Tenant improvements ELIGIBLE for this program are limited to the following:

• Retail Stores (M Occupancy) and/or Professional Business Offices (B Occupancy), with the exception of medical/dental offices
• The maximum square footage of the space shall not exceed 2500 square feet, have less than a total of 49 occupants, and must be single story building
• No alterations to existing structural elements or exterior changes
• No new plumbing fixtures to be added
• No alterations to the fire sprinkler and alarm systems
• Must adhere to the City’s parking requirements
• Must not include work in the public right-of-way, including new utility work. There must be no grade differentials between private property and public right of way. New drive aisles, walkways, etc. may not cross property lines into the public right of way.

 *Please note, projects will be reviewed concurrently for Current and Historic Preservation Planning (CHPP) approval.

Tenant Improvements NOT ELIGIBLE for the program include the following:

• Projects proposing use for the public right of way.
• Tenant improvements proposing a change-of-use/intensification of use (Example: retail to café)
• Food service uses
• Tenant improvements proposing additional square footage
• Multi-story buildings/spaces (including mezzanines)
• Tenant improvements proposing façade renovations
• Phased projects

*Please keep in mind, Over-the-Counter Plan Review does not imply that a permit will be issued the same day. If the plans are deemed incomplete and/or are poorly drawn, the City plans examiner will note the missing items and advise the applicant on the procedure for further reviews. City staff cannot design any part of the project.

In addition to the above, the following permits can also be reviewed and approved over the counter by visiting our counter or scheduling a virtual appointment with a plan checker:

• High-Rise Graphics (Tall Walls) with prior Los Angeles County Fire Department approvals
• Wall signs
• Fences and yard walls not retaining earth
• Single Electric Vehicle Chargers (EVCS) not requiring accessibility compliance
• Re-roofs (With signed contract)

Over-the-Counter Plan Review will be done by appointments only. Please note, the California licensed Architect responsible for the plans MUST be present at the appointment. If the Architect is not present at the time of the appointment it will be canceled and you will be required to reschedule. The appointment must be held in-person or virtually and no hybrid appointments can be scheduled. 

These review services are available Tuesday and Wednesday between 9:00am-11:00am.

You can schedule a virtual appointment via the online system HERE.

Please note that permits for tenant improvement will only be issued to a licensed contractor with a current California State License. Contractors can visit the counter or schedule a permitting service appointment after the project has been formally approved. 

In preparation for your appointment, construction documents MUST be complete and include all applicable documents required by the California Building Codes. The following submittal guides and resources are available on the Building and Safety Division’s website:

• Tenant Improvement Plan Submittals Guide
• Accessible Unisex Bathrooms
• Highrise Graphics
• Wall Signs

The following documentation must be completed prior to your appointment.

• Documentation of Accessible Upgrades (must be completed for Tenant Improvement Projects)
• MEP Plan Check: Residential and Non-Residential
• Environmental Services Forms (OC-1)
• C&D Form

*Please note that plans MUST be prepared by a California licensed Architect and be complete at the time of the plan review. In addition, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing may be required to be submitted for a formal plan check. Please complete the MEP checklist to determine if an MEP plan check will be required. 

As of August 19, 2024, the City of West Hollywood has implemented a new, online land use and permitting system. Please create a user account here: Permits & Licenses | City of West Hollywood (weho.org)

Prior to your appointment, you must have completed the following applications with required documents uploaded to your project file.

• Zone clearance application 
• Plan check application 

If upon review, it is determined your documents are incomplete or your project is not within the eligibility parameters listed above, your appointment will be canceled and you will be required to submit your project through the standard, formal plan review process.