Remodeling & ADU Contractor in Culver City

Culver City is a small city bordered largely by Los Angeles, but it runs its own permit system, and the rules are different from the neighborhoods across the street. IA Builders is based in Culver City, and we handle remodels, additions and ADUs here with the city's own Building Safety and Planning requirements in mind.

Permits in Culver City

Building permits are issued by Culver City's Building Safety Division, part of the city's Planning and Development Department, not by LADBS. A few local details worth knowing:

• Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work each need their own permit alongside the building permit.
• Contractors working in the city need a current Culver City business license.
• A permit lapses if work doesn't start within 12 months of issuance or stops for 180 days, so scheduling matters.
• Some projects require mailed notice to neighbors within 100 feet, although the city exempts new residential accessory structures from that noticing.

We sort out which of these apply before submittal so plan check isn't held up by paperwork.

Single-family neighborhoods and hillside overlays

The city has made a point of preserving its single- and two-family neighborhoods, and many homeowners there want a kitchen remodel or a room addition rather than a move. In older houses, that usually also means electrical, plumbing and framing upgrades once walls are open.

The city has also studied the scale of new homes and large additions in its R1 neighborhoods, concerned about houses that are out of scale with traditional lot patterns, and it has considered code changes on building scale and massing. Floor-area and massing limits are something we check on every addition.

Two neighborhoods carry an extra layer: Culver Crest and Blair Hills are both in Residential Hillsides Overlay zones on the city's zoning map. On those lots, expect hillside standards on top of the base zoning, along with the soils, grading and access questions that come with sloped sites.

ADUs in Culver City

Culver City has been active on ADUs. Its Pre-Reviewed ADU Program (PRADU) offers a set of pre-reviewed plan sets that can shorten the permitting process, though plans still go through Building Safety plan check before a permit is issued. The city also publishes an ADU handbook and fact sheet covering setbacks, separation from other buildings and exterior access for new detached units.

For many Culver City lots, a detached ADU or garage conversion fits behind the main house. We help homeowners decide between a pre-reviewed plan and a custom design based on the lot, the budget and how the unit will be used.

If you are planning a project in Culver City, call (213) 816-6465 or use the form on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Does Culver City use LADBS for permits?

No. Culver City is a separate city with its own Building Safety Division. Projects here follow Culver City's codes, fees and inspection process.

What is the PRADU program?

It is Culver City's Pre-Reviewed ADU Program, which offers plan sets the city has already reviewed. Using one can speed up permitting, but the plans still go through plan check for your specific lot.

Is my home in a hillside overlay?

If you are in Culver Crest or Blair Hills, likely yes. Both are mapped as Residential Hillsides Overlay areas on the city's zoning map, which adds hillside standards to the base zone.

Do I need separate permits for electrical and plumbing?

Yes. Culver City requires separate electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits in addition to the building permit. We handle those as part of the project.

Last reviewed October 2026