streets, sidewalks, storm water system, utilities, parks, right‑of‑way improvements. beverlyhills.org
Community Development Department (for planning, zoning, permits coordination)
Phone: (310) 285‑1000 beverlyhills.gov+1
Address: 455 N Rexford Drive, 1st Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 beverlyhills.gov+1
Role: Guides planning, development and preservation of the city; processes entitlements, zoning reviews, and land‑use permits; works with building & safety for full project compliance. beverlyhills.gov+1
