On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Los Angeles
LADBS states a permit is required for any private-property construction, alteration, or repair work on buildings within the City of Los Angeles. Building permits are specifically required for new buildings, additions, structural alterations, interior floor-plan changes, change of use/occupancy, parking layout changes, use-of-land permits, signs, fences, retaining walls, and shoring.
Note: Exemption from plan check is not exemption from permit. Zoning, historic preservation, hillside, fire, sanitation, accessibility, or utility clearance requirements may still apply even for otherwise simple work. Verify scope through PermitLA, ZIMAS, and LADBS before starting work.
- Typically permit application, plans, valuation, plot/site information, and any required outside-agency clearances. For permit issuance, owner/agent/contractor signatures and supporting authorization documents are required. Contractor-issued permits generally require a notarized agent letter if applicable, workers' compensation evidence, contractor license evidence, and City business tax registration evidence.
- Building code
- LADBS publishes the 2023 L.A. Amendments to California Codes, including the 2023 Los Angeles Building, Residential, and related city codes effective January 1, 2023. Zoning rules are in the Los Angeles Municipal Code, with Chapter 1A now applying in the Downtown Community Plan Area and future updated plan areas.
- Permit validity
- LADBS states permits are generally valid for 2 years from issuance. Based on LADBS's expiration guidance, permitted work must commence within 1 year for residential projects and 6 months for commercial projects, and extensions may be required if deadlines are approaching.
- Owner-builder
- LADBS materials indicate owner-builder permits require the owner's signature to be verified, and an owner's representative must present a notarized authorization letter. Owner-builder declarations are part of permit issuance materials.
- Contractor requirements
- LADBS permit issuance materials require contractor license evidence, workers' compensation documentation, and City business tax registration evidence for contractor-issued permits.
Application process
Typical processing: No general citywide processing time is published on the main LADBS permitting pages reviewed; timing varies by permit type, required clearances, and whether the project qualifies for express permit processing.
- 01 Confirm the parcel is inside the City of Los Angeles and review zoning/property constraints in ZIMAS.
- 02 Prepare plans and project documents. If the work qualifies for an express permit, use PermitLA; otherwise submit through ePlanLA or in person at an LADBS Development Services Center.
- 03 Create an Angeleno account before using ePlanLA or PermitLA.
- 04 Submit the permit application, plans, and any required supporting documents and agency clearances. Separate approvals may be required from Planning, Fire, Public Works, Transportation, LADWP, Housing, Sanitation, AQMD, LAUSD, or other agencies depending on scope.
- 05 After plan approval, complete permit issuance by providing the required signatures, contractor or owner-builder documentation, and paying fees.
- 06 Start work only after permit issuance, then request inspections at each required phase before covering work.
- 07 Obtain final inspection approval and, where applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy.
Typical processing time: No general citywide processing time is published on the main LADBS permitting pages reviewed; timing varies by permit type, required clearances, and whether the project qualifies for express permit processing.
Source: Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) ↗
Fee schedule
Los Angeles building permit fees
LADBS offers online invoice payment and fee calculation tools. Fees commonly include permit fees plus plan maintenance, system, development services center, planning, state, and other applicable surcharges/taxes depending on project type.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Online at (online)
- 311 (phone)
- (213) 473-3231 (phone)
- (888) 524-2845 (phone)
- LADBS Go (app)
- Time windows
- LADBS does not publish a single universal inspection window on the main inspection page reviewed. Off-hour, Saturday, and virtual inspection options are available for some inspection types.
Typical sequence: Inspections generally follow construction stages such as excavation, foundation, framing, masonry, electrical, plumbing, roofing, exterior finishing, heating/cooling work, waterproofing, and final inspection.
Off-hour, Saturday, and virtual inspection options are available for some inspection types.
Source: Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Los Angeles permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Los Angeles, CA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Los Angeles, CA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Los Angeles, CA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Los Angeles, CA? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Los Angeles, CA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.