Permit Navigator Program

The Permit Navigator Program, introduced by the City of West Hollywood’s Community Development Department, is designed to assist our business community in navigating the city's permitting process. We understand that this process can be challenging, especially for those who are new to it. This program demonstrates our commitment to transparency and provides a user-friendly, efficient experience for both new and existing businesses.

What is the Permit Navigator Program?

The City of West Hollywood’s Community Development Department has developed the Permit Navigator Program, a new initiative specifically designed to help streamline and simplify the commercial tenant improvement permitting process for businesses in the City of West Hollywood. 

Who is the Permit Navigator Program for?

The Permit Navigator Program is designed to assist both new and existing businesses navigating the commercial tenant improvement permitting process in West Hollywood. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting started, our Permit Navigator can provide valuable guidance and support tailored to your needs. Let us help you streamline the process and ensure a smooth experience for your commercial tenant improvements.

What can I expect from the Permit Navigator Program?

By participating in the Permit Navigator Program, business applicants can benefit from:

• Personalized guidance: One-on-one consultations with an experienced Permit Navigator tailored to your specific business needs.
• Entitlement and permitting expertise: Expert advice on zoning, land use, and permitting processes.
• Efficient communication: Streamlined communication with City departments and external agencies.
• Dedicated support: A dedicated point of contact within City Hall to guide you through the tenant improvement development process.
• Project oversight: Ongoing project monitoring to ensure your project stays on track.

How do I get started in the Permit Navigator Program?

To begin, please contact the Permit Navigator at permitnavigator@weho.org before submitting any permit applications or signing a lease for a new tenant space. You can also reach us by phone at (323) 848-3113 for assistance.

In an effort to support our small businesses, the City of West Hollywood’s Community Development Department has implemented a Plan Review Program for our smaller, less complex, tenant improvement projects that can be reviewed over-the-counter. The Plan Review Program will be by appointment only for tenant improvement (TI) projects that meet specific criteria.

For more information, please visit the Building & Safety Division page regarding the Over-the-Counter Plan Review Program Process.

The City of West Hollywood’s Community Development Department is committed to providing high quality customer service and offers a Guaranteed Second Opinion and process for resolution of project issues for any planning, building plan check, or inspection issue. If you disagree with interpretations or requests given by the assigned reviewer, please let the staff member know that you would like to request a second opinion from their supervisor or division manager. Project issues that are typically addressed through this process include disagreements between the applicant and staff on interpretations of ordinances or regulations, requests for additional information or studies, or project related processing requirements. 

The City’s Community Development Department has established a process for applicants to follow to seek resolution of identified project issues. 

1. If an applicant has a disagreement with the City staff assigned to review their project, they may request a second opinion from their supervisor at any time. 
2. If the issue cannot be resolved through the second opinion process, they may request a meeting with the Division Manager. 
3. Following a meeting with the Division Manager, if there is still disagreement the applicant may request a meeting with the Department Director.  

This process is intended to assist applicants in getting timely attention to concerns with the goal of streamlining the project review process. This process cannot be used to reconsider formal project decisions or recommendations made by the Director or any other decision-making body. 

The City’s Current and Historic Preservation Planning Division is committed to expediting the process for Administrative Permits for smaller projects.

Projects eligible for faster processing include:

• Alcoholic beverages sales, on-site consumption at an existing restaurant,
• An exterior alteration that changes architectural character or theme,
• Up to 500 square feet of second story construction to either a single-family home or duplex either as a new second story or an addition to an existing second story,
• An addition of more than 500 to 1,000 square feet to any structure other than a single-family home or duplex,
• An addition which does not exceed 500 square feet but changes the architectural character or theme, or encloses a balcony in conformance with Section 19.72.030(B)
• Outdoor dining areas that do not require public hearing per Section 19.44.020
• Installation of a mechanical parking lift at an existing parking facility

After submitting your application through our permitting portal, your assigned planner will reach out to you within five business days to touch base. A letter detailing any incomplete items and inconsistencies with the zoning code will be sent within 15 business days of your application, and we will follow up with you a few days after that to check in and assist in any way we can. Our goal is to help you realize your vision for your home or business sooner through better communication and faster turn-around times.

In September 2024, the City of West Hollywood’s Community Development Department hosted a Navigating the Permitting Processes Workshop to help commercial applicants understand the process to apply for Planning and Building permits in the City’s new permitting system. This workshop format provides important tips to navigate these processes more effectively and successfully. The workshop included the participation of representatives from the LA County Fire Department, LA County Public Health Department, Southern California Edison, and staff from the City’s Planning, Building & Safety, Engineering and Facilities Divisions.  The workshop included a demonstration about submitting applications using the City’s new online Permit & License Portal at www.weho.org/permits.