WeHo aims to streamline permitting process

The CDD helps manage the city’s growth and development, making sure it meets the needs of residents, businesses, property owners, and visitors. The department has three sections: Current and Historic Preservation Planning, Building and Safety, and Long Range Planning. Two of these sections—Current and Historic Preservation Planning, and Building and Safety—are often in contact with the public, handling tasks like reviewing permit applications, checking technical reports, inspecting construction sites, and making recommendations on land use. They also review environmental impacts based on California law.

The city’s goal with these new programs is to make things simpler for people applying for permits and to improve the overall service by speeding up processes and reducing complications.

Here’s a look at the five main programs launching in fall 2024:

1. Permit Navigator Program: This is a free pilot program aimed at making the process easier for businesses—both new and existing—when they want to make improvements to their spaces. The program offers personalized guidance through each step of getting a permit. A Permit Navigator will help businesses with zoning and land use advice, streamline communication with city departments and agencies, and provide ongoing support to keep projects on track. Any business going through a tenant improvement process can use this service. To learn more or schedule a consultation, you can visit the city’s website or contact the Permit Navigator team.
2. Over-the-Counter Plan Review: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many processes moved online, but the city is now bringing back in-person services. This initiative lets people get simple permits more quickly, sometimes on the same day, through face-to-face or virtual appointments with city staff. Over-the-counter permits will also now include tenant improvements. More information on this program can be found on the city’s website.
3. Guaranteed Second Opinion for Issue Resolution: This new process allows anyone to formally request a second opinion on any decisions or requirements made by staff regarding their permits. In the past, this happened informally when people asked to speak to a supervisor. Now, the process is formal, and the review will be transparent and handled in a way that gives a final, clear answer.
4. Administrative Permit Process Improvements: The city is making it faster to get certain smaller permits, like those for selling alcohol in existing restaurants or making minor changes to buildings. This program will include quicker turnaround times and more direct communication between city staff and applicants to keep things moving smoothly. New rules for communicating with applicants will also help keep everyone informed throughout the process.
5. Permitting Process Workshop: The city recently held a workshop called “Navigating the Permitting Process” to help people understand how to apply for planning and building permits. The workshop included a demonstration of the city’s new online Permit & License Portal. A video of the workshop is available to watch on the city’s WeHoTV YouTube channel, and you can find a link to it on the city’s website.

For more information about the city’s Community Development Department or any of these new programs, you can visit the department’s website or contact Nick Maricich, the Director of Community Development, at (323) 848-6393 or nmaricich@weho.org.