The Building Safety Division counter will be closed on Thursday December 18, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Thank you for your understanding.
The primary function of the Building Safety Division is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by ensuring safe buildings. We accomplish this through permitting, plan check, and inspection services.
Seismic Retrofit Program - Soft Story
The Seismic Retrofit Program – Soft Story is a mandatory safety initiative established under a City ordinance designed to strengthen older, wood-frame, multi-unit buildings that are vulnerable during earthquakes. To protect residents, preserve property, and enhance community resilience, the ordinance requires property owners to complete seismic evaluations and retrofit improvements within designated timelines.
The Building Safety Division administers the program, providing guidance, plan review, and inspection services to ensure compliance with state and local seismic safety standards. For more information, please contact building.safety@culvercity.gov.
At the September 29, 2025 City Council Meeting (PH-1), the City adopted an Urgency Ordinance(PDF, 801KB) that allows a single exit stairway in residential buildings up to six stories in height.
Welcome to Online Services!
We’re excited to announce the launch of comprehensive online permitting and virtual appointment options, designed to make your experience more convenient and accessible. Whether you're a property owner, contractor, or developer, these new tools empower you to submit online applications, track approvals, and consult with our team—all from the comfort of your home or office. By reducing the need for in-person visits, we’re saving you time, streamlining the process, and ensuring your projects move forward efficiently. We're committed to serving you and keeping our community growing safely and responsibly.
New City Fee Schedule
On January 13, 2025, the City Council approved and adopted a new Comprehensive Fee Schedule by Resolution No. 2025-R008. All user fees associated with development projects will become effective March 14, 2025, 60 days after Council adoption, in accordance with State law. All other user fees are effective upon adoption.
Culver City Online Permit Portal
Register or Sign in to Online Permit portal.
Virtual Appointments
You can share documents and get real time feedback on:
• Planning & Zoning questions
• Building permit application and issuance
• Building Code issues
• Soft Story Retrofit Program
Reach us at building.safety@culvercity.org for service, questions, and inspection requests. Replies to inquiries are within 24-48 hours answered in the order they are received.
Inspections
How Do I Schedule Inspections?
Inspection requests should be made via email at building.safety@culvercity.org. Please provide the following information:
- Permit number (s)
- Site address
- Type of inspection being requested. Include any additional info that the inspector might need to properly conduct your inspection.
- Date of desired inspection. (Inspection dates are not guaranteed. You will receive a confirmation email once your inspection is scheduled.)
- Inspection contact name and phone number.
Inspections may be conducted in person or virtually via FaceTime or Cisco Webex Meet.
Certified Access Specialists (CASp)
Seismic Retrofit Program
Seismic Retrofit Program
Background
As most California residents are well aware, earthquakes are a part of Southern California culture. Damage to vulnerable buildings, physical injury, loss of life, and economic loss are some of the most apparent threats from earthquakes. Certain types of buildings in California built under earlier versions of the building code have characteristics that may make them vulnerable to earthquakes.
Standards
An Ordinance providing seismic strengthening standards of a Soft Story building vulnerability, is adopted.
In order to assist owners seeking to seismically strengthen other types of building vulnerabilities Culver City Municipal Code Section 15.02.145 provides minimum design standards for Unreinforced Masonry Building Wall Buildings (California Existing Building Code Section A1), Reinforced Concrete and Reinforced Masonry Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms (California Existing Building Code Section A2), and Cripple Walls and Sill Plate Anchorage of Light, Wood-Frame Residential Buildings (California Existing Building Code Section A3).
Grants
The Earthquake Brace and Bolts (EBB) Program developed by the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to help lessen the potential for damage to houses during an earthquake with Cripple Wall and Sill Plate Anchorage of Light, Wood-Frame building vulnerabilities.
The EBB Program provides eligible homeowners a grant up to $3,000. Low-income homeowners may qualify for a supplemental grant, which is additional funding over and above the EBB $3,000 grant.
Visit the EBB Program for more information, check eligibility, and sign up for notifications. Registration usually opens in October and lasts a month.