Planning, Building, and Development

Cerritos Permits and Approvals are Going Digital!

This fall, the City will launch a new, full-service online permitting and approval system for the departments of Community Development and Public Works. This includes the transition of planning approvals, building and safety permits, and public works permits to a fully digital review and approval process. Stay tuned for more information. 

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All Permit Services | Permit Examples

Property improvements for residential, commercial, or industrial properties require City approval and issuance of permits prior to the start of construction. All proposed development and uses are required to comply with local zoning requirements and meet the City's standards for development, set forth in the Cerritos Municipal Code.

Building & Safety Daily Inspection Schedule

Apply for Residential Permit/Planning Project

Apply for Commercial/Industrial Improvement Project

City of Cerritos Permit Services

Residential homes

Alarm

Permits for installing and maintaining a security alarm 
Plaza 183 lot and foliage at sunrise

Business Licenses

Submit, renew, or check the status of a business license 
Cerritos Towne Center driveway entrance

Commercial and Industrial

Permits for commercial and industrial projects
City employee working on cement and curb project along street.

Excavation and Encroachment

Permits for building on public land within Cerritos 
Person taking a photo with a camera

Filming

Permits for commercial filming in the City
Residential street with cars in driveways and on the street.

Overnight Parking

Apply for an overnight parking permit in a residential neighborhood
Newly paved asphalt on residential street

Residential

Permits for home improvement projects
Office building in Cerritos

Building and Safety Inspections

View the daily building and safety inspections schedule
Pop-up tents setup outside at park

Temporary Use

Permits for special events and other temporary uses
Athens Services commercial truck

Trash Bins

Permits for placing a trash bin onto the street
Tree branches and sky

Trees and Landscaping

Permits for trimming trees and landscaping 
Aerial of Cerritos Civic Center

Main Directory

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Permit Examples

Permits are required for various improvement projects, whether your property is a residential use, commercial use, or industrial use. The Application/Building Permit Forms Guide can assist in determining what applications forms are required for your project. Some examples of projects that require permits/City approval are listed as follows:

Example of Residential Projects that Require Permits/City Approval Example of Commercial/Industrial Projects that Require Permits/City Approval
HVAC Tenant/Landlord Improvements
Front Yard Landscaping Exterior/Interior Modifications
Exterior Painting Signage
Room Additions Landscaping/Tree Trimming
Home Remodel Parking Lot Improvements
Solar Panel Installations/Upgrades Accessibility Improvements
Re-Roof Temporary Uses
Patios Business License Approvals
Block Wall/Fences New Building

Additional Links

Agency Referrals

For More Information

Contact the Department of Community Development at (562) 916-1201 for additional information on Business Licenses and Commercial and Industrial, Filming, Residential, Building and Safety Inspections, and Temporary Use permits. 

Contact the Department of Public Works at (562) 916-1220 for additional information on Excavation and Encroachment, Trash Bins, and Trees and Landscaping permits.

Contact the Community Safety Division at (562) 916-1266 for additional information on Alarms and Overnight Parking permits.