Whittier, CA

 

If you have ever tried to get a building permit of some kind you know that depending on where you live this process can vary. Usually it's just a matter of days different, but imagine months?? That sounds crazy, but this is happening in several county zoned areas of Los Angeles. Projects which would ordinarily take 1 to 2 months are now taking 5-6 months. Why you ask..?? Lack of inspectors and change in procedure ! Currently the district which serves south Whittier as well as parts of East Los Angeles is down to 2 inspectors! Prior to Covid, they had 6 full time inspectors to handle that entire zone efficiently. The county has stated that since the pandemic 3 inspectors went on to retire and 1 went on medical leave and never returned. The county has stated that at this point they are trying to hire new inspectors, but there just aren't any qualified applicants available. In addition, all satellite offices have been closed to the public. The county has decided to make all requests for permits done through their online system. They have instituted this in order to try and compensate for the lack of staffing. All of this does absolutely nothing to assist with Southern California's push for more housing solutions. In fact, it does quite the opposite as it makes improvements or additions less attractive to construct for homeowners or investors due to the time and hurdles involved. If things weren't already difficult, some counties now require solar panels to be installed on any new structures including ADU's.....AND YES, the county of Los Angeles is one who is enforcing it. Riverside county has already said they will be doing away with it by the end of this year. They fully understand the need California is in for more housing solutions and are responding. 

My point to this is just to make everyone aware of what is currently going on within the building department which governs specifically south Whittier. Go online and make some phone calls before you decide to undergo a construction project.