Learn Why Building Codes Matter and How They Keep You Safe
West Hollywood will mark Building Safety Month this May by inviting the community to an open house event highlighting the essential role of building codes and safety standards in maintaining secure and sustainable structures. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the City Hall Courtyard, located at 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard near North Sweetzer Avenue.
Organized by the city’s Building and Safety Division, the open house will offer residents and business owners an opportunity to meet City staff, ask questions, and learn more about the processes involved in ensuring safe building practices. Light refreshments will be provided.
Building Safety Month is an international campaign led by the International Code Council to increase public awareness of the importance of modern building codes and the professionals who uphold them. It emphasizes the role of code officials and city agencies in reducing risks from disasters such as fires, earthquakes, and severe weather.
West Hollywood’s Building and Safety Division enforces building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes adopted by the City Council, as well as state-mandated accessibility and energy conservation standards. The division handles building permit applications, reviews construction plans, and conducts on-site inspections to ensure projects comply with applicable regulations. Services are offered through in-person consultations, online platforms, phone support, email, and field visits.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by cities across the country to spotlight the need for safe and sustainable infrastructure. By promoting the adoption and enforcement of up-to-date building codes, West Hollywood aims to protect lives and property in both public and private spaces.
For more information about the Building and Safety Division or the upcoming open house, residents may contact Senior Plan Check Engineer Cynthia Zabala at czabala@weho.org or (323) 848-6892. Those who are Deaf or hard of hearing can use California Relay Service by dialing 711, 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), or 1-800-735-2922 (voice).
