As of January 1, 2026 City PVE follows the 2025 edition of the California Building Codes. 

The Palos Verdes Estates Department of Building and Safety is responsible for the enforcement of building code regulations, which provide minimum standards to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare by regulating materials, use, and occupancy. The City of Palos Verdes Estates follows the 2022 edition of the California Building Code.

Counter Hours: Monday through Thursday 8 - 10 AM for walk-ins no appointment necessary.

For appointments: Please email BUILDING@PVESTATES.ORG to request an appointment.

To submit an application to the building/planning department digitally: Please email BUILDING@PVESTATES.ORG

Inspection Requests
Inspections are only Monday through Thursday. For a next day inspection, please call (310) 791-8400 ext 112 by 4 PM, and an inspector will perform the requested inspection on the following working day. On the day of your scheduled inspection, feel free to call City Hall at (310) 378-0383 after 9 AM so the receptionist may give you an approximate window of time for your inspection.

Construction Hours:
Monday – Thursday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Anyone contemplating new construction, additions, remodeling, air conditioning units, vents, solar panels, and any walls or fences should check with the Planning and Building Departments first at (310) 378-0383 to determine what code provisions may apply for the proposed work. The Palos Verdes Homes Association approval is also required for most projects and they can be reached at (310) 373-6721. 

A word of caution from the Contractors State License Board. Be aware that hiring an unlicensed “consultant” or becoming the “owner/builder” for your project means that you assume full responsibility for the overall job. Your responsibilities may include such things as state and federal taxes, workers’ compensation insurance, and other legal liabilities. 

For further in-depth information regarding the City’s permit process, please see the following handouts.

• Handouts/ Applications/ Forms
• Frequently Asked Questions

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UPDATED SOLAR SUBMISSION INFORMATION 

SolarAPP+ Automated Solar Plan Reviews

Before applying for an automated solar plan review and solar permit, projects must follow certain requirements. At this time, SolarAPP+ is designed to provide a code-compliance check for the majority of residential, roof-mounted, retrofit photovoltaic systems. To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the https://solarapp.nrel.gov/docs/solarapp-pv-eligibility.pdfEligibility Checklists. Only projects that conform to this lists are eligible to use the automated SolarAPP+ portal for instant permitting.

1. How to Start using SolarApp+
• Register through the SolarAPP+ Registration Webpage.
• If already registered, please skip to step 2.
2. Submit for automated review through SolarAPP+
• Obtain approval from Palos Verdes Homes Association prior to submitting through the SolarAPP+ portal. If you propose an ESS provide Fire Department approval prior to submitting through SolarAPP+ portal. If you are not getting the Fire Department to stamp your plans, then your company would be doing the fast-track process. 
• To start using SolarAPP+, log in and submit your design through the SolarAPP+ Webpage.
• A processing fee from SolarAPP+ and City of Palos Verdes Estates permit fees will be charged.
• Download the approved plans. 
• Receive an email within 24 business hours containing the City of Palos Verdes Estates permit number (for example 25-XXXXX).
• Submit SolarApp+ approved plans/permit to the City of Palos Verdes Estates Building and Safety email: BUILDING@PVESTATES.ORG.
• Once your plans/permits are processed by the City, you may proceed to schedule an inspection.
3. Schedule an Inspection:
• Please have the City of Palos Verdes Estates permit number (example 25-XXXXX), type of inspection requested, address, site contact name and contact phone number.  (310-)791-8400, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the business day before you would like your inspection.  

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