Beverly Hills Homeowner Building Guide 2026 — Construction, ADU & Renovation

Beverly Hills, CA — Homeowner Building Guide 2026

Beverly Hills construction operates in its own category within the Los Angeles market — defined by the highest property values in Southern California, the most exacting quality standards, and a permit process entirely separate from LADBS. This guide covers everything Beverly Hills homeowners need to know before undertaking any construction project, from a kitchen remodel to a whole-home renovation or ADU construction.

Beverly Hills at a Glance (2026)

• City: City of Beverly Hills (independent city, NOT part of the City of Los Angeles)
• Permit authority: City of Beverly Hills Community Development Department, 455 N. Rexford Drive
• Median home value (renovated SFR): $4M–$15M+ (flats) and $8M–$30M+ (hills)
• Lot sizes: Beverly Hills Flats: 8,000–25,000 sq ft. Beverly Hills Post Office / Hills: 15,000–100,000+ sq ft
• Housing types: Spanish Colonial Revival estates, Tudor manor homes, mid-century modern, new contemporary construction

The City of Beverly Hills Permit Process (Not LADBS)

This cannot be overstated: Beverly Hills is not served by LADBS. Permits go through the City of Beverly Hills Community Development Department at 455 N. Rexford Drive. Beverly Hills has:

• Its own plan check staff with different review standards than LADBS
• Its own inspection division with higher expectations for construction quality on high-value properties
• Its own fee schedule, which is higher than LADBS for equivalent scopes
• Specific design guidelines for the Beverly Hills Flats and Hills areas
• Planning Division review required for many projects in addition to Building permits

Contractors who do not understand the City of Beverly Hills permit process will encounter delays and compliance issues. APLA is familiar with the City of Beverly Hills permit process and manages all submissions as part of every project contract.

Beverly Hills Flats vs. Beverly Hills Hills

Beverly Hills Flats (South of Sunset)

The Beverly Hills Flats — the grid of residential streets south of Sunset Blvd between Doheny and Coldwater — contains the classic Beverly Hills estates. Large rectangular lots, flat terrain, tree-lined streets, and grand properties that define the Beverly Hills residential image. Additions, ADUs, and whole-home renovations are a staple of the Flats renovation market.

Beverly Hills Post Office / Upper Hills (North of Sunset)

The BHPO and hillside areas north of Sunset Blvd include some of the most valuable residential land in California. Hillside lots, mountain views, and extreme privacy make these properties exceptional. Construction on hillside lots requires geotechnical investigation, engineered foundations, and specific compliance with hillside construction requirements beyond standard City of Beverly Hills review.

ADU Feasibility in Beverly Hills

Under California state ADU law (AB 2221, SB 9), Beverly Hills must allow ADUs on residential properties. The City of Beverly Hills has adjusted its ADU ordinance to comply with state law. Feasible ADU types:

• Garage conversion ADU: Most feasible. $115,000–$195,000. Rent: $3,500–$5,500/month
• New detached guest house/ADU: Feasible on most large Flats lots. $195,000–$420,000+. Rent: $5,000–$8,500/month
• JADU: Converts portion of main home. $65,000–$115,000. Rent: $2,800–$4,200/month

Frequently Asked Questions — Building in Beverly Hills

Do Beverly Hills permits cost more than LADBS permits?

Yes. City of Beverly Hills permit fees are generally higher than equivalent LADBS permits. The City of Beverly Hills has a higher-cost permit operation that reflects the value and expectations of the properties it oversees. APLA includes all City of Beverly Hills permit fees in project estimates.

How long does it take to get a permit in Beverly Hills?

City of Beverly Hills plan check: 4–6 weeks for kitchen and bath; 5–8 weeks for room additions; 6–10 weeks for second story additions. Planning Division review may add additional time for projects with planning entitlement requirements.

Can I build an ADU in Beverly Hills?

Yes. California state law requires Beverly Hills to allow ADUs. The City of Beverly Hills ADU ordinance has been updated to comply with AB 2221 and SB 9 requirements. APLA provides free ADU feasibility assessments for Beverly Hills properties.

What general contractor serves Beverly Hills?

APLA Construction (CA Lic #1136359) handles kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, ADU construction, room additions, and whole-home renovation in Beverly Hills. Call (818) 818-4419 for a free consultation.

Start Your Beverly Hills Project

Call: (818) 818-4419
Email: info@aplaconstruction.com
CA General Contractor License #1136359

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