Moving to Beverly Hills should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Yet the city’s precise rules, property logistics, and moving‑day details can catch even seasoned buyers by surprise. This guide gives you a clear checklist for permits, utilities, neighborhood logistics, and a realistic timeline so your move runs smoothly. Let’s dive in.
Secure parking and permits
Temporary no parking signs
If your movers need curb space, you must use the City’s temporary “No Parking” signs. You purchase them from the City, post them in advance, and notify Police when posted. Residential moves are limited to 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and you must post signs at least 72 hours before the move. Review the City’s rules and fees on the official page for moving van parking and temporary signs.
- Post signs exactly as directed. Improper posting can void the signs and lead to citations or a tow.
- Do not attach signs to trees with nails or tacks.
Street and crane permits
If your move requires a crane, oversized truck, right‑of‑way staging, or a brief street closure, you will need a City permit and a traffic control plan. The Community Development team may require insurance certificates, engineer approval, and police coordination, especially for hillside addresses. Start this process several business days in advance using the City’s Public Right‑of‑Way and Hauling guidelines.
Plan for street sweeping
Street sweeping is strictly enforced, and temporary signs do not override sweeping hours. Check your block’s schedule and avoid conflicts using the City’s Street Sweeping Program.
Coordinate building access
HOA and condo rules
Luxury buildings and HOAs often set specific move hours, elevator reservations, insurance requirements, and deposits. Get the written move procedures from management early. Reserve all elevators and loading zones in writing and confirm the mover will comply.
Gated estates and security
Many estates have private gates, on‑site staff, and strict guest vehicle rules. Arrange gate codes, staff contacts, crew lists, and vendor insurance before move day. Written authorization for vendors helps avoid delays at the gate.
Utilities and city services
Water, power, and gas
Beverly Hills operates its own water utility. Open your account and review customer tools through the City’s Water Services. Electricity is typically Southern California Edison and gas is Southern California Gas. Confirm service by address and schedule start dates several business days before arrival. For a quick overview, see this local summary of utilities information.
Trash and bulky items
The City manages residential solid‑waste programs and sets procedures for bulky item pickup. Confirm your address details and pickup rules ahead of time, especially if you expect packaging waste after delivery day. Start with the City’s page on bulky item pick up.
Neighborhood logistics
The Flats
The Flats offer wider streets and generally simpler curb staging. Most moves here use the City’s temporary sign program noted above. Still plan around posted sweeping and meter enforcement.
Trousdale and BHPO
Trousdale Estates and nearby hills often require extra planning due to grades, narrow curves, and view‑lot access. Some 90210 addresses sit in Beverly Hills Post Office (BHPO), which is part of the City of Los Angeles. That distinction affects permits and services, so confirm jurisdiction by parcel early. Learn more about Beverly Hills Post Office.
Common constraints
Hillside driveways, mature trees, limited curb space, and specialty items can trigger crane use and traffic control. For any piece that cannot clear stairs or tight turns, plan a hoist or crane and submit the right‑of‑way permit with required notice. Keep pedestrian paths open at all times.
Choose a verified mover
Licensing and insurance
California household movers must be licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. Verify licensing, request a written in‑person estimate with not‑to‑exceed pricing, and require proof of cargo, auto, general liability, and workers’ compensation coverage. Use the state guidance to verify movers and protect your move.
Specialty items
Grand pianos, safes, sculptures, and large modular pieces often need crating, climate‑controlled transport, or a crane. Get written inventories and quotes from specialty shippers. Confirm the crane plan and permit timeline if you must stage in the right‑of‑way.
Know closing costs
Transfer taxes at closing
Beverly Hills transactions are generally subject to the standard Los Angeles County Documentary Transfer Tax. The City of Beverly Hills is not listed among the cities that add additional transfer taxes like Los Angeles City’s “mansion tax.” Always confirm the exact calculation with your escrow officer. See the County’s rules for documentary transfer taxes.
Your move timeline
4–6 weeks before
- Confirm if your parcel is in the City of Beverly Hills or BHPO (City of Los Angeles).
- Call askBH, the City’s customer service line, at 310-285-1000 to open water and refuse accounts and to ask about permits for your address.
- Select your mover. Verify licensing, insurance, and complaint history. Get a written, in‑person estimate.
- For art and antiques, arrange professional crating and white‑glove services and request detailed inventories.
2–4 weeks before
- Purchase and schedule temporary “No Parking” signs if you need curb space, and plan to post them 72 hours in advance. Follow the City’s notification steps.
- If you need a crane, oversized truck, or any street staging, submit your right‑of‑way permit and traffic control plan. Secure insurance certificates naming the City as additional insured.
- Reserve building elevators and loading zones in writing. Share rules with your mover.
1 week before
- Confirm your mover’s license, valuation coverage, and move‑day contacts in writing.
- Plan valet or short‑term parking for crews and guests. Notify neighbors or building management of staging times.
- Finish address changes with USPS, DMV, banks, and medical providers. If relevant, complete school enrollment tasks.
Move day and after
- Keep permits, receipts, and mover paperwork on site. Maintain clear pedestrian access.
- Respect posted hours and street‑sweeping times. Remove City signs when done.
- If needed, document any damage and file claims promptly per state guidance.
A well‑planned move protects your time, privacy, and property. If you are buying or selling in Beverly Hills and want a discreet, expert process from contract to keys, connect with Cory Weiss for a confidential consultation.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to park a moving truck in Beverly Hills?
- Yes. The City requires temporary “No Parking” signs for residential moves, posted 72 hours in advance, with Police notification; larger or right‑of‑way moves may also need permits and a traffic plan as outlined on the City’s moving van parking page.
Who provides water, power, gas, and trash service in Beverly Hills?
- Water is provided by the City of Beverly Hills; electricity is typically Southern California Edison and gas is Southern California Gas; residential solid‑waste programs are administered by the City. Start with the City’s Water Services page and confirm by address.
How do I verify a moving company in California?
- Use the state guidance from the Bureau of Household Goods and Services to check licensing, demand a written estimate with not‑to‑exceed pricing, and require proof of insurance. See the consumer moving guidance.
Are Beverly Hills sales subject to Los Angeles’s “mansion tax”?
- The LA City “mansion tax” applies only within the City of Los Angeles. Beverly Hills transactions are generally subject to the standard county Documentary Transfer Tax. See the County’s DTT overview and confirm with escrow.
What if my home is in BHPO instead of the City of Beverly Hills?
- BHPO properties have a Beverly Hills mailing address but are in the City of Los Angeles, so LA services and permits can apply. Confirm jurisdiction by parcel early; see context on Beverly Hills Post Office.
