Building in the City of Commerce
Commerce is located in southeastern Los Angeles County in the heart of the Gateway Cities region of Southern California. Historically known for its industrial and manufacturing base, the city has long served as a center for commerce, logistics, and distribution due to its proximity to major freeways, rail lines, and the Los Angeles River. With available industrial land, strong regional connectivity, and a proactive approach to economic development, Commerce continues to position itself as a hub for business and employment in the region.
The city has blended its industrial and commercial roots with a focus on improving quality of life for residents through investment in housing, public safety, parks and recreation, education, and cultural initiatives. Commerce leverages its strategic location near the junctions of Interstates 5, 710, and 60, as well as its rail and port-adjacent infrastructure, to support logistics, manufacturing, and distribution, while also providing opportunities for community development and economic diversification.
Looking ahead, Commerce’s vision emphasizes strengthening economic vitality through business retention and attraction, infrastructure improvements, sustainable community development, and enhanced public services. By balancing its role as a regional industrial hub with investments in livability and community well-being, Commerce continues to evolve into a resilient, inclusive, and economically dynamic city that supports both growth and quality of life for its residents.
Construction Procedure in the City of Commerce
1. Initial Project Planning
Begin by defining your project’s vision, scope, and feasibility—whether residential, commercial, industrial, or other development. Review your property’s zoning designation, the City of Commerce General Plan, and applicable development standards such as the Zoning Ordinance and any Specific Plans. Assess site‑specific factors such as street and utility access, drainage, topography, environmental sensitivity, and infrastructure availability. All construction, additions, grading, demolition, or significant remodels in Commerce must follow the city’s permitting and code‑compliance processes.
2. Pre‑Application Consultation & Development Review
Schedule a consultation with the City of Commerce Development Services Department, which includes the Planning Division, Building & Safety Division, Public Works/Engineering, and utility review as appropriate. This consultation allows you to verify zoning compliance, identify required approvals (such as Conditional Use Permits, design review, variances, or Specific Plan compliance), and review conceptual plans. Early coordination helps avoid delays and ensures alignment with city goals.
3. Submit Your Permit and Application Package
After incorporating feedback from the pre‑application stage, submit a complete application via the City of Commerce Development Services Department. Typical submissions include completed city permit application forms, site plans, floor plans and elevations (where applicable), grading/drainage/landscape plans for larger or site‑specific projects, supporting reports or studies (e.g., soils, geology, traffic, biological, noise assessments), construction valuation, and applicable fees.
4. Plan‑Check, Design & Code Review
Submitted plans are reviewed by the Building & Safety Division for compliance with California Building Standards Codes (structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, energy) and by the Planning Division for zoning compliance, land‑use compatibility, architectural and site design. The Public Works/Engineering division reviews improvements in public rights‑of‑way, grading, drainage, and utility infrastructure. Projects in environmentally sensitive areas may require additional environmental review.
5. Permit Issuance & Infrastructure Coordination
Once all plan checks are approved and required fees submitted, the City issues the building permit and any other required entitlements. Coordination is needed with utility providers (water, sewer, electricity, gas) and with Public Works/Engineering for off‑site improvements, stormwater management, street and traffic improvements, or other conditions of approval. The Engineering Division handles permits for work in public rights‑of‑way, grading, and encroachments.
6. Construction & Inspections
Construction may begin once all permits are issued. Licensed contractors must perform work in strict conformance with approved plans. The City conducts inspections at key phases—foundation, footings, framing, electrical/plumbing/mechanical systems, and final inspection—and also checks public improvements, grading, erosion control, and site drainage as required. Any deviations from approved plans must be submitted and approved before proceeding.
7. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy (or Final Approval)
Upon completion of construction and any corrective actions, request a final inspection from the Building & Safety Division. If all work complies with approved plans and conditions of approval, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or a Final Approval for tenant improvements or remodels.
8. Project Close‑Out
Project close‑out includes payment of any outstanding fees, submission of as‑built drawings, completion of required landscaping, grading, off‑site improvements, and acceptance of any public improvements or easements. Once all conditions of approval and inspections are satisfied, the permit record may be officially closed.
9. Ongoing Compliance & Future Modifications
Property owners in Commerce must maintain compliance with municipal codes and maintenance standards. Any future modifications—including additions, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), fences, signage, or change of land use—must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Division, Building & Safety, and other relevant departments before construction begins. Ongoing compliance ensures safety, environmental quality, livability, and alignment with the City’s long‑term planning objectives.
The Planning Division of the City of Commerce plays a central role in guiding the city’s growth and development to promote orderly, sustainable expansion, preservation of community character, and a high quality of life for residents. The division oversees land use, zoning, subdivision, and community design to ensure that all new development, redevelopment, and public improvements comply with the city’s General Plan, specific plans, and Municipal Code. By administering zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, sign regulations, and design guidelines—including environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)—the Planning Division helps maintain Commerce’s character, direct growth responsibly, and address the city’s evolving needs.
Planners assist property owners, developers, and community members through the entitlement and planning process by reviewing site plans, ensuring zoning compliance, processing subdivisions, evaluating environmental impacts, and verifying adherence to state and local regulations. The division coordinates closely with other city departments—such as Building & Safety, Public Works/Engineering, and Development Services—to ensure that projects are safe, functional, and aligned with Commerce’s vision for well-planned growth. Through this collaborative and structured approach, the Planning Division ensures that each project enhances Commerce’s neighborhoods, preserves community character, supports infrastructure and design standards, and contributes to a vibrant, sustainable, and connected city.
The Building & Safety Division of the City of Commerce ensures that construction, renovation, and development projects are safe, code-compliant, and aligned with the city’s standards for quality and sustainability. The division oversees building permits, plan checks, inspections, and code enforcement for residential, commercial, industrial, and public projects. By enforcing the California Building Standards Codes—including structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy regulations—the division protects public safety while supporting responsible development.
Staff assist property owners, developers, and contractors through the permitting and inspection process by reviewing construction plans
The Public Works Department of the City of Commerce is responsible for maintaining, improving, and managing the city’s infrastructure to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable urban environment. The department oversees streets, sidewalks, stormwater systems, water and sewer utilities, traffic signals, and public facilities. By planning and implementing maintenance, repair, and capital improvement projects, Public Works ensures that community assets function properly and meet regulatory standards.
The department coordinates closely with other city divisions—such as Planning, Building & Safety, and Engineering—to support development projects, infrastructure upgrades, and public safety initiatives. Public Works also manages environmental programs, including stormwater pollution prevention, roadway drainage, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Through these efforts, the Public Works Department helps maintain Commerce’s quality of life, supports orderly growth, and ensures that public infrastructure meets current needs while accommodating future development.
Commerce, located in southeastern Los Angeles County, is a full-service city known for its industrial heritage, strategic location, and strong community identity. Historically a center for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution, Commerce has leveraged its position along major transportation corridors to become a dynamic hub for business and economic activity. The city is recognized for its diverse population, family-oriented neighborhoods, local events, and role as a key contributor to the regional economy.
Commerce’s infrastructure—including streets, public facilities, water and sewer systems, and transportation networks—is carefully managed to support residents, businesses, and industrial operations while promoting safety and sustainable growth. The city’s economy is anchored by manufacturing, logistics, retail, service industries, and commercial enterprises, creating opportunities for both businesses and the workforce.
Through proactive planning, investment in public infrastructure, and community engagement, Commerce continues to strengthen its position as a forward-looking and resilient city. By emphasizing economic vitality, quality of life, and environmental stewardship, Commerce blends its industrial roots with modern development—building a connected, thriving, and sustainable community for all who live, work, and invest in the city.
Building & Safety / Permits — City of Commerce
Phone: (323) 722-4800
Address: 2535 Commerce Way, Commerce, CA 90040
Services: Building permits, plan checks, construction codes, inspection services — including building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.
Planning & Land Use Coordination — City of Commerce Planning Division
Phone: (323) 722-4800
Address: 2535 Commerce Way, Commerce, CA 90040
Services: Zoning information, development standards, land-use policies, subdivision processing, design review, and environmental review (CEQA).
Public Works / Infrastructure / Roads & Maintenance — City of Commerce Public Works Department
Phone: (323) 722-4800
Address: 2535 Commerce Way, Commerce, CA 90040
Services: Street and sidewalk maintenance, water and sewer services, stormwater management, traffic control, and public infrastructure projects.
