City of Culver

Building in the City of Culver
Culver City, located in western Los Angeles County, is a dynamic and culturally rich urban community known for its strong arts and entertainment heritage, diverse neighborhoods, and strategic location at the heart of the Los Angeles region. Historically a hub for motion picture production and later home to major media and technology companies, Culver City has evolved into a thriving center for business, creative industries, and residential living. The city’s engaged residents, vibrant downtown, and active civic programs make it a place of opportunity, connection, and innovation.

Culver City’s infrastructure—including streets, parks, public facilities, water and sewer systems, and transportation networks—is carefully managed to support residents, businesses, and continued growth. The local economy is anchored in media and entertainment, professional services, retail, and technology, contributing to regional employment, economic vitality, and a high quality of life for the community.

Looking forward, Culver City is focused on fostering sustainable growth, community livability, and creative opportunity. Through strategic planning, investment in public amenities, and strong civic engagement, the city balances its historic legacy in entertainment with modern development. By blending economic innovation, cultural vitality, and smart urban planning, Culver City continues to grow as a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking city where residents, businesses, and visitors can thrive.

Construction Procedure in the City of C
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 Culver City General Plan, and relevant development standards, including the Zoning Code 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 Culver City 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 Culver City Planning & Development 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 Culver City’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 to the city. 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 Culver City’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.