Waltco Development · Updated October 2026
Pacific Palisades homeowners are hiring for everything from kitchen remodels to full rebuilds after the January 2025 Palisades Fire. Here is how permits work in the Palisades and how to choose a contractor.
Permits in the Palisades
Pacific Palisades is part of the City of Los Angeles, so building permits come from the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Parts of the Palisades are in the coastal zone, where some projects also need coastal review.
Rebuilding after the fire
Fire-damaged lots need debris removal and site clearance before rebuilding. Settle the plans, the scope and the finishes early — the projects that move fastest are the ones where decisions are made before framing starts.
Remodels and additions
For homes that are standing, the common projects are kitchens, baths, additions and new wood floors. The same rules apply: a written contract, permits in the contractor's name, and payments tied to completed work.
How to choose
- Look up the licence on CSLB: active status, the right classification, bond on file.
- Ask for a written, line-item estimate.
- Make sure the contractor pulls the permits.
- Check that the contract includes your right to cancel and a lawful down payment.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to rebuild?
- Yes. Rebuilding requires permits from LADBS, and coastal-zone lots may need additional review.
- What is the difference between a room addition and an ADU?
- An addition enlarges your home; an ADU is a separate dwelling unit with its own kitchen and entrance, permitted under the state ADU rules.
More guides
Keep reading
- How to Choose a Licensed General Contractor in Los Angeles
- Kitchen Remodel Cost in Los Angeles — What Drives the Price
- ADU Construction in Los Angeles — What to Know Before You Build
- Altadena Fire Rebuild: What to Know Before Hiring a Contractor
- What Custom Box Beams Cost in Los Angeles
- How to Measure for Box Beams: Inside vs Outside