Getting a building permit in Los Angeles doesn't have to be confusing. After helping 500+ clients navigate LA's building departments, we've learned exactly what works—and what causes delays.
This guide walks you through the entire process, from understanding what triggers a permit requirement to picking up your approved documents. Whether you're adding a room, building an ADU, or remodeling your kitchen, you'll know exactly what to expect.
Let's start with the most important question: does your project require a permit?
Projects that ALWAYS require permits in Los Angeles:
Projects that typically DON'T require permits:
The gray area projects (where people get confused):
Here's the truth: If you're unsure, assume you need a permit. The penalties for unpermitted work in LA are severe—fines up to $10,000, forced removal of work, and major issues when selling your home.
Need permit-ready drawings for your LA project? We create architect-stamped drawings that LA building departments approve the first time. Get your free estimate →
Los Angeles is huge, and the permit process reflects that complexity.
LA operates 8 regional building permit offices, plus separate systems for some independent cities:
Why this matters: Each office has slightly different processing times and staff interpretations of code. Your project goes to the office that serves your zip code—you can't choose.
LA offers three ways to submit:
Our recommendation: Use ePlanLA for most projects. It's faster than in-person, and you get digital tracking of your application status.
Here's everything you'll need to submit a complete permit application in LA. Missing even one item will delay your approval.
Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
Proof of ownership
Homeowners association approval (if applicable)
Your drawings must be stamped by a California-licensed architect or engineer. This is non-negotiable in LA for most structural projects.
What LA building departments require in your drawing set:
Site Plan showing:
Floor Plans showing:
Elevations showing:
Cross Sections showing:
Structural Details including:
Building Code Compliance Notes:
The architect stamp must include:
Here's what causes 90% of permit rejections: Incomplete drawings or missing the architect stamp. Don't waste 3-4 weeks resubmitting. Get permit-ready drawings from licensed architects →
Permit Application (LA-100)
Owner-Builder Declaration (if applicable)
Energy Compliance Forms (CF-1R or CF-2R)
Geology/Soils Report (for hillside properties)
Fire Department Approval (if required)
Photographs of existing conditions
Survey (if available)
Previous permits for the property
Here's exactly what happens from submission to approval.
Timeline: 30-60 minutes for online submission
Log into ePlanLA (https://eplanla.lacity.org) or bring documents to your regional office.
What you're uploading:
Application fee: Paid at submission
Fees are based on valuation (estimated construction cost). LA uses a formula: square footage × $200/sq ft (average).
What happens immediately:
Timeline: 3-6 weeks (first review)
A plan checker reviews every aspect of your drawings:
What they're checking:
Three possible outcomes:
1. Approved (rare on first submission)
2. Corrections Required (most common)
3. Rejected/Incomplete (problematic)
Common correction requests we see in LA:
Timeline: You have 180 days to respond
Your architect revises the drawings to address every comment.
What NOT to do:
What TO do:
Resubmission timeline: Usually 1-2 weeks for review of corrections.
If corrections are approved: Move to Step 4 If more corrections needed: Repeat Step 3 (can happen 2-3 times for complex projects)
We handle all corrections at no extra cost. Our drawings have a 98% first-time approval rate because we know exactly what LA plan checkers look for. See how we work →
Timeline: 1-3 days after final approval
Once approved, you'll:
Total timeline from submission to permit in hand:
Getting the permit is only half the battle. You'll need these inspections as work progresses:
1. Foundation Inspection
2. Framing Inspection
3. Rough Inspection (MEP)
4. Insulation Inspection
5. Final Inspection
Online: LADBS Express (https://ladbs.org) Phone: 311 from LA, or (213) 473-3231 Timeframe: Request at least 48 hours in advance
Inspector arrival window: Usually 8am-5pm (they don't give exact times)
The inspector will:
Common reasons for failing:
Re-inspection: Usually available within 2-3 days of request. No additional fee for first re-inspection.
After passing final inspection:
Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
Closing out your permit:
What if you never close out your permit?
After processing hundreds of LA permits, here are the most common problems:
Problem: Missing structural details, no architect stamp, incomplete floor plans
Impact: 3-6 week delay
Solution: Use licensed architect who knows LA requirements. Don't use template drawings.
Problem: Addition exceeds lot coverage, setbacks wrong, height limit exceeded
Impact: 4-8 weeks (may require zoning variance)
Solution: Check zoning before design. LA zoning is complex—most lots have specific limitations.
Problem: Energy calculations not included
Impact: 2-3 week delay
Solution: Ensure architect includes CF-1R forms and calculation methods.
Problem: Forgot to get HOA approval, or HOA is slow
Impact: 30-90 days
Solution: Start HOA approval process immediately. Submit to city and HOA simultaneously.
Problem: Property in hillside area requires soils report not included
Impact: 4-6 weeks (plus $3,000-$5,000)
Solution: Check if your property is in hillside overlay before design.
Problem: Architect misses some plan checker comments
Impact: 2-4 weeks (another review cycle)
Solution: Create a response matrix. Address every comment explicitly.
Problem: Your case gets reassigned mid-review
Impact: 1-3 weeks (new checker reviews from scratch)
Solution: This one's unavoidable. LA has staffing issues.
Problem: Property in fire zone, didn't get fire dept approval first
Impact: 3-4 weeks
Solution: Check fire zone map early. Get fire approval before building dept submission.
These are the things that trip people up:
LA is in Seismic Design Category D (high seismic zone).
What this means for you:
Your architect must show seismic calculations and details.
California has the strictest energy codes in the US.
For additions over 1,000 sq ft:
For smaller remodels:
Large portions of LA are in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
If your property is in a fire zone:
Check the map: https://planning.lacity.org/
LA is obsessed with parking.
General rules:
ADU exception: New state law (AB 1033) reduces parking requirements for ADUs in many cases.
Most LA neighborhoods have:
Example:
Your architect must calculate this. Going over requires a variance (good luck).
Let's break down real numbers for common LA projects:
Additional fees you might encounter:
ADUs are huge in LA right now. Here's what's different:
California passed laws (AB 68, AB 881, SB 13) that force LA to approve ADUs that meet state minimums—even if they don't meet local zoning.
What this means:
Types allowed:
Size limits:
Pre-approved ADU plans:
Our experience: Custom ADU plans with architect stamp typically take 8-12 weeks from submission to permit.
Building an ADU in LA? We've completed 150+ ADU projects in Los Angeles with a 98% first-time approval rate. Get your free ADU drawing estimate →
LA requires you to declare how you're handling construction:
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
Cons:
Our recommendation: Unless you're experienced, use a licensed contractor. The owner-builder path seems cheaper but has major risks.
We get this question constantly. Here's the reality:
If you bought a home with unpermitted work, or you built without permits:
Process:
Timeline: 3-6 months minimum Cost: Often $5,000-$20,000+ depending on scope
Is it worth it?
Let's walk through an actual project we completed:
Project: 300 sq ft primary bedroom addition Location: Silverlake, Los Angeles (90039) Client: First-time addition, intimidated by process
Week 1: Initial consultation
Week 2-3: Drawing creation
Week 4: Review with client
Week 5: Permit submission
Week 8: Plan check complete
Week 9: Corrections submitted
Week 11: Final approval
Total time: 11 weeks from first contact to permit in hand
Client's words: "They knew exactly what the building department would ask for. No surprises, no stress. I just showed up for the final signature."
LADBS (LA Department of Building & Safety)
Zoning Information and Map Access (ZIMAS)
Fire Zone Map
Property Records
Contractor License Check
Architect License Check
LA Building Code
Title 24 Energy Calculator
For most residential projects, expect 6-10 weeks from submission to permit issuance. Simple projects with perfect drawings can get approved in 3-4 weeks. Complex projects with multiple correction cycles can take 12-16 weeks. ADUs using pre-approved plans can be approved in 2-3 weeks.
No. Starting work before permit approval is illegal and will result in a stop-work order, fines, and potentially having to remove completed work. Wait until you have the physical permit in hand.
For most structural work, yes. LA requires architect or engineer stamps for:
Simple cosmetic remodels (paint, cabinets, flooring) don't require stamps because they don't require permits.
You can request a supervisor review or file an appeal, but this adds 3-6 weeks. Our advice: Just make the change. Plan checkers have authority to interpret code, and arguing rarely helps. If a correction seems unreasonable, ask your architect to explain the code requirement—there's usually a reason.
No. Every jurisdiction has different requirements. Drawings approved in Santa Monica won't work in LA. Drawings approved in Van Nuys office might need revisions for Hollywood office. Always use drawings created specifically for your project location.
Permit fees are based on project valuation (estimated construction cost). LA uses roughly $200/sq ft as average construction cost.
Quick formula: Square footage × $200 = valuation Valuation × 1.65% = approximate total fees (permit + plan check)
Example: 400 sq ft addition
Add $2,500-$4,000 for architectural drawings.
Yes. Building permits in LA expire if:
You can request extensions, but it's easier to just start work promptly.
Technically yes, but it will complicate the sale. Buyers often request:
Better to close out all permits before listing your home.
Use this checklist before submitting your LA building permit application:
Property Documentation
Architectural Drawings
Forms
Specialized Documentation (if applicable)
Submission Logistics
Post-Submission
Getting a building permit in Los Angeles is a process—but it doesn't have to be painful.
Three things make all the difference:
The actual timeline for most projects:
Total: 6-10 weeks from start to permit in hand.
We've helped 500+ clients get permits approved in Los Angeles—including the regional offices in Van Nuys, West LA, Hollywood, Downtown, and beyond.
What makes our drawings different:
Every project stamped by architects licensed in California. We handle the legal requirement so you don't have to worry.
After hundreds of LA projects, we know the specific details that each regional office requires. Our drawings pass LA plan check 98% of the time on first submission.
Most residential projects: $2,500-$4,000 for complete permit-ready drawings. Typical timeline: 1-2 weeks. We give you exact numbers during consultation.
If the building department requests changes, we revise the drawings at no additional charge. You're covered.
Not sure what your project needs? Confused about building codes? We explain everything in plain English and guide you through submission.
Ready to get started?
Or call us: (555) 123-4567
Most consultations take 15-20 minutes. We'll review your project, explain what's required, and provide a fixed quote and timeline. No obligation.
This guide was last updated November 2025 and reflects current LA building department procedures and 2022 California Building Code requirements. Specific requirements may vary by project and location. Always verify current requirements with LADBS.
