Bathroom Remodel Permit in Beverly Hills, CA (2026)

Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026

The Short Answer

A full bathroom remodel in Beverly Hills requires a permit if you're moving fixtures, adding electrical circuits, installing new ventilation, converting a tub to a shower, or relocating walls. Surface-only work (tile, vanity replacement in place, faucet swap) is exempt.

Beverly Hills Building Department treats bathroom remodels more stringently than many neighboring Los Angeles-area cities because the city enforces strict waterproofing documentation and dual-inspections for any wet-area assembly change. Unlike Santa Monica or West Hollywood, which sometimes fast-track cosmetic bathroom permits online, Beverly Hills requires full plan review and photographic waterproofing system specifications (cement board brand, membrane product, curing time, termination detail) BEFORE any rough inspection. This matters: a $15,000 bathroom remodel with a tub-to-shower conversion will trigger a mandatory framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical, and waterproofing inspection sequence — not a single combo visit. The city also enforces California Title 24 ventilation requirements more rigorously than pre-2023 standard; an exhaust fan must be sized to 1.0 cfm per square foot of bathroom area PLUS ducted to exterior (not into soffit or attic), with rough-in photos required before drywall. Beverly Hills' online permit portal allows you to pre-file and pay electronically, but the city reserves 2–5 weeks for plan review, and rejections for missing GFCI/AFCI details or trap-arm length violations are common (IRC P2706 limits trap-arm slope and distance; oversized remodels often violate this unknowingly).

What happens if you skip the permit (and you needed one)

Stop-work orders cost $250–$500 per violation in Beverly Hills, plus the city can demand removal of unpermitted work and force you to pull a retroactive permit (often costing 150% of the original permit fee).
Insurance claims on water damage or electrical fires in an unpermitted bathroom are routinely denied; your homeowner's policy can exclude coverage entirely if you file a claim and the damage is traced to unpermitted plumbing or electrical work.
Refinance or sale disclosure: California Real Estate Disclosure (TDS) requires you to disclose unpermitted work; buyers' lenders will often refuse financing until permits are pulled and work passes inspection, killing a sale or forcing a 30–60 day delay.
Resale title report or lender appraisal will flag unpermitted plumbing/electrical as a code violation, reducing property value by 3–8% ($30,000–$100,000+ on a Beverly Hills home) and potentially triggering forced compliance before escrow closes.

Beverly Hills bathroom remodel permits — the key details

Beverly Hills Building Department requires a permit for any bathroom remodel that involves fixture relocation, new electrical circuits, ventilation upgrades, or wall changes. The threshold is clear: if you're moving a toilet, sink, or tub from its current location — even a few feet — you need a permit. If you're converting a tub to a shower or a shower to a tub, you need a permit because the waterproofing assembly changes per IRC R702.4.2 (shower receptors and tub surrounds require specific waterproofing—cement board + membrane is the most common spec, but the city requires you to specify the exact product, thickness, and installation method on plans). If you're adding a new electrical circuit, GFCI outlet, or exhaust fan, you need a permit. If you're moving or adding walls, framing, or headers, you need a permit. The permit is not optional in these cases; Beverly Hills does not offer waivers or late-filing options.

Surface-only work is exempt. Replacing a toilet, vanity, or faucet in the same location without moving supply or drain lines does not need a permit. Retiling a bathroom, replacing mirrors, or refinishing cabinets is exempt. Removing and replacing a vanity in the same footprint is exempt. But the moment you touch plumbing, electrical, ventilation, or structure, you cross into permit territory. Many homeowners mistakenly believe a 'vanity swap' is automatic—it's only exempt if the new vanity uses the existing supply and drain locations. If your new vanity design requires the sink to move 18 inches to the left, you now have a permit-required project.

The Beverly Hills Building Department enforces California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 16 (electrical) and Chapter 42 (mechanical/plumbing) with strict waterproofing scrutiny. Bathroom exhaust fans must be sized at 1.0 cfm per square foot of bathroom area, minimum 50 cfm per IRC M1505.2. The fan duct must terminate to exterior air (not attic, not soffit); the city requires a rough-in photo showing the duct termination before drywall closure. GFCI protection is mandatory for all receptacles within 6 feet of a sink per IRC E3902.2; AFCI protection is mandatory for circuits supplying outlets in the bathroom per NEC 210.12(B). Many plans are rejected because the electrical drawing doesn't clearly show GFCI/AFCI details or the label locations. Plumbing rough-ins must show trap-arm slopes (1/4 inch per foot minimum, 45 degrees maximum on vertical drops) and trap distances from the vent stack (trap-arm length cannot exceed 3 feet in most cases per IRC P2706). Shower valves must be pressure-balanced or thermostatic per Title 24; single-handle cartridge valves are acceptable if they meet pressure-balance specs.

Plan review typically takes 2–5 weeks in Beverly Hills because the city requires a full plan set: architectural (floor plan showing fixture locations, wall relocations), plumbing (supply-line routing, drain slopes, vent-stack tie-ins, trap details), electrical (GFCI/AFCI locations, circuit numbering, exhaust-fan wiring), and waterproofing detail (a cross-section drawing showing cement board, membrane product, caulk, and fastening for the tub/shower surround). Resubmittals are common (plan rejections for missing details average 1–2 resubmits). Once approved, you'll need a rough plumbing inspection (framing, supply/drain routing visible), rough electrical inspection (wiring, GFCI boxes before drywall), and final inspections (tile, fixtures, ventilation termination confirmed). The city also performs a waterproofing inspection before drywall in some cases, especially if tub/shower geometry is complex.

Costs and timeline: Permit fees range from $200 to $800 depending on the estimated project valuation (the city charges roughly 0.5–1.5% of the estimated cost). A $20,000 bathroom remodel typically costs $150–$300 in permit fees; a $50,000 remodel costs $300–$600. Plan review takes 2–5 weeks; inspections occur within 1–3 days of request. Total project timeline from permit pull to final sign-off is typically 4–8 weeks, though inspections themselves are fast (30–45 minutes each). Beverly Hills Building Department operates Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM; you can submit plans online via the Beverly Hills permit portal (https://www.beverlyhills.org), pay fees electronically, and track status. Owner-builders are allowed per California Business & Professions Code Section 7044, but electrical and plumbing work must be performed by a licensed contractor (or the owner-builder must hold a C-10 electrical license and C-36 plumbing license). Hiring a licensed general contractor with a track record in Beverly Hills bathrooms usually costs 10–15% more but saves permit rejections and rework.

Three Beverly Hills bathroom remodel (full) scenarios

Scenario A

Cosmetic vanity and tile refresh, same-location fixtures — Benedict Canyon mid-century home

You're replacing a 48-inch vanity with a new 48-inch vanity using the existing supply lines and drain. The old tile is coming out, new tile is going in, but the toilet and shower remain in place and untouched. This is surface-only work and does not require a permit in Beverly Hills. You can hire a contractor, purchase the new vanity (ensure it's the same rough-in width and depth so supply/drain connect directly), and tile the bathroom without filing anything. The only caveat: if during demolition you discover the existing drain is cracked or the supply lines are corroded, and you decide to reroute them even slightly, you've crossed into permit territory. Similarly, if the new vanity's faucet requires a different height or angle on the supply lines, and the plumber needs to relocate the shutoff valve or roughing, that's a permit. To stay exempt, buy a vanity with the same rough-in dimensions, confirm the faucet mounting matches the existing supply-line height, and do not touch the drain. Total cost is $4,000–$12,000 (vanity $800–$2,000, tile labor and materials $2,500–$6,000, plumbing hookup $500–$1,500). No permit fees. No inspections. Timeline: 1–2 weeks.

Scenario B

Tub-to-shower conversion with new drain relocation and waterproofing assembly — Hollywood Hills bungalow

Your 1960s bathroom has a deep soaking tub in a corner; you want to remove it and install a 36-inch corner shower with a new pan and waterproofing. The drain will relocate 2 feet because the shower pan sits where the tub was. This is a permit-required project in Beverly Hills. You must file architectural, plumbing, and waterproofing plans. The plumbing plan must show the new 2-inch drain line routing from the pan to the stack, trap slope (1/4 inch per foot), and trap arm distance from the vent (max 3 feet per IRC P2706; many homes have issues here if the vent stack is distant). The waterproofing plan must specify the assembly: tile backer board (cement board, 1/2 inch thick, ASTM C1288), a waterproofing membrane (liquid-applied, sheet membrane, or pre-assembled pan—specify the brand and product), sealant at corners and penetrations, and curing time before tiling. Beverly Hills requires a rough plumbing inspection (showing drain slope and trap arm before closure) and a waterproofing inspection (before drywall or framing closure). The shower valve must be pressure-balanced per Title 24 (a thermostatic or cartridge valve meeting ASSE 1016 or equivalent). Permit fees: $250–$400 (typical valuation $18,000–$25,000). Plan review: 2–4 weeks (expect 1 resubmit if waterproofing detail is vague). Rough inspections: 2 visits, 3–5 days apart. Final inspection: 1 visit after tile and fixtures. Total timeline: 6–10 weeks from permit to final sign-off. Contractor cost: $18,000–$30,000 (depending on tile, surround material, and if framing adjustments are needed).

Permit required (drain relocation, tub-to-shower conversion) | Waterproofing assembly detail required (cement board + membrane spec) | Pressure-balanced shower valve mandatory | Rough plumbing + waterproofing inspections | $18,000–$30,000 project cost | $250–$400 permit fee

Scenario C

Full gut remodel with wall relocation, dual toilet/sink setup, and new electrical circuits — Luxury estate, Coldwater Canyon

You're reconfiguring a 200-square-foot primary bathroom: removing a wall between the old bathroom and an adjacent closet, creating a large his-and-hers vanity setup with two sinks and two mirrors, relocating the toilet to a different corner, adding a soaking tub in a new location, and installing a large walk-in shower with heated floor. This is a comprehensive gut remodel and requires a full permit set: architectural (floor plan showing wall demolition, new wall framing, toilet relocation, fixture layout), structural (if the removed wall is load-bearing, it needs a header design), plumbing (two new supply branches to each sink, a relocated toilet drain with new trap and vent, drain for the soaking tub, drain for the shower pan, all with slope and trap-arm calculations), electrical (new 20-amp GFCI circuits for each sink area, a dedicated circuit for the heated floor mat, exhaust-fan circuit), and waterproofing (two shower surround assemblies—one for the walk-in, one for the soaking tub—each with detailed cross-sections). Beverly Hills will also require you to show AFCI protection for bathroom circuits per NEC 210.12(B), and Title 24 ventilation: the exhaust fan must be sized to 1.0 cfm per square foot (200 sq ft = 200 cfm minimum, so a 200+ cfm fan, likely a 6-inch duct, with rough-in photo before drywall). The toilet relocation will trigger a detailed trap-arm check (distance from vent stack, slope, diameter—often a surprise when the vent is 4+ feet away, violating IRC P2706). Permit fees: $600–$900 (project valuation $60,000–$100,000+). Plan review: 3–5 weeks (expect 2–3 resubmits for structural header design, plumbing trap-arm corrections, electrical AFCI/GFCI clarity, waterproofing detail refinement). Inspections: rough framing (wall demolition and new framing), rough plumbing (drain slopes, vent tie-ins, supply routing), rough electrical (circuits, GFCI/AFCI, exhaust rough-in), waterproofing (both shower/tub assemblies before drywall), drywall (if walls are moved), and final (fixtures, tile, ventilation termination, heated floor confirmation). Total timeline: 10–16 weeks from permit to final sign-off. Contractor cost: $60,000–$120,000 (depending on finishes, tile, and whether structural work is needed).

Permit required (wall relocation, fixture relocation, new circuits, dual sinks, soaking tub, walk-in shower) | Structural header design if load-bearing wall removed | Dual waterproofing assemblies with detailed specs | Title 24 exhaust fan sizing (200+ cfm, 6-inch duct) | Rough framing, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, final inspections | $60,000–$120,000 project cost | $600–$900 permit fee

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Waterproofing in Beverly Hills: the cement-board-plus-membrane standard

Beverly Hills Building Department enforces a strict interpretation of California Building Code Chapter 42 (waterproofing assemblies in wet areas). For any new tub or shower surround, the city requires visible waterproofing documentation on your plan set: a cross-section drawing showing each layer, product specifications, and installation sequence. The standard approved assembly is cement board (minimum 1/2 inch, ASTM C1288 grade) behind the tile, plus a waterproofing membrane (either liquid-applied like Schluter-Kerdi, sheet-based like Wedi, or a pre-assembled pan like Shower Pan Pro). Many contractors and homeowners assume that 'tile + thinset + backer board' is sufficient; Beverly Hills will reject this. The city wants to see the membrane layer explicitly called out, the product name and thickness noted, the sealant specification (silicone or polyurethane per ASTM C920), and the curing time before tile application listed on the plan. If you specify a liquid-applied membrane, the plan must note the number of coats, dry time between coats, and final cure time (typically 24–48 hours before tiling). If you're using a pre-assembled pan with integrated membrane, the plan must reference the pan manufacturer's installation manual and confirm that the pan flange is sealed and waterproofed at the wall intersection. Corners, penetrations (drain pipes, p-traps), and transitions (from the pan to the wall) must be sealed with compatible sealant; many rejections occur because the plan shows the pan and membrane but doesn't specify how corners are sealed or where the sealant breaks occur. Cost impact: specifying a full waterproofing assembly adds $500–$1,500 to the material and labor cost compared to a basic tile-on-backer-board approach, but it's mandatory for Beverly Hills plan approval. If you don't call out the waterproofing system on your plans, expect a rejection and a 1–2 week resubmit delay.

Electrical and ventilation in Beverly Hills bathrooms: GFCI, AFCI, and Title 24 exhaust requirements

Beverly Hills strictly enforces California Title 24 Energy Code provisions for bathroom ventilation and electrical protection. Every bathroom outlet within 6 feet of a sink, toilet, or shower/tub must be GFCI-protected per IRC E3902.2; the city's plan-review checklist explicitly asks for GFCI locations and wiring diagrams. A common rejection is a plan that shows outlets but doesn't label them as GFCI or shows GFCI protection in a circuit breaker but doesn't confirm the breaker location on the electrical schematic. AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is also mandatory for all bathroom circuits per NEC 210.12(B); this means every circuit that supplies an outlet, lighting, or exhaust fan in a bathroom must have AFCI protection, either at the breaker or as a combination GFCI/AFCI breaker. If your plan shows standard 20-amp or 15-amp breakers without AFCI designation, it will be rejected. Exhaust fans are sized per IRC M1505.2: 1.0 cfm per square foot of bathroom area (minimum 50 cfm). A typical 80-square-foot half-bath requires an 80 cfm fan; a 150-square-foot primary bath requires a 150 cfm fan. The duct must terminate to exterior air, not into the attic, soffit, or garage. Beverly Hills requires a rough-in photo showing the duct termination BEFORE drywall is closed; if the duct is vented into the attic, the inspector will flag it and you'll have to reroute it externally, adding cost and delay. Many renovations violate this rule because the existing duct was run to the attic (a common 1980s practice, now banned). If you're relocating the exhaust fan, plan for new ductwork and a new termination point (often requiring soffit work or roof penetration). Cost: a new exhaust fan and properly routed duct adds $300–$600 to the project. Plan clarity: your electrical plan must show the exhaust fan on a dedicated circuit (or shared with lighting if combined), the GFCI/AFCI breaker designation, the wire gauge and conduit size, and the duct size (typically 4 or 6 inches).

City of Beverly Hills Building Department
Beverly Hills City Hall, 455 North Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: (310) 285-1111 (main line; ask for Building Department) | https://www.beverlyhills.org/residents/building-and-safety/
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed weekends and city holidays)

Common questions

Do I need a permit if I'm just replacing my toilet and vanity in place?

No, if both the toilet and vanity are staying in their current locations and you're not moving any supply or drain lines, this is surface-only work and exempt from permitting. You can hire a plumber, remove the old fixtures, and install new ones. However, if the new vanity requires the sink drain or supply lines to move even a few inches, you'll need a permit. Confirm the new vanity's rough-in (the distance from the wall to the center of the drain opening) matches your existing rough-in before purchasing.

Can I do the plumbing and electrical work myself, or do I need to hire a licensed contractor?

California Business & Professions Code Section 7044 allows owner-builders to perform some of their own work, but plumbing and electrical work must be performed by a licensed contractor (or the owner must hold a C-36 plumbing license and C-10 electrical license). For a typical bathroom remodel, you'd need to hire a licensed plumber and electrician. The permit application will ask for the contractor's license number and CSLB registration; Beverly Hills will not approve a permit if a licensed contractor is not assigned to plumbing and electrical.

How long does the Beverly Hills permitting process take for a bathroom remodel?

Plan review typically takes 2–5 weeks; expect 1–3 resubmits if details are missing (waterproofing assembly, GFCI/AFCI labeling, exhaust-fan sizing). Inspections are fast (30–45 minutes each) once approved, but you need to schedule them: rough plumbing (framing and drain slopes visible), rough electrical (wiring before drywall), and final (fixtures and tile in place). Total timeline from permit pull to final sign-off is usually 4–10 weeks, depending on the project scope and how quickly you schedule inspections.

What's the most common reason bathroom remodels get rejected in Beverly Hills?

Missing or vague waterproofing specifications. Beverly Hills requires a detailed cross-section drawing showing cement board, membrane product name, sealant type, and installation sequence. Many plans are rejected because they say 'waterproof surround' but don't specify the product, thickness, or manufacturer. The second most common rejection is GFCI/AFCI details on the electrical plan—outlets must be explicitly labeled as GFCI-protected, and all bathroom circuits must show AFCI breaker designation. Budget extra time in plan review for these details.

Do I need a separate permit if I'm converting a bathtub to a shower?

Yes, a tub-to-shower conversion is a permit-required change because the waterproofing assembly changes per IRC R702.4.2. The new shower pan requires a waterproofing membrane and proper drainage; the drain line may relocate. You'll need plumbing, waterproofing, and possibly structural plans. Expect 2–4 weeks for plan review and rough plumbing and waterproofing inspections before you can close the walls.

What happens if the inspection finds my exhaust fan ducted to the attic?

The inspector will issue a correction notice and you must reroute the duct to exterior (typically through the soffit or roof). This is a code violation per IRC M1505; attic termination allows humidity to accumulate in the attic and damage insulation and framing. You'll have to hire a contractor to redirect the duct, which delays your final inspection by 1–2 weeks and costs $300–$800 for the reroute and soffit/roof penetration.

Are there any special rules for pre-1978 homes in Beverly Hills bathrooms?

Yes, if your home was built before 1978, lead-paint rules apply. Any renovation involving disturbance of painted surfaces requires a lead-hazard assessment and, if lead is present, lead-safe work practices per EPA RRP Rule. Beverly Hills Building Department will not issue a final inspection until lead-safe work practices are documented. Hire a lead-safe certified contractor and budget an extra $500–$1,500 for lead testing and safe containment. This isn't a permit issue per se, but it can delay your project if not planned for.

Can I use a fiberglass shower surround instead of tile and cement board?

Yes, but Beverly Hills still requires waterproofing documentation. A pre-fabricated fiberglass surround is considered a sealed assembly if it's properly installed with all seams and penetrations sealed per the manufacturer's instructions. Your plan must reference the surround's product specification, installation manual, and sealant details (corners, drain penetration, valve rough-in). Some fiberglass units come with integrated pans and waterproofing; confirm this with the manufacturer and reference it on your plan. Fiberglass surrounds are cheaper than tile ($2,000–$4,000 vs $5,000–$10,000 for tile) but require the same plan-review documentation.

How much does a bathroom remodel permit cost in Beverly Hills?

Permit fees range from $200 to $900 depending on the project valuation. Beverly Hills charges roughly 0.5–1.5% of the estimated project cost as the permit fee. A $15,000 remodel typically costs $150–$300 in permits; a $50,000 remodel costs $400–$700. Submit an estimate of your total project cost (labor + materials) on the permit application; the city uses this to calculate the fee. Plan review, inspections, and reinspections are included in the permit fee; there are no additional charges for each inspection visit.

What's the difference between a cosmetic bathroom permit and a remodel permit in Beverly Hills?

Beverly Hills doesn't distinguish between 'cosmetic' and 'remodel' permits officially, but the distinction is in scope. A cosmetic permit covers surface-only changes (tile, paint, vanity swap in place) and is exempt. A remodel permit covers any fixture relocation, ventilation changes, electrical upgrades, or structural changes. If your project involves more than one of these elements, the city may issue a single 'bathroom remodel' permit with full plan review (architectural, plumbing, electrical). For a surface-only cosmetic job, you won't file anything; for anything beyond that, expect a full remodel permit process.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on research conducted in May 2026 using publicly available sources. Always verify current bathroom remodel (full) permit requirements with the City of Beverly Hills Building Department before starting your project.

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