The Planning Division meets with our residents and the general public at the public counter to review design and development standards that apply to the physical environment and land use. We assist residents, architects, designers, developers and builders in processing applications for new construction and land uses. We also work on policy and new code requirements to make Lomita a better place for our residents.

The Planning Division processes the following applications:

  • Site Plan Review
  • Conditional Use Permits
  • General Plan Amendments
  • Variances
  • Subdivision of Land
  • Sign Review
  • Review for compliance with Zoning
  • Home-Based Business Permits
  • Residential Property Reports

Contact Us

Call us: (310) 325-7110 ext. 103

Email us

Our Location
24300 Narbonne Ave.
Lomita, CA, U.S.A. 90717

Hours of Operation
7:30 a.m. – Noon
1-5:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday
(Closed every other Friday)

Planning Division Counter Hours

8-10 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Planning Process Review

The purpose of this guide is to help you through various development and land use applications (also referred to as Planning Applications) within the City of Lomita. Planning Applications are required for staff to confirm compliance with code requirements. If you are looking to do any type of development or establish/change a new commercial use, it will likely fall under one of the two most common types of Planning Applications, Pre-Review for Building Permit or Development Applications. The Planning Division also reviews Residential Property Reports and Special Event Permits, which are listed in separate online application portals.

Review Process

Pre-Review for Building Permit is used to describe Planning Applications that require staff level review only. This type of application includes ministerial projects (over the counter applications) and administrative site plan reviews. It typically applies to development projects that meet all aspects of the code and permitted by right land uses. It includes additions, new single-family residence, accessory dwelling units, two unit housing development, new garage, swimming pool, landscaping and hardscape.

In some cases, these applications are routed to other City or County departments, City consultants or other agencies for review and feedback prior to a City approval. After a City approval, the property owner is responsible to coordinate with the Los Angeles County, Building and Safety Division, to initiate, plan, check and obtain permits and follow up with inspections.

Development Review is used to describe Planning Applications that generally require a decision from the Planning Commission or City Council. These types of application are also referred to as discretionary requests. It includes site plan reviews with modifications, variances, minor conditional use permits, conditional use permits, subdivisions, planned residential development, etc. You may view a more comprehensive list of entitlements if you click to explore this type of application.

If the developer is not ready to submit a Development Review application but would like a one-time staff feedback prior to an official submittal, a pre-application meeting is available under this category.

These applications generally take longer because the projects are often more complicated and a Planning Commission or City Council approval requires a staff report, noticing in the local newspaper and mailers to neighbors and preparation for a public hearing.

Planning Application/Submittal Requirements/Handouts

Lomita residents and the general public may submit for any type of Planning Application online. You may choose to visit Frequently Asked Questions for information related to Planning Applications.

Planning Department Handouts/Submittal Requirements

Additional Information/Handouts

The Planning Division publishes helpful flyer cards on a variety of topics:

If you are looking to open a business in Lomita, you must first look to see if the use is permitted, conditionally permitted or not permitted based on the property’s zoning and Permitted Use Table. All new businesses that are permitted or businesses that were previously granted a conditional use permit can start by applying for a City business license. You may access the Business Licensing webpage for information regarding obtaining a City business license and for a link to the application portal.

A Zone Clearance and Home Occupation Permit is needed to determine whether the use is permitted is part of the business licensing process. The Planning Division will be internally notified to research the use. If confirmed that the use is permitted and the business license application is complete, a business license will be issued by the City. A use that requires a conditional use permit must first submit a Development Review application, which requires a Planning Commission decision. If approved, the business must then obtain a business license.

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration has a website that features information on the programs they administer, how to register for permits and licenses, and how to file and report correctly.

Visit the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration website.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board has put together many useful guidelines and recommendations when hiring contractors or beginning projects or remodels.

View the checklists and tips.

How can I apply for a solar roof?

Residents can apply for an express solar roof mount permit through Los Angeles County.

Applications are processed through the Los Angeles County system, EPIC-LA. These permits are only issued for eligible residential solar systems that do not require additional permits (such as for a service panel upgrade or re-roof).

How to Use the LA County System for Solar Permits

  • Visit the Los Angeles County EPIC-LA Portal.
  • Enter “Lomita” in the search bar at the top of the page to view permits specifically for Lomita.
  • Choose one of two options:
    • Express Solar Roof Mount Residential
    • Express Solar Roof Mount Residential with Energy Storage System
  • Click the blue “apply” button, log in or create an account and follow the instructions to complete your application.

Learn more about Southern California Edison’s and Southern California Gas Company’s assistance programs.

For details, exceptions, and other requirements, contact the City of Lomita Community and Economic Development Department at 310-325-7110, extension 122.