License: No. #1076712
Discover what you can build in the City of Palos Verdes Estates. This city guide covers essential Custom Home regulations and zoning laws to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions for your property.
You are allowed to put one attached or detached Custom Home on single-family property in Palos Verdes Estates, as well as one JCustom Home.
No more than two detached Homes may be constructed on a multifamily lot in Palos Verdes Estates.
An detached Custom Home can be up to 1,200 square feet in Palos Verdes Estates.
An attached Custom Home in Palos Verdes Estates can be up to 1,000 square feet, or 50% of the square footage of the primary dwelling unit, whichever is smaller.
In Palos Verdes Estates, A Custom Home is limited to 16 feet of height.
Due to height restrictions, 2-story Homes are not allowed in Palos Verdes Estates.
Generally speaking, in Palos Verdes Estates detached Homes cannot be stacked one on top of another, with one Custom Home on each story. Only one detached Custom Home is allowed on single-family property, and even on multifamily property height restrictions would prohibiti such a design.
Palos Verdes Estates rules do not specify whether two detached Homes can be attached together within one structure, nor does California state law. Keep in mind that only multifamily property is allowed to have two detached Homes on one property; single-family property is limited to one detached Custom Home. Plans might get approved on multifamily property for two Homes in one detached structure, but other ordinances for landscaping, setbacks, and separation. In practice, it is rare.
No, a JCustom Home is defined as A Custom Home converted from existing space within the main structure of the primary dwelling unit. As such, it cannot be attached to A Custom Home.
Generally roof decks would be permitted on A Custom Home, but must meet the height restrictions for the zone. Roof decks cannot encroach into the required setbacks. As a rule of thumb, railings and access staircases above 42″ need to be included in height calculations.
A Custom Home must match or harmonize with the exterior of the main dwelling unit, including color palette, roof pitch, architectural style, and other aesthetic characteristics.
Homes behind the primary dwelling unit in Palos Verdes Estates require a minimum of 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
The Custom Home must maintain sufficient distance from other structures on the property to comply with fire regulations — usually at least 4 or as much as 6 feet of separation between buildings.
City regulations do not explicitly prohibit A Custom Home in the front yard, but in practice it is very difficult, since the Custom Home must comply with front and side setback, building, landscaping, and aesthetic requirements.
In-person submission of plans may be necessary, but an application for a building permit can be submitted via email to [email protected]. The building department also allows walk-ins during their counter hours Monday through Thursday 8AM-10AM.
Palos Verdes Estates may require a soils report for Custom Home permitting to make sure the soil can support the new structure, especially if the Custom Home will be located on a hillside, an area with significant grading, or if there are special foundation requirements.
Specific requirements are not mentioned in the building code, but the building plans must allow for sufficient green space and permeable landscaping surface.
The plan check requires a review by the Planning Department for zoning, building standards, and safety compliance. Turnaround times are not specified, but expect the process to take a matter of weeks.
One new parking spot is typically required to be added to the lot per new Custom Home. However, exemptions may apply if:
If a parking space must be added, it can be included on the driveway or any setback areas, and it may be configured as tandem parking.
Per Title 24 of the California Energy Code, solar panels of appropriate size and capacity are mandatory on new-construction Homes. Homes built from converted existing structures are exempt, as may be Homes located under significant shading. Smaller Homes may be subject to reduced or modified solar panel requirements.
A Custom Home is not required to have a separate water or electrical meter. You can opt for the Custom Home to share service with the main dwelling unit. However, you can request separate water or electrical meters from the City of Palos Verdes Estates.
Palos Verdes Estates does not automatically assign a new Custom Home its own address. However, it may assign the Custom Home a new address if it is intended for rental or independent occupancy. The Custom Home will usually get a “½” designation — for example, A Custom Home located behind 1234 Pine Street would have the address “1234½ Pine Street.
Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development or redevelopment that seeks to preserve and conserve onsite water quality and natural features, with minimal detrimental effect to local waterways and ecosystems. The City of Palos Verdes Estates may require LID fees for larger Homes.
A Custom Home can be used as an Airbnb in Palos Verdes Estates, but California law limits short-term rentals to 30 days at a time and 120 days out of the year. You must be licensed and registered, and additional fees and taxes may apply.
Per the Costa-Hawkins Act of 1995, Palos Verdes Estates does not impose rent control on dwellings constructed after February 1, 1995. This means most new-build Homes are exempt. However, if the primary dwelling unit is subject to rent control, it might apply to the Custom Home as well.
While encouraging the use of electric appliances for efficiency and sustainability, Palos Verdes Estates does not prohibit gas appliances in new Homes as long as all relevant installation and safety standards are met.
In Palos Verdes Estates you are only required to install sprinklers in a new Custom Home if the primary dwelling unit has them as well. You may also be required to install them if the Custom Home is located within a special fire hazard zone.
