In unincorporated LA County, decks not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below are exempt from building permits. Elevated decks, covered patios, and attached patio covers require permits from the DPW Building and Safety Division.
Under the California Building Code (as adopted by LA County in Title 26), decks, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point and not placed over any basement or story below are exempt from building permits. Decks above 30 inches require a building permit and must meet structural, setback, and guardrail requirements (42-inch guardrails required for decks 30+ inches above grade). Covered patios and patio covers (pergolas with roofing) are considered structures and require permits. Setback requirements apply — typically 5 feet from property lines for accessory structures. In hillside areas, additional geotechnical review may be required. Patios at or near grade level (concrete slabs, pavers) generally do not require permits unless they affect drainage or are part of a larger project.
Building an elevated deck without a permit may result in a stop-work order, required engineering review, double permit fees, or mandatory demolition if it cannot meet code.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed...
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new con...
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Lakewood, CA
Lakewood restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisan...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how Lakewood's deck & patio permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.