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As you can see from my username, I'd like to buy in West LA or Santa Monica. I heard permitting is a nightmare. My first question is if there's a good resource to learn about how permitting and zoning works in LA and Santa Monica so I can understand what I can build and not build before I buy a property. Secondly, I'm also open to condos in addition to houses. I understand for renovating condos, you typically need approval from the HOA. Are there permitting/zoning issues in addition to the HOA to be aware of in these cases when the renovation is inside the unit?
I don't know why permitting is a nightmare, the cities wants to tax you, they'll gladly take your money. The building department is on Sawtelle between Olympic and Santa Monica, they are pretty helpful if you have a direct question.
Work inside a condo might need permits too depending on the type, the condo might also have CC&R to review and have requirement on the people doing the work.
I don't know why permitting is a nightmare, the cities wants to tax you, they'll gladly take your money. The building department is on Sawtelle between Olympic and Santa Monica, they are pretty helpful if you have a direct question.
Work inside a condo might need permits too depending on the type, the condo might also have CC&R to review and have requirement on the people doing the work.
That in itself sounds like an addition complexity to me. You have to not only comply with some constraints, but you also have to vet your contractors? Yikes.
Also, I heard that some properties are grandfathered into old zoning/permitting laws but does not allow certain types of additions. I could be wrong but these sound like big constraints that is a headache to research while competing with other buyers in the market.
Depends on what and how you plan on remodeling. You can get contractors to bid the different things (electrical, plumbing paint drywall cabinetry) and get a good idea of costs.
I have done a few remodels. Getting permits isn't that hard. Its hard if you don't know what to do and even then it's not insurmountable
if there's a good resource to learn about how permitting and zoning works in LA and Santa Monica so I can understand what I can build and not build before I buy a property.
It depends more on the property than anything. Some parts of town may have a 50 foot setback, some might have 5 feet. You find a property, then look up the zoning, then look up the rules for that zoning. You only run into big issues when you want to do something that is not allowed according to the zoning laws.
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Originally Posted by WTBWestside
Secondly, I'm also open to condos in addition to houses. I understand for renovating condos, you typically need approval from the HOA. Are there permitting/zoning issues in addition to the HOA to be aware of in these cases when the renovation is inside the unit?
You will need to contact each HOA for their own set of rules. I've heard some condos you would only be able to work at certain times of day, no weekends. Others have huge prepaid deposits if you damage the elevators, hallways, etc Others may require hiring a condo supervisor to load materials into the building. Its endless.
Sure following the rules is time consuming, but its easy if you know the rules.
I've worked many places as a contractor throughout the usa. I've never met a code enforcement officer who wasn't willing to look the other way on for some ben franklins. I'm not saying its right, its just the way it is.
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