Several municipalities have special requirements when it comes to transferring real estate. These items can range from a simple form to fill out, to a full housing inspection by the city, depending on which city, and the city’s current ordinances.
Talbrook II Escrow Corp. has compiled a list of known city requirements, for cities located in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties.
We will continue to update this list, however due to the nature of change and city governance, we can not be held liable for any type of loss or any information which may be incorrect, although we do our best to verify the integrity of our information.
You may download our list in PDF format, or scroll down to view the City Requirements for Buying or Selling Real Estate in southern California.
Every city has in place their own policies and requirements for the sale or transfer of real estate. We have provided this document for your reference, in the event that you conduct a real estate sale or transfer transaction in the following cities:
| »» City of Laguna Beach |
A Real Property Report Form is required to be submitted to the Business Planning & Zoning Dept. Each Report is to be obtained and submitted in person only, by the seller. Form fee is $350.
Laguna Beach City Hall • 505 Forest Avenue • Laguna Beach, CA • 92651 •(949) 497-3311
| »» City of Newport Beach |
A Residential Building Inspection is required via a city code inspector. For more information, contact Jana Egan (949) 644-3216 or Susan McCourt (949) 644-3289. Seller’s side is responsible to order, Buyer may waive actual inspection but fees must still be paid.
- Single Family Residence $ 150
- Duplex $180
City of Newport Beach • 3300 Newport Blvd. • Newport Beach, CA • 92663
| »» City of Azusa |
All properties , including vacant land, but not on first sale. Buyer to acknowledge report, 6 month time limit Prices subject to change each summer.
- $53 – $170
- http://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1741
- cho@ci.azusa.ca.us; bhale@ci.azusa.ca.us; rmcminn@ci.azusa.ca.us; jbarnes@ci.azusa.ca.us;
City of Azusa • Community Improvement Division 213 E. Foothill Blvd. • Azusa, CA 91702 Department Phone: (626) 812-5265
| »» City of Beverly Hills |
Buyer and Seller sign form. Only deals with smoke detector and water conservation.
- No Cost
- http://www.beverlyhills.org/business/constructionlanduse/
- buildingandsafetyinfo@beverlyhills.org
City of Beverly Hills • 455 North Rexford Drive, 1st Floor • Beverly Hills, CA • 90210 Department Phone: (310) 285-1141
| »» City of Burbank |
All residential, commercial, and industrial buildings required to be retrofitted with low consumption plumbing fixtures. Compliance is the responsibility of the seller/transferor and is a condition of Escrow.
City of Burbank • Burbank Water and Power PO Box 631 • Burbank, CA • 91503-0631 Department Phone: (818) 238-3730
| »» City of Carson |
A Residential Property Report ($150 Residential / $100 Condo) is required to be submitted to the Building & Safety Division. The seller or seller’s agent is highly encouraged to be present at the time of inspection. A business license may also be required for a realtor doing business within the city limits.
- Division of Building & Safety (310) 952-1766
- Revenue Division (Business License) (310) 952-1748
Direct Links:
Information: http://ci.carson.ca.us/content/department/dev_service/res_property_report_ord.asp
Application: http://ci.carson.ca.us/content/files/pdfs/planning/RPR_App_without_plan.pdf
Business License: http://ci.carson.ca.us/content/department/admin_service/buslicense.asp
City of Carson • 701 E. Carson St. • Carson, CA 90745 • Division of Building and Safety: (310) 952-1766
| »» City of Compton |
A Presale Inspection Form ($60 per unit) is required to be obtained from, and submitted to the Building & Safety Department. To schedule an inspection, please call during the business hours of Monday to Thursday, 7am to 6pm.
The seller or seller’s agent is required to be present at the time of inspection.
Building & Safety Department: (310) 605-5509
Direct Link: http://www.comptoncity.org/index.php/Building-and-Safety-Department/inspections-services.htm
City of Compton • 205 S. Willowbrook Avenue • Compton, CA 90220 • Building and Safety Department: (310) 605-5509
| »» City of Culver City |
No inspection required. Need Report on residential & commercial properties, not vacant land. Call for Application. 10 Business days. $96 – $165. Buyer to acknowledge.
City of Culver City • 9770 Culver Blvd. • Culver City, CA 90232 • Department Phone: (310) 253-5800
| »» City of El Monte |
Inspection required. Residential and commercial properties. Buyer acknowledgement required.
- $195.50 – $252.50
Direct Link: http://elmonteca.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=KYX3qGU_qwE%3D&tabid=470
City of El Monte • 11333 Valley Blvd. • El Monte, CA 91731 • Building Division: (626) 580-2050
| »» City of Gardena |
Inspection required –exterior only. Report to be delivered 15 days prior to closing. Residential and commercial. Condos exempt. Buyer can sign Waiver and must acknowledge Report or Waiver.
- $68 – $214.00
Direct Link: http://www.ci.gardena.ca.us/PDFs/permitsandfees/propertyinforeport%20CDD100.pdf
City of Gardena • 1700 W. 162nd St.. • Gardena, CA 90247 • Community Development Dept.: (310) 217-9530
| »» City of Hawaiian Gardens |
Inspection required. Residential and commercial properties. New construction exempt. Delivery 21 days prior to closing. Buyer to acknowledge.
- $265.00
Direct Link: http://hgcity.org/PDFfiles/Pre-Sale%20Inspection%20Report%20Letter%20and%20App.pdf
City of Hawaiian Gardens • 21815 S. Pioneer Blvd. • Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716 • Community Development Dept.: (562) 420-2641
| »» City of Hermosa Beach |
Residential only. 2 week processing.. Exterior inspection only. 6 month expiration.
- $140 Application Fee
Direct Link: http://www.hermosabch.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=547
City of Hermosa Beach • 1315 Valley Drive • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 • Community Development Dept.: (310) 318-0239
| »» City of Huntington Park |
A Presale Inspection Form ($165) is required to be submitted to the Building & Safety Division. The seller or seller’s agent is required to be present at the time of inspection.
Building & Safety Division bgrimm@huntingtonpark.org
City of Huntington Park • 6550 Miles Avenue • Huntington Park, CA 90255 • Building and Safety: (323) 584-6271
| »» City of Inglewood |
No longer accepts escrow company checks and a credit card payment is only allowed if the application is being walked in. 1-4 units $163.00
Building & Safety Division bgrimm@huntingtonpark.org
Direct Link: http://www.cityofinglewood.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=14803
City of Inglewood • 1 West Manchester Blvd. • Inglewood, CA 90301 • Building and Safety: (310) 412-5294
| »» City of La Puente |
No Ordinances or Requirements.
Direct Link: http://www.lapuente.org/
City of La Puente • 15900 E. Mean Street • La Puente, CA 91744 • (626) 855-1500
| »» City of Lomita |
*This does not include the cost of an interior building inspection. If requested by the property owner, the Los Angeles County DPW hourly rate shall apply.
- $122 per parcel
Direct Link: http://dpw.lacounty.gov/bsd/content/fieldoffices.aspx
City of Long Beach • 444 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 1700 • Long Beach, CA 90802 • City Building Inspector (562) 570-6515
| »» City of Long Beach |
A Parking Impacted Areas form and inspection is required to be submitted to the City Building Inspector.
Peter M. Ronca, peter.ronca@longbeach.gov Principal Building Inspector •Department of Community Development
Direct Link: http://www.longbeach.gov/cd/neighborhood_services/garage_inspection_program.asp
City of Long Beach • 444 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 1700 • Long Beach, CA 90802 • City Building Inspector (562) 570-6515
| »» City of Los Angeles |
Separate documents are required for real estate transactions with in the City of Los Angeles. They are the Department of Water & Power Certificate of Compliance – Municipal Water Conservation Ordinance, and the Application for Report of Residential Property Records and Pending Special Assessment Liens.
- Los Angeles DWP CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE – Municipal Water Conservation Ordinance
Direct Link: http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp005999.pdf
LADWP • P O BOX 515406 • LOS ANGELES CA • 90051-6706 • (888)284-6130 - APPLICATION FOR REPORT OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY RECORDS AND PENDING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LIENS (aka Form 9)
Direct Link: http://ladbs.org/LADBSWeb/LADBS_Forms/DataAndRecords/9aform_Autores.pdf
LADBS • 201 N. Figueroa St., 4th Floor • Los Angeles, CA • 90012 • (213) 482-6777
| »» City of Lynwood |
A Presale Real Property Report ($204) is required to be completed by the Seller or Seller’s Agent. A business license may also be required for a realtor doing business within the city limits (see pdf). For more information, please contact the Development Services Department, Building and Safety Division.
Maria Sifuentes, msifuentes@lynwood.ca.us •Building and Safety Division
Direct Link: http://www.lynwood.ca.us/city-departments/development-services
See: Attached PDFs (4)
City of Lynwood • 11330 Bullis Road • Lynwood, CA 90262-3693 • City Building & Safety (310) 603-0220 ext. 246
| »» City of Manhattan Beach |
No inspection. Residential only. Application under Forms “Residential Building Report” on website. Water Conservation Retrofit required. Fee is $299
City of Manhattan Beach • 1400 Highland Avenue • Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 • Building Division: (310) 802-5505
| »» City of Maywood |
A Presale Inspection Report Application ($110) is required to be picked up in person. A business license may also be required for a realtor doing business within the city limits ($50).
City Building Inspector • (323) 562-5724
Direct Link: http://www.longbeach.gov/cd/neighborhood_services/garage_inspection_program.asp
City of Maywood • 4319 E. Slauson Avenue • Maywood, CA 90270 • City Building Inspector (323) 562-5724
| »» City of Monterey Park |
Inspection required. Residential and commercial. Work completed or Buyer option to assume responsibility. 6 month expiration. Owner or agent must apply with copy of Deed. If RE Agent applying, POA from owner required. Fee is $128 – $256+
Direct Link: http://www.montereypark.ca.gov/309/Inspections
City of Monterey Park • 320 West Newmark Avenue • Monterey Park, CA 91754 • (626) 307-1458
| »» City of Palos Verdes |
Inspection not needed. Takes 5 working days. 6 month expiration. Homeowner to apply or 3rd -party applicant must have City Business License. Fee is $113
Direct Link: http://www.pvestates.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=295
City of Palos Verdes • 340 Palos Verdes Drive West • Palos Verdes, CA 90274 • (310) 378-0383
| »» City of Pasadena |
Inspection required; cannot be waived. Single-family, duplex, condos. Seller can assign correction work to Buyer and both must acknowledge. Buyer to comply within 6 months. Certificate valid for 1 year. Must appear in person to re-apply. Fee is $136.99 – $273.98
Direct Link: http://www.cityofpasadena.net/Planning/Occupancy_Inspection_Program/
City of Pasadena • 100 N. Garfield Ave. • Pasadena, CA 91109 • Planning Department (626) 744-4633
| »» City of Redondo Beach |
$40 Fee must be paid when applying. Report of Building Records must be delivered to the Buyer, by the Seller or the Seller’s Agent, prior to the consummation of the Sale or Exchange. One copy shall be returned to the City of Redondo Beach, Building Department, with the signature of the Buyer, as evidence of compliance with Chapter 10, Title 9 of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code. Completed reports are usually ready in 3 days.
For additional information, contact:
Direct Link: http://www.redondo.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=1633
City Link: http://www.redondo.org/default.asp
City of Redondo Beach • 415 Diamond Street • Redondo Beach, CA 90277 • Building Department (310) 318-0636 • F: (310) 374-4828
| »» City of Rolling Hills Estates |
Residential only. Buyer can choose record search only or on-site inspection. Buyer to complete application. Takes 7 business days. Required to close escrow.
Direct Link: http://www.ci.rolling-hills-estates.ca.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=3743
City of Rolling Hills • 4045 Palos Verdes Drive North • Rolling Hills, CA 90274 • Planning Department (310) 377-1577
| »» City of San Marino |
Residential only. Inspection fee separate. Apply in person; qualified inspector list provided. Takes 10 days. Report cannot be waived. All violations must be corrected within 6 months. Buyer not required to acknowledge. 2 Year expiration or when sold.
Direct Link: http://www.ci.san-marino.ca.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1150
City of San Marino • 2200 Huntington Drive • San Marino, CA 91108 • (626) 300-0700
| »» City of Santa Monica |
Inspection not required. Computer record online application. Cannot be waived. Buyer to acknowledge. 6 month expiration. $252
Direct Link: http://www.qcode.us/codes/santamonica/
City of Santa Monica • 1685 Main Street • Santa Monica, CA 900401 • (310) 458-8411
| »» City of Signal Hill |
4-units & up residential only. 6 month expiration. Buyer does not need to acknowledge. Apply in person; limited hours. $170 – $565
City of Signal Hill • 2175 Cherry Avenue • Signal Hill, CA 90755 • (562) 989-7300
| »» City of South Gate |
All homes for sale in the City of South Gate are inspected for code violations, which must be corrected prior to sale, or revealed to a prospective buyer who must agree to correct them. For additional information, contact:
Building & Safety • (323) 563-9583
Direct Link 1: http://www.cityofsouthgate.org/173/Residential-Pre-Sale-Inspections
Direct Link 2: http://www.sogate.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/DetailGroup/navid/10/cid/1/
Pre-Sale: http://www.sogate.org/download/index.cfm/fuseaction/download/cid/893/
Ordinance No. 2003: http://www.sogate.org/download/index.cfm/fuseaction/download/cid/894/
City of South Gate • 8650 California Avenue • South Gate, CA 90280 • Building & Safety (323) 563-9583
| »» City of Torrance |
No inspection or report; Certificate of Compliance by Contractor. Smoke Detector Cert of Compliance:
Direct Link: http://www.torranceca.gov/PDF/SMOKEDETECTOR.pdf
City of Torrance • 3031 Torrance Blvd. • Torrance, CA 90504 • Building & Safety (310) 328-5310
| »» Cathedral City |
The realtor/seller will receive two forms (gold and pink) of the approved inspection. These forms are to be retained by the escrow office in the escrow file. If there is no escrow, these forms are given to the person who requested the inspection. $52
Direct Link: http://www.cathedralcityfire.org/#!smoke-detector-program/cdxm
Cathedral City • 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero. • Cathedral City, CA 92234 • Fire Dept: (760) 770-8200
| »» Palm Springs |
Single family residences; condominiums; duplexes; and mobile homes. $51
Direct Link: https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/43p9qqyy/10
Palm Springs • 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. • Palm Springs, CA 92262 • (760) 323-8299
| »» San Diego |
Water Conservation Certificate verification system will identify which properties already have a valid Certificate on file with the City of SAN DIEGO Water Department .
Direct Link: http://www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/index.shtml
San Diego • 202 C Street • San Diego, CA 92101 • (619) 236-5555
| Azusa | (626) 812-5235 | Monterey Park | (626) 307-1300 | |
| Bell | (323) 588-6211 | Newport Beach | (949) 644-3288 | |
| Beverly Hills | (310) 285-1141 | Oxnard | (805) 385-7840 | |
| Burbank | (818) 238-3700 | Pacific Palisades | (888) LA4-Build | |
| Carson | (310) 952-1766 | Palos Verdes Estates | (310) 378-0383 | |
| Compton | (310) 605-5509 | Pasadena | (626) 744-4633 | |
| Cudahy | (323) 773-5143 | Port Hueneme | (805) 986-6500 | |
| Culver City | (310) 253-5800 | Rancho Palos Verdes | (310) 265-7800 | |
| Redondo Beach | (310) 318-0636 |
