Building Division

| FAQs regarding Building Permits | FAQs regarding Certificates of Occupancy |

The Building Department is a division of the Community Services Department and is responsible for issuing building permits. Staffs' duties include plan checking and inspecting structures to ensure conformance with appropriate state and local codes.

The City offers a one stop counter where questions regarding building codes, zoning requirements and public works may be answered. Due to the unique nature of Vernon, the City employs experts in the individual fields of construction.

Each new tenant within the City is required to obtain a certificate of occupancy. As part of this process the Building Department, in cooperation with the Health Department, inspects structural, electrical, mechanical plumbing and existing components to insure that the buildings are safe prior to occupancy. The Health Department determines if adequate sanitary facilities are provided. Additionally, the Fire Prevention section reviews the proposed storage within the structure to ensure that the buildings fire system is adequate and that maximum qualities of specific height limits are not being exceeded.

Building Division Mission Statement
To provide accurate and efficient service to the community in a professional manner while insuring compliance with the codes of the State of California and City of Vernon.

Building Division Office Hours and Phone Numbers

Office open Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Closed Friday

Over the counter plan check hours and inspector office hours:
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

An appointment is recommended.

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Common Questions Regarding Building Permits

Q. What projects require a permit?
A. With a few exceptions, permits are required for all construction or alterations including storage racks, installation of equipment, and all electrical or plumbing installations including gas, water, and fire sprinkler lines.

Q. Why do I need a permit?
A. A permit is required to insure that minimum code requirements are met in order to protect the health and safety of the general public and all occupants.

Q. Who can take out a permit?
A. The owner of the property or a licensed contractor may obtain a permit for construction.

Q. What is the procedure for obtaining a permit?
A. The applicant must submit a complete permit application along with two sets of plans. At the time of submittal a plan check fee is due. Fees are based on the valuation of the permit. Plans are checked for completeness and code compliance. The amount of time that it takes for permit issuance is dependent on the complexity of the project. Some items such as block walls, minor plumbing, mechanical or electrical work can be issued over the counter. At the time of issuance, the City will insure that the contractor or owner maintains worker compensation and a permit fee will be due.

Q. What needs to be submitted?
A. An application for permit and two sets of plans must be submitted. Complex projects may require the plans to be prepared and stamped by a licensed engineer or architect, structural calculations, Title 24 energy calculations and a current soils report to be submitted.

Q. What time is the building department staff available to answer my questions?
A. Building department staff are available to answer questions Monday thru Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on a first come first serve basis. Appointments may be scheduled outside of these hours for complex projects.

Q. How do I schedule an inspection?
A. If proper permits have been obtained and the inspection request is made prior to 3:30 p.m., the building department will make every effort to conduct the inspection the following workday. Call the building division at (323) 583-8811 extension 236.

Q. What time will the inspection take place?
A. The inspection will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Due to field conditions and workloads, specifics cannot be given.

Q. Do I have to be present during the inspection?
A. Yes, a representative of the owner or contractor must be present during the inspection.

Q. May I start construction prior to obtaining a permit?
A. No, a permit must be issued prior to the start of construction.

Q. What are the consequences of starting construction without a permit?
A. Construction started without a permit is subject to extra or supplementary fees, additionally all work will have to be exposed to provide access for proper inspection. Work found not to be in compliance with City codes will have to be immediately repaired or removed.

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Certificate of Occupancy Questions and Answers

Q. Who needs to have a Certificate of Occupancy?
A. Anyone wishing to occupy a property in the City of Vernon is required to have a City of Vernon Certificate of Occupancy before moving employees or equipment into the building.

Q. How do you apply for a Certificate of Occupancy?
A. First obtain an application for a Certificate of Occupancy at the City of Vernon Department of Community Services and Water counter at City Hall. The application is fill out describing the proposed use. A fee, based upon the square footage of building area to be occupied, is paid. An inspection is scheduled. The inspection is then performed by Building, Electrical, Plumbing/Mechanical, Fire Prevention, and Health Inspectors to determine the building's compliance with the Building and Zoning Codes. A few examples of some of the things the inspector's will be checking for are: adequate exits, damages to the structure, frontage improvements, unsafe electrical, adequate restroom facilities, fire protection, proper ventilation and adequate parking and loading areas.

Q. When does the applicant receive information about the deficiencies of the building?
A. Upon completion of the inspection the applicant receives copies of the Inspector's reports. These reports list any corrections that are required to meet the current Building, Zoning and City Codes.

Q. When is the Certificate of Occupancy issued?
A. A Certificate of Occupancy will be issued when a proposed occupant completes all required corrections noted in the inspection report and complies with all applicable codes of the City of Vernon. To confirm compliance with any corrections noted on the inspectors' reports the applicant must contact the specific inspector and arrange for reinspection.

Q. What if it is imperative for the applicant to take occupancy immediately and the corrections have not yet been made?
A. After imminent life safety concerns have been corrected the applicant may request a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. This temporary Certificate is an agreement between the applicant and the City that all remaining corrections will be completed within a specified time span. If a tenant fails to fulfill the commitment outlined in the temporary occupancy permit the temporary occupancy may be voided and power to the facility terminated.

Q. Are there other requirements that affect the issuing of a Certificate of Occupancy?
A. Yes, before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued the applicant must apply for a Business License.

Q. What if the operation emits air pollutants?
A. The applicant may be required to obtain an air quality permit from the South Coast Air Quality District (SCAQMD). You may contact SCAQMD at (909) 396-2000 for further information.

Q. What if the business discharges any industrial wastes into the sewer system?
A. An industrial waste permit from the Sanitation District of Los Angeles County is required. You may contact them at (562) 699-7411 for further information.

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