Are you planning a construction project in Los Angeles? Whether you're a seasoned developer or a first-time contractor, understanding the ins and outs of the Los Angeles building permit process is crucial for the success of your project.
Getting a building permit requires a lot of information and communication, and failing to provide any requested materials can result in costly delays. There’s a lot to know about, so this guide is here to walk you through what you need to know about getting a permit for your next construction project.
What requires a building permit in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, most construction projects require a building permit. Requirements can change depending on which neighborhood you’re in, but basically all projects requiring the services of a licensed contractor will require upfront approval from the City of Los Angeles.
You can review this list from the City, but projects that require a permit usually include:
- New construction (houses, buildings, additions)
- Major renovations or remodels
- Electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
- Structural changes
- Changes to a building's use or occupancy
- Installing or replacing HVAC systems
- Adding or removing walls
- Installing solar panels
- Building decks, patios, or carports
- Installing pools or spas
Even if your project seems small, you should check with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) to see if you need a permit. If you don’t, you could be at risk of fines and even removal of work.
There are some minor repairs and cosmetic changes that don’t require a permit, but it's better to ask first than to be penalized later.
How long does it take to get a construction permit in Los Angeles?
Different permits will have different approval timelines. On top of that, other factors can influence when you get your permit, such as holidays and staffing issues. What most influences the approval timeline of your permit is the project’s size and complexity.
Here's a general timeline:
- Simple projects (like minor electrical work): 1-3 days
- Medium-sized projects (like home additions): 2-4 weeks
- Large or complex projects (like new commercial buildings): 2-6 months or more
These are just estimates. Your actual timeline may be shorter or longer based on how complete and accurate your application is, and how quickly you respond to requests for information. Speed up the process by making sure your application is complete and accurate from the start.
Los Angeles building permit requirements
Big construction projects can significantly impact the surrounding architecture and communities. Los Angeles requires permits to make sure these projects don’t cause problems or safety issues, so your goal during the application process should be to show them that you’ve already addressed potential concerns.
Your project documents should answer as many questions as possible in order to prevent delays. Let's dive into the specific requirements for getting a Los Angeles building permit.
What to include in your Los Angeles building permit application
Your building permit application needs to show that you have experienced professionals working from a well-thought out plan.
Plan to include materials such as:
- Completed application form: Complete the appropriate form for your project type.
- Site plan: Provide a bird's-eye view of your property showing where the building or work will be done.
- Structural plans: Show how the building's structural elements will support new construction.
- Energy calculations: California has strict energy efficiency requirements, so you'll need to show how your project meets these standards.
- Soils report: For new construction or major additions, you might need a report on the soil conditions of your site.
- Title 24 forms: Show how your project will comply with California's energy efficiency standards.
- Contractor's license and insurance information: Provide the license numbers and proof of insurance for the contractors you plan to work with.
LADBS can provide the most up-to-date answers of which information to provide. If you’re unsure about anything related to your building permit, schedule an appointment with their office to get clarification.
Contacting LADBS
If you have questions or need help with your application, you can contact the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) in several ways:
- Phone: Call 311 (within LA city limits) or (213) 473-3231
- Email: Use the contact form on the LADBS website
- In-person: Schedule an appointment online to learn which LADBS public counter to visit
How much does a building permit cost in Los Angeles?
There’s no one answer for how much a permit costs. Larger projects generally have more expensive permits than smaller projects.
Here's a general idea of what you might pay:
- Small projects (like electrical upgrades): $100 - $500
- Medium projects (like home additions): $500 - $3,000
- Large projects (like new commercial buildings): $3,000 - $100,000+
These fees cover the cost of plan review and inspections, but you may also need to pay additional fees for:
- School district fees
- Parks and recreation fees
- Sewer connection fees
- Transportation impact fees
To get an exact cost for your project, you can use the LADBS Fee Estimator tool or take a look at their permit fee valuations table.
How do I find building permits in Los Angeles County?
The LADBS offers an online service called BuildingRecords, which allows you to search for permits by address.
Here's how to use it:
- Go to the LADBS website (www.ladbs.org)
- Click on "Online Services"
- Select "BuildingRecords"
- Enter the address you're interested in
- You'll see a list of all permits associated with that address
This tool is great for checking the history of a property or verifying if previous work was done with proper permits. It's especially useful if you're buying a property and want to ensure all work was done legally.
Applying for your permit
The first step in a successful permit application is finding the correct forms for your project. The LADBS website has a Forms and Publications section where you can download all necessary documents.
Some common forms include:
- PC/STR/App.03 - Building Permit Application
- PC/ELEC/App.03 - Electrical Permit Application
- PC/MECH/App.01 - HVAC Permit Application
Make sure to track down the most recent versions of these forms. It can take extra time, but using outdated forms can delay your application process.
Completing your application
Fill out the appropriate forms, and double-check all your information for accuracy. Make sure to include all the right project documents, and keep copies of everything for your records.
If you're unsure about any part of the application, don't guess. It's better to ask for help than to submit an incorrect application, which can cause delays.
How PermitFlow simplifies permitting
While some LA-based developers and contractors use the services of a Los Angeles permit expediter, there are better solutions available. PermitFlow is a software-based permitting tool designed to streamline the process for developers, contractors, and builders.
PermitFlow can simplify your permitting journey through:
- Digital application submission: Upload all your documents and submit your application through a convenient online dashboard.
- Progress tracking: See where your application is in the review process in real-time.
- Automatic checks: PermitFlow can check your application for common errors before submission.
- Communication tools: Easily communicate with reviewers and respond to requests for information at your convenience, or have PermitFlow communicate on your behalf.
Construction projects are complicated, with lots of room for errors to foul up the workflow and cause delays. PermitFlow’s team of permitting experts includes seasoned contractors and developers who know the Los Angeles building permit process. They can help you pull your permit without issue.
Get started with PermitFlow
By using PermitFlow, you can navigate the process and ensure your project gets approved by the City. Get started by contacting the team at PermitFlow today.
