Permits / Applications for Home Improvements
Updated January 2, 2024
Submit Your Application/Plan Online
In an effort to continue providing assistance to the public, the Department of Community Development has taken measures to accept applications and plans online. Please follow the instructions in the following document:
Planning/Building Interim Electronic Submittal Procedure (PDF)
Please upload applications and plans using the following online submittal form:
All applications and permits can be submitted and processed online. Should you have any questions or require assistance, please call (562) 916-1201. If your questions or concerns cannot be addressed via telephone or email, an appointment for an in-person visit may be scheduled with appropriate Planning or Building and Safety staff by calling (562) 916-1201.
Wireless Telecommunication Project/Permit Submittals: Wireless telecommunication project/permit submittals are only accepted on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In-person wireless telecommunication project/permit submittals are by appointment only, and walk-in applicants will not be accepted. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (562) 916-1201. Any in-person or online wireless telecommunication project/permit submitted after 4:00 p.m. on Monday, whether online or in-person, will be deemed submitted on the following Tuesday, and any application submitted on Tuesday after 4:00 p.m. will be deemed submitted on the following Monday (or the following Tuesday if Monday is a legal holiday).
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Planning Applications | Building Applications | Hours of Construction
| Public Review
City planning approval by the Current Planning Division is required for residential additions, remodels, paint color, landscaping, and other physical features to ensure compliance with the Cerritos Municipal Code. For building renovations and new construction, a building permit issued by the Building and Safety Division is also required. Permits may be obtained Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Building and Safety counter closes at 4:30 p.m. daily. If you are planning to make any physical modifications to your home or property, please contact the Department of Community Development at (562) 916-1201 to learn about required approvals and permits.
To check the status of an existing building permit or request a permit inspection, contact the Building and Safety Division at (562) 916-1209.
For a detailed guide of necessary forms and applications required for projects, please click the link provided below:
Below is a list of permit applications available for download and other helpful information:
Planning Applications and Information
Air Conditioning Application (PDF)
Block Wall/Fence Application (PDF)
Block Wall Replacement Application — Arterial (PDF)
Boarding House Permit Application (PDF)
Cerritos GIS Mapping Tool (property information and planning approval history)
Development Code Amendment (PDF)
Development Map Amendment (PDF)
Drought-Tolerant Plant Color Reference Guide (PDF)
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Application—Residential (PDF)
Front Yard Landscape Design Manual (PDF)
Green Building Fee Waiver Application (PDF)
Indoor Marijuana Cultivation Application (PDF)
Paint Color Permit Application (PDF)
Patio Structure Application (PDF)
Residential Design Manual (PDF)
Room Addition Application — Minor: Adding Less than 900 Square Feet (PDF)
Shed Guidelines and Example Plot Plan (PDF)
Solar Energy System Application (PDF)
Swimming Pool Demolition Plan Example (PDF)
Swimming Pool, Spa and Equipment Application (PDF)
Tree Removal
HOA Administrative Tree Removal Application (PDF)
HOA Discretionary Tree Removal Application (PDF)
HOA Emergency Tree Removal Notification/Application (PDF)
Private Parkway Tree Removal Application (PDF)
Building and Safety Permit Applications and Information
These must be accompanied by building plans and other applications as required. Please note, building permits may be obtained Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Building and Safety counter closes at 4:30 p.m. daily.
Building Permit Application (PDF)
Combination Pool Permit Application (PDF) (submit with Swimming Pool, Spa and Equipment Application (PDF))
Swimming Pool/Spa Fill Covenant (PDF)
Construction and Demolition (C&D)
Waste Management Forms (PDF)Electrical Permit Application (PDF)
Grading/Landscape Permit Application (PDF)
Green Building Fee Waiver Application (PDF)
Master Fee Schedule—City Building and Safety Fees (PDF)
Mechanical Permit Application (PDF)
Miscellaneous Permit Application (PDF)
Plumbing Permit Application (PDF)
Sewer Permit Application (PDF)
State Disability Access Resources
Disability Access Requirements and Resources—English (PDF)
Disability Access Requirements and Resources—Chinese Simplified (PDF)
Disability Access Requirements and Resources—Chinese Traditional (PDF)
Disability Access Requirements and Resources—Korean (PDF)
Disability Access Requirements and Resources—Spanish (PDF)
Disability Access Requirements and Resources—Tagalog (PDF)
Disability Access Requirements and Resources—Vietnamese (PDF)
Print, complete, and sign the application above for your project and bring it to the Department of Community Development for review, along with any required plans and attachments. Copies of these applications are also available at the Department of Community Development in City Hall.
Hours of Construction
Please note that all construction, demolition, and grading activities shall be limited to the following days and hours, unless otherwise approved in writing by the City of Cerritos:
- Monday through Friday: Between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: Between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Sundays and City-observed holidays: No construction, demolition, or grading activities are permitted.
Public Review
Documents related to upcoming development proposals will be made available here for public review during the established public review period. For questions regarding development proposals, please contact the Department of Community Development at (562) 916‑1201.
