Building in the City of Maywood
Maywood, California is a compact and vibrant city located in southeastern Los Angeles County, just east of downtown Los Angeles. Bordered by the cities of Bell, Vernon, and Huntington Park, Maywood is known for its strong cultural heritage, diverse community, and close-knit, small-town atmosphere within an urban setting. The city’s neighborhoods feature a mix of modest single-family homes and smaller multifamily dwellings, reflecting its historic roots and high-density character. Maywood is dedicated to preserving its residential identity, enhancing neighborhood safety, and providing recreational opportunities through its local parks, community events, and civic programs that encourage resident engagement.
Although Maywood is one of the smallest incorporated cities in Los Angeles County—covering just over one square mile—it continues to make meaningful progress in infrastructure and environmental sustainability. The city is actively pursuing improvements in transportation, utilities, and public spaces while advancing environmental initiatives such as its Climate Action, Adaptation, and Resilience Plan (CAARP). Through targeted grants and community partnerships, Maywood is investing in greener streetscapes, pedestrian and bicycle enhancements, and local beautification projects. These efforts reflect the city’s commitment to sustainability, livability, and a connected community where residents can thrive.
Construction Procedure in the City of Maywood
1. Initial Project Planning
Every successful development project in Maywood begins with thoughtful and comprehensive planning. Developers and property owners should start by defining the project’s vision, scope, and feasibility—reviewing the property’s zoning designation, the City’s General Plan, and applicable provisions of the Maywood Municipal Code. Because Maywood is a compact and fully built-out community, early evaluation of existing site conditions—such as access, parking, utilities, drainage, and proximity to residential areas or public facilities—is essential. Sustainability practices, compatibility with surrounding development, and attention to architectural design and landscaping are key to ensuring each project enhances Maywood’s community character and urban environment.
2. Pre-Application Consultation and Development Review
Before submitting formal plans, developers are encouraged to meet with Maywood’s Planning and Building Department for a pre-application consultation. This step helps identify required entitlements—such as Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Design Review, or parcel maps—and whether environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) may apply. Staff provide feedback on zoning, land use compatibility, infrastructure capacity, and site design. Early coordination with city staff helps streamline the review process, reduce revisions, and ensure projects meet Maywood’s design standards, General Plan goals, and community expectations.
3. Permit and Application Submittal
Once the project concept is refined, applicants must submit a complete development application to the City. Typical submittals include site plans, floor plans, elevations, landscape plans, and any technical studies related to traffic, drainage, or environmental impacts. Larger projects—such as multifamily developments, commercial centers, or public facilities—may require CEQA documentation such as an Initial Study or Mitigated Negative Declaration. A complete submittal allows city staff to conduct a timely and coordinated review across departments.
4. Plan Check, Design, and Code Review
After submission, the project undergoes multi-departmental review. The Planning Division evaluates zoning, land use consistency, and design guidelines. The Building and Safety Division ensures plans comply with the latest California Building Standards Code, including structural, electrical, mechanical, accessibility, and fire-safety requirements. The Public Works Department reviews grading, drainage, utility connections, and any improvements affecting the public right-of-way. City staff provide detailed comments and may request revisions to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and policies.
5. Permit Issuance and Infrastructure Coordination
Once departmental reviews are complete and all conditions of approval are satisfied, Maywood issues the necessary building, grading, and construction permits. Developers coordinate with utility providers for water, sewer, power, and communications connections. The Public Works Department inspects and approves public infrastructure improvements—such as sidewalks, driveways, and drainage systems—to ensure that they meet city standards and integrate with existing infrastructure.
6. Construction and Inspections
Construction may begin only after all required permits are issued. All work must adhere to approved plans, permit conditions, and applicable codes. The Building and Safety Division performs inspections at key stages—foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and final—to ensure safety and code compliance. Public Works staff inspect public improvements and right-of-way work to confirm conformance with city requirements. Any field changes must receive prior approval from the City.
7. Final Inspection and Certificate of Occupancy
When construction is complete, the Building and Safety Division conducts a final inspection to verify that the project complies with approved plans, codes, and conditions. Once all requirements are met, the City issues a Certificate of Occupancy (for new structures) or a Final Approval (for remodels or tenant improvements). This confirms that the building is safe and suitable for its intended use.
8. Project Close-Out
During project close-out, developers must complete any remaining obligations, such as final landscaping, signage, or public improvements. “As-built” drawings reflecting any approved field modifications must be submitted to the City for recordkeeping. Public Works conducts a final review of any infrastructure work, and performance or maintenance bonds may be released upon satisfactory completion. This process ensures the City formally accepts the project.
9. Ongoing Compliance and Future Modifications
After completion, property owners must maintain compliance with the Maywood Municipal Code, Zoning Ordinance, and Building and Safety requirements. Any future modifications—such as additions, façade improvements, signage, or changes in land use—require City review and approval. Continued adherence to city standards ensures that Maywood’s neighborhoods remain safe, attractive, and consistent with the city’s long-term vision for a sustainable and well-maintained urban community.
Planning Division / Planning & Zoning
Address: 4319 E. Slauson Avenue, Maywood, CA 90270
Phone: (323) 562-5723 cityofmaywood.com+1
Email: planning@cityofmaywood.org cityofmaywood.com
Building & Safety Division (Building Division)
Address: 4319 E. Slauson Avenue, Maywood, CA 90270 cityofmaywood.com+1
Phone: (323) 562-5700 cityofmaywood.com
& Building Inspector: (323) 562-5744 cityofmaywood.com
Public Works / Engineering Division
Address: 5600 Heliotrope Avenue, Maywood, CA 90270 cityofmaywood.com+1
Phone: (323) 562-5700 cityofmaywood.com+1
Email: jerry.gomez@cityofmaywood.org (Public Works Superintendent) cityofmaywood.co
The Planning Division of the City of Maywood’s Community Development Department is responsible for managing land use, guiding urban growth, and ensuring that development supports the community’s long-term goals. The Division administers the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and applicable state planning laws to promote balanced, sustainable development throughout the city.
Planning staff review residential, commercial, and mixed-use proposals for compliance with zoning standards, design guidelines, and environmental requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Division works closely with property owners, developers, architects, engineers, and community members to process applications such as Conditional Use Permits, Variances, Design Review, and Parcel Maps. By ensuring each project is well-designed and compatible with its surroundings, the Planning Division helps maintain Maywood’s small-town character while encouraging smart redevelopment and reinvestment in existing neighborhoods.
The Building & Safety Division oversees construction permitting, inspections, and code enforcement to safeguard public health, safety, and property. Staff review construction plans to ensure compliance with the California Building Standards Code and other applicable municipal regulations governing structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
The Division issues building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits, and performs inspections at key stages of construction to verify compliance with approved plans. Through education and enforcement, Building & Safety ensures that new and renovated structures contribute to the city’s quality of life and reflect Maywood’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and well-maintained development.
The Public Works and Engineering Division is responsible for maintaining and improving Maywood’s infrastructure systems—including streets, sidewalks, storm drains, water lines, parks, and public facilities. The Division oversees capital improvement projects (CIPs), manages public construction contracts, and coordinates with other agencies to ensure the effective delivery of essential services.
In addition to maintaining existing infrastructure, the Division reviews and approves grading, drainage, and utility plans for private development projects. Public Works staff also inspect right-of-way improvements and public infrastructure installations to ensure they meet city standards. Their efforts help preserve Maywood’s urban environment, improve mobility and drainage systems, and support a cleaner, more resilient city.
The City of Maywood is making steady progress toward improving its infrastructure and enhancing livability within its dense urban setting. Recent initiatives have focused on upgrading public utilities, enhancing walkability, and strengthening environmental resilience. The city is developing a Climate Action, Adaptation, and Resilience Plan (CAARP) to address sustainability goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also pursuing grant-funded projects that support tree planting, stormwater management, and street improvements
.As a built-out community, Maywood continues to focus on revitalization—modernizing aging infrastructure, supporting affordable and infill housing opportunities, and improving neighborhood aesthetics through code compliance and beautification programs. Guided by strong planning principles, the City is dedicated to creating a safe, well-maintained, and connected environment that enhances quality of life for residents and encourages thoughtful reinvestment in its future.
