City of Downey

Building in the City of Downey
Downey, located in the southeastern part of Los Angeles County, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse community, and thriving local economy. Once a hub for agriculture and later a key center of the aerospace industry, Downey has transformed into a bustling suburban city offering a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Known for its high quality of life, Downey is home to excellent schools, a wide range of community programs, and a robust retail and dining scene. Its proximity to major highways like the 105, 605, and 710 freeways provides convenient access to the greater Los Angeles area, making it a strategic location for both residents and businesses.

Downey’s infrastructure, which includes well-maintained streets, parks, water and sewer systems, and public transportation networks, is designed to meet the needs of its growing population while prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. The city’s economy is driven by a mix of retail, professional services, and manufacturing, all contributing to its continued growth and regional significance. Looking to the future, Downey remains focused on thoughtful urban development, preserving its rich heritage, and creating a thriving, vibrant community. Through continued investment in infrastructure and community engagement, Downey is committed to being a welcoming and inclusive city where residents, businesses, and visitors can flourish.

Construction Procedure in the City of Downey
1. Initial Project Planning
‍The first step in any development project in Downey is to clearly define the project’s vision, scope, and feasibility. Whether the project is residential, commercial, mixed-use, or another type of development, it’s essential to review your property’s zoning designation and consult the Downey General Plan, Zoning Code, and applicable design guidelines. Consider key site-specific factors such as access to streets and utilities, drainage, topography, environmental sensitivity, and available infrastructure. All construction, grading, demolition, or significant remodels must comply with the city’s permitting process, building codes, and environmental regulations. Careful early planning can help ensure a smooth process and avoid costly delays later.

2. Pre-Application Consultation & Development Review
‍Before submitting applications, it's recommended to schedule a pre-application consultation with Downey’s Planning Division. This meeting helps to verify zoning compliance, evaluate the project’s alignment with the General Plan, and identify necessary approvals such as Conditional Use Permits, design review, variances, or specific plan compliance. Working closely with city staff during this stage helps identify potential obstacles, streamline the review process, and ensure that the project aligns with Downey’s vision for responsible and sustainable growth. Early coordination is particularly valuable for large or complex projects.

3. Submit Your Permit and Application Package
‍Once your project plans are refined, you will need to submit a complete application package to the Planning Division or Building & Safety Division. This includes permit application forms, site plans, floor plans, building elevations, and any required environmental reviews or technical studies (such as Traffic Impact Analyses or drainage reports). Depending on the complexity of your project, additional documents such as grading plans or Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) may be necessary. Ensure that all applicable fees are paid upfront to avoid delays during the review process.

4. Plan-Check, Design & Code Review
‍Once the application is submitted, the city will conduct a review of the project’s compliance with state and local regulations. The Building & Safety Division will review adherence to California Building Standards Codes, including structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy compliance. The Planning Division will evaluate zoning compliance, land-use compatibility, and architectural design standards to ensure the project meets Downey's General Plan goals. The Public Works Department will also review the potential impact on infrastructure, such as grading, drainage, utility systems, and public rights-of-way. For larger projects, additional environmental reviews, including compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), may be required.

5. Permit Issuance & Infrastructure Coordination
‍Once the necessary plan checks are completed and all required fees are paid, the city will issue the necessary permits for construction. If your project involves utility connections (water, sewer, electricity, gas), coordination with the appropriate utility providers will be required to ensure these services are properly connected. If your project involves off-site improvements, such as street upgrades, sidewalk repairs, or drainage system enhancements, coordination with the Public Works Department will be necessary. Any work that affects public rights-of-way or grading also needs to be reviewed and approved by the Engineering Division.

6. Construction & Inspections
‍After permits are issued, construction can begin. All work must be done by licensed contractors and in strict accordance with the approved plans. Throughout the construction process, inspections will be required at various stages, including the foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems, and final inspection. Public improvements such as drainage systems, sidewalks, and street enhancements will also be inspected to ensure they meet all standards. If any deviations from the approved plans occur during construction, these must be submitted to the city for review and approval before proceeding.

7. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy (or Final Approval)
‍Once construction is complete, and any necessary corrections have been made, a final inspection can be requested. If the project complies with all regulations and conditions of approval, the city will issue a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings or Final Approval for tenant improvements and remodels. This certificate confirms that the project has been completed in accordance with the approved plans and is safe for occupancy.

8. Project Close-Out
‍Project close-out involves completing any remaining conditions of approval. This can include paying outstanding fees, submitting as-built drawings, finalizing landscaping or off-site improvements, and addressing any public infrastructure requirements or easements. Once all requirements have been verified and satisfied, the city will officially close the project file. It is important to ensure that all paperwork is submitted and all final conditions are met to avoid future complications.

9. Ongoing Compliance & Future Modifications
‍Even after a project is completed, ongoing compliance with Downey’s Municipal Code and development standards is required. If any modifications are planned in the future—such as adding accessory structures, signage, fences, or changing land use—these changes must be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Division, Building & Safety Division, and any other relevant departments. This ensures that all modifications remain in compliance with city regulations and align with Downey’s long-term development and environmental goals.