Research by DoINeedAPermit Research Team · Updated May 2026
The Short Answer
Any attached deck in Beverly Hills requires a building permit, regardless of size. Beverly Hills enforces this more strictly than many California cities due to its hillside overlay districts and expansive-soil conditions.
Beverly Hills stands apart from neighboring Los Angeles and West Hollywood in several ways: the city has adopted stricter hillside development standards (Hollywood Hills Hillside Overlay) that affect footing depth, drainage, and grading requirements on slopes over 15 percent. Second, Beverly Hills Building Department requires a geotechnical report for ANY deck in hillside zones (roughly north of Sunset Boulevard and east of Doheny Drive), even for modest 12x14 decks — a threshold many California cities skip. Third, the city's online permit portal (Beverly Hills Building Dept portal) requires plan submission before counter review, meaning no walk-in plan review for decks; this delays feedback vs. cities like Santa Monica that allow same-day over-the-counter clarification. Finally, Beverly Hills enforces California Title 24 energy code and local amendments to the 2022 California Building Code more aggressively than state minimums, particularly around ledger flashing (R507.9 compliance is non-negotiable, and inspectors often flag insufficient flashing width — they want 6-8 inches of overlap, not the code-minimum 4). The combination of hillside overlay, geotechnical requirements, and no walk-in plan review means budget 4-6 weeks for approval, not 2.

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

Beverly Hills attached deck permits — the key details

Beverly Hills Building Department enforces California Building Code Chapter 3 (Fire and Life Safety) and IRC R507 (Decks) with city amendments that tighten ledger flashing and footing requirements. The baseline rule is simple: any deck attached to the house requires a permit. This is non-negotiable in Beverly Hills, even if the deck is ground-level and under 200 square feet (which some California cities exempt under IRC R105.2.1). The reason: Beverly Hills sits on expansive clay and granitic foothills, with hillsides subject to mudslide and seismic risk, so the city treats even modest decks as structural attachments that must be reviewed for setback compliance, geotechnical adequacy, and drainage. Plan to submit detailed plans (plot plan, footing detail, ledger flashing detail per R507.9, and beam connection detail showing DTT or Simpson H-clips) before any review — the Beverly Hills portal does not allow counter review without submission. Budget 4-6 weeks for plan review; if your deck is in a hillside overlay zone (north of Sunset or east of Doheny), add 2-3 weeks for geotechnical review.

Ledger flashing is the #1 rejection reason in Beverly Hills. IRC R507.9 requires flashing that extends 4 inches above and below the deck rim, but Beverly Hills inspectors consistently flag submissions where flashing is not at least 6 inches wide and not sealed with caulk or tape rated for outdoor use (typically Dow Corning 795 or equivalent). Flashing must extend from above the rim joist down to the mudsill, wrapping the rim and nailing into the band board at 16 inches on center. Many applicants submit vague details like 'install perimeter flashing per code' without specifying material (aluminum, galvanized steel, or bituthene tape) and width; the department's plan checker will flag this and request resubmission (1-2 week delay). Use a detail drawing showing the ledger attachment point, flashing profile, rim joist height, and caulk lines. If your ledger is directly against brick or stucco (common in Beverly Hills Mediterranean homes), you must include step flashing or a continuous flashing pan that sits on top of the rim and extends under the siding — not over it. This detail alone catches 30 percent of resubmissions.

Footing depth in Beverly Hills is nuanced because the city spans multiple climate zones. Coastal Beverly Hills (near Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevard, elevation 100-300 feet) has mild winters and minimal frost; frost depth is effectively 0-6 inches, and the California Building Code R403.1.4.1 typically calls for footings at 12 inches minimum below grade for frost protection. However, hillside Beverly Hills (north of Sunset, elevation 400-2,000 feet) experiences colder winters and some frost penetration; frost depth can reach 12-18 inches in the higher elevations. The city does not publish a formal frost-depth map, but the plan checker will ask you to confirm your elevation and expected frost depth in the footing detail. More important than frost: expansive soil testing. If your deck is in a hillside zone, Beverly Hills requires a geotechnical engineer to confirm that footings are placed below the zone of seasonal moisture change (often 3-4 feet deep in clay soils) or that the soil is stable at the footing depth. A $1,500–$3,000 geotech report is common. Footings must be minimum 12 inches in diameter (or 12x12 inches if square) and set on undisturbed or properly compacted soil, not on existing backfill. Use concrete piers (4,000 PSI minimum) and never use untreated wood posts below grade.

Hillside overlay requirements add cost and timeline if your property is in the Hollywood Hills Hillside Overlay District (roughly north of Sunset Boulevard, east of Doheny Drive, and west of Laurel Canyon). The overlay requires minimum 15-foot setback from rear property line (some areas 25 feet), and any deck affecting grading or drainage must include a drainage plan showing how deck footings and posts will not obstruct surface or subsurface flow. A deck with footings dug into a slope must include a cross-section showing that no fill is placed upslope of the deck and that downslope drainage is not impeded. Additionally, if your deck is more than 4 feet above finished grade (common on hillside lots), it must include guardrailing (36 inches minimum height per R312.1, or 42 inches if the deck abuts a driveway or public path) and engineered beam-to-post connections (typically DTT (Dynamic Tension Test) clips rated for seismic lateral load, or Simpson Strong-Tie H-clips). Hillside decks also trigger hillside setback review: a 4-foot-high deck in the rear yard might be deemed a 'structure' and subject to the 15-foot setback, which could place it entirely off the buildable area. The plan checker will advise; it is not uncommon for hillside homeowners to find their deck footprint must be moved 8-10 feet toward the house to meet setback. This is not a permit denial, but it is a design surprise that can kill a project, so confirm setbacks early in the design phase (contact the Beverly Hills Zoning/Development Services Bureau before investing in detailed plans).

Inspection sequence and timeline: once your permit is issued (plan review fee $300–$700 depending on deck size and complexity), you will schedule three inspections. First inspection (footing/excavation) happens before concrete pour; the inspector checks footing depth, diameter, location relative to property lines, and soil adequacy. Second inspection (framing) occurs after posts are installed, beams are set, and ledger is bolted; this is when the flashing detail is checked, beam-to-post connections are verified, and ledger bolts (typically 1/2-inch lag bolts or through-bolts at 16-inch spacing per R507.9.1) are confirmed. Final inspection happens after decking, stairs, and guardrails are installed; the inspector verifies stair treads are 10-11 inches deep (R311.7.1), rise is 7-7.75 inches (R311.7.3), guardrail height is at least 36 inches (42 inches if abuting a walking surface), and handrails are 34-38 inches above tread (R311.5.6). Typical timeline from permit issuance to final inspection is 6-10 weeks; expedited deck construction (3-4 weeks build) is possible but not common because the footing cure time alone is 7 days minimum before framing can proceed. Plan for a total project timeline of 12-16 weeks from initial design to final inspection clearance.

Three Beverly Hills deck (attached to house) scenarios

Scenario A
12x16 ground-level deck, Beverly Hills Flats (Wilshire/Santa Monica Blvd area), no hillside overlay, no electrical
You own a 1950s mid-century home in the Beverly Hills Flats (elevation ~150 feet, coastal climate zone 3B) and want to add a 12x16 foot (192 sq ft) deck off the rear master bedroom. The deck will be set on footings 18 inches below finished grade (conservative frost depth for coastal area) and will be 18 inches above grade at the rim, so no stairs are needed. Ledger will be bolted to the rim joist of the house with 1/2-inch lag bolts at 16-inch spacing, with aluminum flashing extending 6 inches above the rim and 6 inches down to the mudsill, sealed with polyurethane caulk. Footings will be 12-inch diameter sonotubes in 4,000 PSI concrete, set on undisturbed soil. Posts will be 4x4 pressure-treated (UC3B rating, suitable for ground contact in non-wet areas). Beams will be 2x10 treated lumber, connected to posts with Simpson H-clips rated for wind uplift. Deck boards will be composite (no staining/sealing required). This project is not in the hillside overlay, so no geotechnical report is required. Permit will cost $350–$500 (plan review + permit fee, based on ~$15,000 estimated deck value at roughly 3-4% of valuation). Plan review will take 3-4 weeks; the plan checker will verify ledger detail, footing depth, beam connection, and guardrail height (not required at 18 inches, but if rim height exceeds 30 inches, guardrail becomes mandatory). You will pass footing inspection (showing soil undisturbed below frost line), framing inspection (ledger bolts, beam connections), and final inspection (decking, trim). Total project cost $15,000–$22,000 (materials + labor + permits); timeline 10-12 weeks including plan review.
Permit required | Coastal frost depth 6-12 inches | No hillside overlay required | Plan review 3-4 weeks | Footing, framing, final inspections | Permit + plan review $350–$500 | Total project $15,000–$22,000
Scenario B
16x20 elevated deck with stairs, Hollywood Hills (north of Sunset), hillside overlay, 6-foot height above grade
You own a 1970s contemporary home on a slope in the Hollywood Hills (elevation ~800 feet, hillside overlay zone, climate zone 5B, soil type granitic colluvium). You want a 16x20 foot (320 sq ft) composite deck elevated 6 feet above finished grade at the rear of the house, with a set of stairs descending to a lower patio level. The deck requires four 4x4 posts with footings dug 24-30 inches deep (combined frost + expansive soil buffer). Beams will be 2x12 treated lumber, connected to posts with Simpson HD10 Hurricane clips (required for hillside seismic lateral load and wind uplift in this zone). Because the deck is 6 feet high, guardrails are mandatory (36-42 inches per R312.1 and hillside overlay amendment). Stairs will have 10-inch treads and 7.5-inch risers (R311.7 compliant) and will require a 36-inch handrail on at least one side (R311.5.6). Ledger attachment will include a flashing pan (not simple tape flashing) because the home sits on a slope where subsurface water can accumulate upslope; the flashing must extend from above the rim joist down and out, with a weep hole every 16 inches to drain behind the flashing. Because this is a hillside property, a geotechnical report is required: you will hire a geotech engineer (~$2,000–$3,000) to verify that footing depth is adequate for soil type and that the deck footings do not destabilize the slope. The report must show that no fill is placed upslope of the deck and that surface water drainage is not impeded. Permit will cost $500–$700 (plan review + permit fee, based on ~$25,000 estimated deck value). Plan review will take 5-6 weeks due to hillside overlay review and geotechnical report review. You will pass footing inspection (geotech-certified depth and compaction), framing inspection (beam connections verified, guardrail posts installed), and final inspection (stairs, handrails, guardrail height, decking). Total project cost $25,000–$38,000 (including geotech report, elevated framing, stairs, labor, permits); timeline 14-16 weeks including plan review and geotechnical investigation.
Permit required | Hillside overlay zone (geotech required) | Footing depth 24-30 inches (frost + expansive soil) | Elevated 6 feet (guardrails, handrails required) | Stairs (10-inch tread, 7.5-inch rise) | Plan review 5-6 weeks | Geotechnical report $2,000–$3,000 | Permit + plan review $500–$700 | Total project $25,000–$38,000
Scenario C
10x14 deck with 120V outlet and low-voltage lighting, Beverly Hills Flats, no hillside overlay
You own a contemporary home in the Beverly Hills Flats and want a 10x14 foot (140 sq ft) deck with 120V outlet for a patio heater and low-voltage LED string lights. The deck itself (structure, footing, framing, decking, guardrail) requires a building permit under the standard rules (any attached deck requires a permit). However, the 120V outlet triggers an additional electrical permit and inspection. In California, any electrical work rated 120V or higher must be performed by a licensed electrician (not an owner-builder, except in limited circumstances defined by B&P Code § 7044; deck outlets typically exceed the owner-builder threshold and require a licensed electrician). The 120V outlet will require a dedicated 20-amp circuit run from the main panel (in conduit, rated for exterior use per NEC Article 300), a GFCI-protected receptacle (NEC 210.8(a)(2) requires GFCI for all outdoor receptacles), and a weatherproof box. Low-voltage lighting (12V or 24V) may be owner-installed under certain conditions if it is not hard-wired; however, if the lights are permanently connected to the house electrical system, they also require a licensed electrician and an electrical permit. Assume the safest path: both the 120V outlet and the low-voltage lights are installed by a licensed electrician. Permit will cost $350–$600 for the building permit (structural + plan review) and an additional $150–$300 for the electrical permit (plan review + inspection). Plan review for the combined package will take 4-5 weeks (building plan review overlaps with electrical review). Inspections will include the standard footing, framing, and final inspections for the deck, plus an electrical final inspection for the outlet and lights (must verify GFCI function, proper grounding, conduit seal at house penetration). Licensed electrician fee for outlet installation will add $600–$1,200 (material + labor). Total project cost $12,000–$18,000 (deck materials and labor $10,000–$15,000, electrical work $600–$1,200, permits $500–$900, inspections included); timeline 11-13 weeks.
Permit required (structure + electrical) | 120V outlet requires licensed electrician | GFCI protection required (NEC 210.8) | Low-voltage lights (if hard-wired, also licensed electrician) | Plan review 4-5 weeks | Building permit $350–$600 | Electrical permit $150–$300 | Electrician labor $600–$1,200 | Total project $12,000–$18,000

Every project is different.

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Ledger flashing: the #1 rejection reason in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Building Department inspectors are meticulous about ledger flashing because the city sits on clay soils with high groundwater in some areas, and poor flashing leads to rim joist rot, structural failure, and liability. IRC R507.9 sets the baseline: flashing must extend at least 4 inches above the deck rim and must be installed under the house's water-resistive barrier (or, if installed over siding, must have step flashing that overlaps the siding by 2 inches and sits on the rim). However, Beverly Hills plan checkers routinely request 6-8 inch flashing width and explicit detail drawings that show the flashing profile, material type, fastening, and caulk lines. The most common rejection scenario: applicant submits a detail that shows flashing as 'aluminum per code' with no dimensions, no fastening spacing, and no caulk specification. The plan checker rejects the detail and requests a revised drawing showing 6-inch minimum width, fastening at 16 inches on center, and polyurethane caulk (or silicone) along the top edge of the flashing and at all seams.

Flashing material choice matters in Beverly Hills due to salt spray near the coast and oxidation in hillside areas. Aluminum flashing (the cheapest option, ~$50–$100 per 50 feet) is acceptable but must be isolated from steel fasteners with nylon washers to prevent galvanic corrosion. Galvanized steel flashing ($100–$150 per 50 feet) is more durable and requires no isolation washers. Bituthene or self-adhesive tape flashing ($150–$250 per roll) is increasingly popular because it wraps the rim and post connections in one piece, eliminating seams and reducing caulking labor. Beverly Hills plan checkers accept all three, but will specify which is acceptable based on the deck's exposure (hillside decks with high moisture get more scrutiny than flats decks). If your deck is directly against stucco or brick (common in Mediterranean-style homes throughout Beverly Hills), you must use step flashing or a pan flashing that sits on top of the rim and extends under the siding; the siding cannot overlap the flashing. This detail takes extra time and money ($800–$1,500 in labor) and is a common cost surprise.

The ledger bolting detail is equally critical. R507.9.1 requires 1/2-inch bolts (or lags) at 16-inch spacing, minimum 3 inches into the rim joist. Beverly Hills inspectors verify that bolts are fastened into the rim joist, not into the band board or siding. If the house has a double rim (common in modern homes), both rims must be tied together with blocking and bolts must go into the rim joist that is actually connected to the house frame. Bolts must be spaced 12-16 inches on center, and the first bolt must be within 12 inches of the deck corner. If your ledger is over 8 feet long, you must use 1/2-inch lag bolts or through-bolts (not 3/8-inch bolts, which are sometimes submitted by inexperienced builders). Final detail: if the ledger is over 12 feet long or the deck is elevated (rim more than 30 inches above grade), Beverly Hills requires a structural engineer's stamp on the ledger detail. This adds $300–$600 in engineer time but saves resubmissions.

Hillside overlay and geotechnical requirements for Beverly Hills decks

Beverly Hills Hillside Overlay District (roughly north of Sunset Boulevard, east of Doheny Drive, and west of Laurel Canyon) imposes additional requirements on any deck that sits on a slope or affects grading. The city treats decks as 'structures' if they are more than 4 feet above finished grade or if they require excavation into a slope. Structures in the overlay must comply with a 15-foot rear setback (or 25-foot in certain subareas) and must be sited to minimize grading and drainage disruption. For a typical hillside deck, this means the footings must be placed so that no cut or fill slopes are created; if a slope exists upslope of the deck, the footing excavation must be backfilled with the same soil or with compacted structural fill, not left as a hole that alters drainage. The plan checker will request a cross-section drawing showing the existing slope profile, the footing excavation, the finished grade after deck installation, and arrow indicating downslope water flow. If your deck footing requires a 3-foot-deep hole on a 20-degree slope, that hole's placement matters: it cannot be positioned where it would channel water toward the downslope neighbor's foundation.

Geotechnical report requirements are the biggest cost surprise for hillside deck owners. Beverly Hills Building Department formally requires a geotechnical report for any structure in the hillside overlay, but in practice, this is most vigorously enforced for decks (and other exterior structures) if the deck is elevated more than 3 feet above natural grade or if the property has known soil or slope instability issues. A basic geotech report ($2,000–$3,000) includes a site visit, boring to footing depth (typically 2-3 holes, 3-4 feet deep), soil sampling, lab testing (Atterberg limits, expansion index if clay is present), and a letter affirming that footing depth is adequate for soil type and slope stability. The report will state something like: 'Footings are recommended at 24 inches below finished grade, set on undisturbed dense granitic soil or properly compacted fill. Soil is not expansive at this depth. Footing design is adequate for 4,000 PSI concrete and standard deck loads.' The plan checker will stamp the report and then allow the structural plans to proceed. If the geotech report reveals expansive soil at shallow depth, you may be required to: (1) dig deeper (adding $2,000–$5,000 in excavation cost), (2) use expanded footings with an engineered pad, or (3) redesign the deck to use isolated post anchors rather than buried footings (a significant structural change that may affect deck height and design).

Setback compliance is the second-biggest surprise. A deck that the homeowner expects to fit in the rear yard may violate the 15-foot rear setback if the deck structure (including posts and footings) extends within 15 feet of the rear property line. The setback is measured from the rear property line to the outermost point of the deck, which includes overhang but not railings (per the city's interpretation). If your rear yard is only 20 feet deep, a 15-foot setback leaves only 5 feet of deck depth — often too narrow for a functional design. The solution is to work with the Zoning/Development Services Bureau early in design to confirm the exact setback applicable to your parcel (some hillside subareas have 25-foot setbacks, others 15 feet, and a few have variable setbacks based on adjacent lot sizes). Request a setback verification letter before you invest in detailed plans; this letter (free or $50–$100) will save a $5,000–$10,000 design rework later. If your lot cannot accommodate a deck within setbacks, the city may grant a variance or conditional use permit, but this process adds 8-12 weeks and $3,000–$5,000 in application and hearing fees.

City of Beverly Hills Building Department
455 North Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: (310) 285-1000 | https://www.beverlyhills.org/citygovernment/departments/buildingandservices/
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed City holidays)

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a ground-level deck under 200 square feet in Beverly Hills?

Yes. Beverly Hills requires a permit for any attached deck regardless of size or height. Although IRC R105.2.1 exempts ground-level decks under 200 sq ft and under 30 inches high in many California cities, Beverly Hills does not adopt this exemption due to hillside and expansive-soil concerns. Even a small 10x10 ground-level deck off a bedroom requires a full building permit, plan review, and inspections. The city treats attached decks as structural attachments that need review for ledger flashing compliance and footing adequacy.

How much will my deck permit cost in Beverly Hills?

Plan review and permit fees typically range from $350 to $700, depending on the deck size and complexity. For a basic 12x16 flats deck, expect $350–$500. For a larger or hillside deck with geotechnical review, expect $500–$700. These fees are based on the estimated valuation of the deck (usually 3-4% of estimated cost) and are due before plan review begins. Additional fees apply if you require electrical permits (add $150–$300) or if you request expedited review (add $100–$200).

What is a geotechnical report and why does Beverly Hills require it for decks?

A geotechnical report is a soil and slope stability analysis prepared by a licensed civil or geotechnical engineer. Beverly Hills requires one for any deck in the Hillside Overlay District (north of Sunset Boulevard, east of Doheny Drive) because these areas sit on granitic slopes and clay soils prone to expansion and instability. The report confirms that footing depth is adequate for soil type and that the deck will not destabilize the slope. Cost is typically $2,000–$3,000. Even if your deck is outside the overlay, the plan checker may request a report if your site has visible slope or if nearby properties have slope stability issues.

Can I use treated lumber posts below ground in Beverly Hills?

Yes, you must use pressure-treated posts rated for ground contact (UC3B or UC4B per AWPA standards). Untreated wood will rot within 3-5 years in Beverly Hills' moisture-rich hillside soils. Posts must be set on concrete footings (minimum 12-inch diameter, 4,000 PSI concrete) at a depth determined by soil type and frost depth — typically 12-18 inches in the coastal flats, 18-30 inches in the hillsides. The footing must sit on undisturbed soil or properly compacted fill, not on existing backfill or gravel.

What are DTT clips and why are they required for hillside decks in Beverly Hills?

DTT (Dynamic Tension Test) clips, commonly made by Simpson Strong-Tie (H-clips, HD-clips), are engineered connectors that tie beams to posts and resist lateral loads from wind, seismic activity, and heavy snow (if applicable). California Building Code requires them for decks in areas subject to seismic risk (Beverly Hills hillsides, climate zone 5B-6B) and high wind (coastal areas). They add $30–$80 per connection (4-6 per deck) and are non-negotiable for hillside decks. Coastal flats decks may be exempt if the deck is low-profile and low-load, but the plan checker will specify.

How long does plan review take for a Beverly Hills deck permit?

Standard flats decks with no hillside overlay or electrical work typically take 3-4 weeks for plan review. Hillside decks with geotechnical review can take 5-6 weeks. Decks with electrical work (outlets, lighting) add 1-2 weeks. Resubmissions (if the plan checker rejects your detail and requests changes) add 1-2 weeks per cycle. The Beverly Hills portal does not allow walk-in plan review; all deck permits must be submitted online and reviewed by staff. Once your permit is issued, you can begin work; inspections are scheduled as work progresses.

What happens during the footing inspection for a Beverly Hills deck?

The footing inspection occurs after you excavate and place the sonotubes (or dig postholes) but before you pour concrete. The inspector verifies: (1) footing depth matches the approved plan (e.g., 18 inches for flats, 24-30 inches for hillsides), (2) diameter or dimensions match the plan (minimum 12-inch diameter for most decks), (3) soil at the bottom is undisturbed and compacted (not loose fill), (4) the footing location is accurate relative to the house and property lines, and (5) no utilities (gas, electrical, sewer) are damaged. You must call for inspection 24 hours in advance; the inspector arrives and either approves the footing (you can pour concrete) or fails it (you must revise depth, diameter, or location). Failure is rare if you follow the approved detail; typical pass rate is 95 percent.

Can I build my deck before getting a permit if I promise to get one later?

No. Building a deck without a permit first is illegal in Beverly Hills. If the city discovers unpermitted work, a stop-work order is issued immediately, you are fined $250–$500 per day, and the structure may be ordered removed. Even if you later obtain a permit, you will be assessed a penalty (typically 100-200% of the original permit fee, so $700–$1,400 for a standard deck) and will be required to pass all inspections before the structure can be occupied. Additionally, an unpermitted deck voids your homeowner's insurance, exposes you to massive liability if someone is injured, and will be flagged during any future sale or refinance, requiring expensive remediation or disclosure to a buyer.

Do I need a surveyor to mark the property lines before my deck footing inspection?

It depends on your lot and deck location. If your deck is far from any property line (more than 10 feet from rear or side lines), a surveyor is optional. If your deck is close to a property line (within 5 feet) or if the plan shows the deck within a setback zone, the plan checker may require a surveyor's certification showing the property line location. A property line survey costs $300–$800 and takes 1-2 weeks to schedule. To avoid delays, confirm with the plan checker early in the design phase whether a survey is required; if it is, hire the surveyor before submitting your permit application.

Are there any overlays or zoning restrictions I should know about before designing my Beverly Hills deck?

Yes. Beyond the Hillside Overlay (north of Sunset, east of Doheny), Beverly Hills has several other overlays: Scenic Corridor (certain hillside areas require design review for visual impact), Historic Preservation (if your home is in the Historic Register or a historic district, the deck design must be approved by the Architectural Commission; this adds 4-8 weeks and $1,000–$2,000 in design and application fees), and flood/mudslide zones (certain canyons require geotechnical review and slope protection). Check the Beverly Hills Zoning Code or contact the Planning & Zoning Division at (310) 285-1123 to confirm whether your parcel is in any overlay. If it is, you may need planning approval (in addition to building permits), which significantly extends timeline and cost.

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