Building in the City of Cudahy
Cudahy, located in southeastern Los Angeles County, is a tightly knit urban city known for its deep community roots, rich cultural heritage, and strategic position in the heart of the Gateway Cities region. Despite its relatively small size, the city’s high population density reflects a robust residential base and strong neighborhood identity. Historically laid out on large “railroad lots” by founder Michael Cudahy, the city has evolved into a highly accessible community with close proximity to the 710 Freeway, the Los Angeles River, and regional urban centers.
Cudahy’s infrastructure—including its streets, parks, public facilities, water and sewer systems, and transportation connections—is managed to serve both residents and businesses in a densely built environment. The city’s economy is primarily anchored in residential neighborhoods, local retail, service businesses, and light industrial activity. These sectors contribute to its regional role while emphasizing its identity as a living, working community.
Looking ahead, Cudahy is focused on fostering resilience, community opportunity, and revitalization in a compact urban setting. With limited land but abundant population and regional connectivity, the city’s vision emphasizes smart redevelopment, investment in neighborhood assets, infrastructure improvements, and equitable growth. By combining its cultural strengths, density advantages, and strategic location, Cudahy continues to shape itself as a vibrant, inclusive, and forward‑looking community for all who live, work, and invest there.
Construction Procedure in the City of Cudahy
1. Initial Project Planning
Begin by defining your project’s vision, scope, and feasibility, whether it is residential, commercial, or mixed-use. Review your property’s zoning designation, the City of Cudahy General Plan, and relevant development standards, including the Zoning Ordinance and any applicable planning policies. Assess key site-specific factors such as street and utility access, drainage, topography, environmental sensitivity, and infrastructure availability. All construction, additions, grading, demolition, or major remodels within Cudahy must comply with the city’s permitting process and building codes, so early planning helps ensure a smooth development process.
2. Pre‑Application Consultation & Development Review
Schedule a consultation with the City of Cudahy Development Services Department, which includes staff from the Planning Division, Building & Safety Division, Public Works, and relevant utility providers. 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. Engaging staff early helps identify potential challenges, streamline review, and ensure your project aligns with Cudahy’s development goals.
3. Submit Your Permit and Application Package
After incorporating feedback from the pre-application consultation, submit a complete permit and application package. This typically includes permit forms, site plans, floor plans, and building elevations. Larger or site-specific projects may require grading, drainage, and landscape plans. Additional studies such as traffic reports, geotechnical assessments, environmental evaluations, or noise studies may be required depending on the project. Include all necessary fees to prevent delays.
4. Plan‑Check, Design & Code Review
The city reviews submitted plans for compliance with state and local regulations. The Building & Safety Division verifies adherence to California Building Standards Codes, including structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy requirements. The Planning Division evaluates zoning compliance, land-use compatibility, and architectural design. The Public Works Division reviews impacts to public rights-of-way, grading, drainage, and utility infrastructure. Projects in environmentally sensitive areas may require additional review under CEQA.
5. Permit Issuance & Infrastructure Coordination
Once all plan checks are approved and fees submitted, the city issues the necessary permits. Coordination with utility providers for water, sewer, electricity, and gas connections is required. Off-site improvements, such as street, traffic, or drainage upgrades, are coordinated through the Public Works Division. Projects affecting public rights-of-way, grading, or encroachments may require additional permits from the Engineering Division. Proper coordination ensures construction can proceed efficiently.
6. Construction & Inspections
Construction may begin once permits are issued. All work must be performed by licensed contractors and follow approved plans. Inspections occur at key stages, including foundations, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and final inspection. Public improvements, such as sidewalks, drainage systems, and street improvements, are also inspected. Any deviations from approved plans must be submitted for review and approval before continuing work.
7. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy (or Final Approval)
After construction is complete and corrections made, request a final inspection from the Building & Safety Division. If the work complies with approved plans and conditions of approval, the city issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or Final Approval for remodels. This confirms that the building is safe for use and meets all regulatory requirements.
8. Project Close‑Out
Project close-out includes meeting all conditions of approval, paying outstanding fees, submitting as-built drawings, completing landscaping and off-site improvements, and addressing any public infrastructure or easements. Once all requirements are satisfied, the project file is officially closed.
9. Ongoing Compliance & Future Modifications
Even after completion, ongoing compliance with Cudahy’s municipal codes and maintenance standards is required. Future modifications, such as adding accessory structures, signage, fences, or changing land use, must be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Division, Building & Safety, and other relevant departments. This ensures continued safety, compliance, and alignment with the city’s long-term planning goals.
The Planning Division of Cudahy guides the city’s growth and development to ensure orderly, sustainable, and well-designed progress. The division oversees land use, zoning, subdivisions, and community design to ensure all projects comply with the Cudahy General Plan, Municipal Code, and state regulations. By administering zoning ordinances, design standards, and environmental review under CEQA, the Planning Division preserves the city’s character while promoting responsible development. Working closely with other city departments, the division ensures that every project contributes to a safe, vibrant, and well-planned Cudahy.
The Building & Safety Division ensures that all construction in Cudahy meets state and local building codes and safety standards. The division reviews building plans, issues permits, and conducts inspections for building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. By enforcing the California Building Standards Code, the division safeguards residents, businesses, and visitors, supporting safe, high-quality, and code-compliant development. Coordination with Planning and Public Works ensures that construction projects are consistent with the city’s design standards and infrastructure requirements.
The Public Works Department maintains Cudahy’s infrastructure, including streets, sidewalks, drainage systems, and public facilities. The department oversees water and sewer services, stormwater management, traffic control, and city-maintained public improvements. By coordinating with Planning and Building & Safety, Public Works ensures that development projects are integrated responsibly into the city’s infrastructure, promoting safety, efficiency, and sustainability while supporting Cudahy’s long-term growth and livability.
Cudahy, located in southeastern Los Angeles County, is a vibrant and close-knit city known for its strong community spirit, rich cultural diversity, and small‑city charm. Historically a residential and industrial area, Cudahy has evolved into a thriving urban community that balances local services, residential neighborhoods, and small businesses while maintaining its unique character. The city’s engaged residents, civic programs, and active neighborhood associations make Cudahy a place of opportunity, connection, and resilience.
Cudahy’s infrastructure—including streets, public facilities, parks, water and sewer systems, and local transportation networks—is carefully managed to support residents, businesses, and continued growth. The local economy is supported by small businesses, retail, and service industries, contributing to regional employment, community vitality, and a high quality of life for residents.
Through proactive planning, strategic investment, and community engagement, Cudahy continues to strengthen its future. By balancing economic development, environmental stewardship, and livability, the city blends its historic roots with modern growth—creating a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking community for all who live, work, and invest in Cudahy.
Planning & Land Use Coordination — City of Cudahy Planning Division
Phone: (323) 773‑5143 City of Cudahy+2City of Cudahy+2
Address: 5220 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, CA 90201 City of Cudahy+1
Services: Zoning information, development standards, land‑use policies, subdivision review, design review, and environmental review (CEQA). The Planning Division oversees orderly development and ensures projects align with the Cudahy General Plan and the city’s long‑term goals.
Building & Safety / Permits — City of Cudahy Building & Safety Division
Phone: (323) 773‑5143 City of Cudahy+1
Address: 5220 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, CA 90201 City of Cudahy+1
Services: Building permits, plan checks, construction code enforcement, and inspection services — including building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. This division ensures that all construction in Cudahy meets state and local safety standards and supports safe, high‑quality development.
Public Works / Infrastructure / Roads & Maintenance — City of Cudahy Public Works / Engineering Division
Phone: (323) 773‑5143 ext. 259 City of Cudahy
Address: 5220 Santa Ana Street, Cudahy, CA 90201 City of Cudahy+1
Services: Street and sidewalk maintenance, stormwater and drainage management, traffic control, water/sewer infrastructure coordination, and public infrastructure projects. The department maintains Cudahy’s essential infrastructure and supports sustainable, efficient city operations for residents and businesses.
