Los Angeles County, CA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Building services for unincorporated Los Angeles County are provided by LA County Public Works Building and Safety through headquarters and district offices serving unincorporated communities. Unincorporated projects use the County system rather than the contract-city BSOP workflow.

Department

Los Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division

Address

900 S. Fremont Avenue, 3rd Floor, Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone

(626) 458-3173

Email

fbarakat@pw.lacounty.gov (Building Plan Check Section) , BSD-Grading@dpw.lacounty.gov (Grading and Drainage) , BSD-Research@dpw.lacounty.gov (Research)

Website

https://dpw.lacounty.gov/building-and-safety/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the work requires a permit and whether plan check is required; the local Building Official or district office can help determine this.
2. Submit a permit application, pay plan check and/or permit fees, and upload plans, specifications, and supporting documents when required. For unincorporated County projects, online submissions go through EPIC-LA; paper or digital submissions may also be accepted at the serving district office.
3. If required, complete plan check. Simple projects that can be reviewed in 15 minutes or less may be handled over the counter during morning office counter hours; more complex projects are taken in for review in received order.
4. Obtain outside agency approvals listed on any agency referral sheet before permit issuance.
5. Pay remaining fees. The permit is issued once the application is complete, plan check is approved or not required, required agency approvals are received, and fees are paid.
6. Request inspections through EPIC-LA as work reaches each required stage.
7. Complete final inspection and obtain sign-off; buildings and structures then receive a Certificate of Occupancy where applicable.

Source: Los Angeles County Public Works, Building and Safety Division

General Requirements

Los Angeles County describes a building permit as the legal authorization to begin construction and states permits are generally required for construction, additions, alterations, moving, demolition, repair, and use of buildings or structures, plus grading, unless specifically exempt. Plan check is usually required for new buildings, additions, tenant improvements, ADUs, many remodels, decks/patios/fences over threshold limits, pools, retaining walls, major electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drainage, and grading work.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• payment of plan check fees where applicable
• plans, specifications, and supporting documents for review
• and any outside-agency approvals listed on the County referral sheet. Online submittals for unincorporated projects should provide plans as a single PDF plus separate PDFs for calculations/specifications.

Permit validity

Permit applications expire if no permit is issued within 12 months after application initiation. The Building Official may grant up to two 180-day application extensions on written request, with an extension fee of up to 25 percent of the plan check fee. Issued permits expire if work does not start within 12 months, or if work stops for more than 180 days after starting; extensions of 180 days each may be granted on written request. Permit holders must request an inspection within 12 months of permit issuance and follow-up inspections every 180 days to avoid expiration.

Building code

Current County code resources identify the 2023 County of Los Angeles Building Code (Title 26), Electrical Code (Title 27), Plumbing Code (Title 28), Mechanical Code (Title 29), Residential Code (Title 30), Green Building Standards Code (Title 31), and Existing Building Code (Title 33), effective January 1, 2023, with County amendments to the California codes.

Owner-builder

A property owner of a one- or two-family residence may act as owner-builder for the principal residence if the improvements are not intended for sale within one year after completion. When signing as owner-builder, the owner assumes responsibility for permits, code compliance, inspections, subcontractors, payroll withholding, workers' compensation, disability insurance, and unemployment contributions.

Contractor requirements

The County states most construction projects require qualified, licensed contractors. Contractors may obtain permits based on license classification. The County also notes the California minor-work licensure exemption only applies where the aggregate contract price for labor, materials, and all other items is under $500 and is not part of a larger project.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

The 2025-2026 building valuation table starts at a base building permit fee of $63.71 for the lowest valuation tier shown, and a mandatory permit issuance fee of $39.99 is added to all building permit fees. For residential occupancies with energy and disabled access check columns, the table starts at $73.19 permit fee for the lowest valuation tier shown.

Plan check fee

The same 2025-2026 table lists a minimum standard-plan check fee of $218.17. Mechanical plan check fees are stated separately as 50 percent of the required mechanical permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Primarily valuation-based for building permits and plan checks, using the County building valuation fee table for unincorporated areas. Some trade permits use schedule-based fees.

Trade permit fee

Primarily valuation-based for building permits and plan checks, using the County building valuation fee table for unincorporated areas. Some trade permits use schedule-based fees.

Reinspection fee

The general inspection pages reviewed do not publish a single standard reinspection fee.

Payment note

EPIC-LA allows applicants to pay permit fees online. The fee table states it is for reference only and directs users to the County fee calculation system for actual charges.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory buildings such as tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses, and shade structures not exceeding 120 square feet, 12 feet in height, and 24-inch roof projection.
• Certain fences and monument signs, generally limited to 6 feet and subject to additional pool-barrier and setback rules.
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids.
• Ground-mounted radio/TV antenna towers not exceeding 45 feet and ground-supported dish antennas not exceeding 15 feet above finished grade.
• Light standards not over 30 feet high.
• Flagpoles not on a building and not more than 15 feet high.
• Certain canopies or awnings attached to Group R-3 or U occupancies and projecting not more than 54 inches.
• Decks, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route.
• Prefabricated pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 18 inches deep or not over 5,000 gallons and entirely above grade.
• Playground equipment up to 12 feet high accessory to Group R-3 occupancy.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work where disabled-access requirements do not apply.
• Minor electrical repair work such as replacing lamps, switches, receptacles, sockets, and similar devices; some low-voltage and temporary wiring work.
• Minor plumbing repairs limited to leak repairs or stoppage clearing where pipes, valves, or fixtures are not replaced or rearranged.
• Portable heating, ventilating, and cooling equipment and certain like-for-like appliance component replacements under the mechanical code.

Important: Separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required even when a building permit is exempt. Exemptions do not authorize work that violates code, zoning, or other ordinances. Pool safety devices associated with otherwise exempt prefabricated pools are not exempt. Grading has its own separate exemption list.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• EPIC-LA (online)
• District office directory (online)
• (626) 458-3173 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Inspection hours

Inspection requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Inspections are performed during regular working hours. Headquarters business hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; over-the-counter plan review hours are 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issued and inspection card posted; permit holder requests required stage inspections; inspector reviews for code compliance and consistency with approved plans and permit scope; corrections or approval are issued; final inspection is completed; Certificate of Occupancy is issued where applicable.

Virtual inspections are also available for eligible permit types through EPIC-LA: https://dpw.lacounty.gov/building-and-safety/inspections/virtual Virtual re-inspections are available for some eligible inspection types.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Current County code resources identify the 2023 County of Los Angeles Building Code (Title 26), Electrical Code (Title 27), Plumbing Code (Title 28), Mechanical Code (Title 29), Residential Code (Title 30), Green Building Standards Code (Title 31), and Existing Building Code (Title 33), effective January 1, 2023, with County amendments to the California codes.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• LA County Planning home for unincorporated areas
• GIS-NET Public zoning and parcel map
• County code amendments and current code list
• inspection page
• work exemptions page
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• California hub: California Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Los Angeles County, CA?

Los Angeles County describes a building permit as the legal authorization to begin construction and states permits are generally required for construction, additions, alterations, moving, demolition, repair, and use of buildings or structures, plus grading, unless specifically exempt. Plan check is usually required for new buildings, additions, tenant improvements, ADUs, many remodels, decks/patios/fences over threshold limits, pools, retaining walls, major electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drainage, and grading work.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Los Angeles County, CA?

The minimum permit fee is The 2025-2026 building valuation table starts at a base building permit fee of $63.71 for the lowest valuation tier shown, and a mandatory permit issuance fee of $39.99 is added to all building permit fees. For residential occupancies with energy and disabled access check columns, the table starts at $73.19 permit fee for the lowest valuation tier shown.. Fees are calculated as: Primarily valuation-based for building permits and plan checks, using the County building valuation fee table for unincorporated areas. Some trade permits use schedule-based fees.. Plan check fee: The same 2025-2026 table lists a minimum standard-plan check fee of $218.17. Mechanical plan check fees are stated separately as 50 percent of the required mechanical permit fee..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Los Angeles County, CA?

1. Confirm whether the work requires a permit and whether plan check is required; the local Building Official or district office can help determine this. 2. Submit a permit application, pay plan check and/or permit fees, and upload plans, specifications, and supporting documents when required. For unincorporated County projects, online submissions go through EPIC-LA; paper or digital submissions may also be accepted at the serving district office. 3. If required, complete plan check. Simple projects that can be reviewed in 15 minutes or less may be handled over the counter during morning office counter hours; more complex projects are taken in for review in received order. 4. Obtain outside agency approvals listed on any agency referral sheet before permit issuance. 5. Pay remaining fees. The permit is issued once the application is complete, plan check is approved or not required, required agency approvals are received, and fees are paid. 6. Request inspections through EPIC-LA as work reaches each required stage. 7. Complete final inspection and obtain sign-off; buildings and structures then receive a Certificate of Occupancy where applicable.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Los Angeles County, CA?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings such as tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses, and shade structures not exceeding 120 square feet, 12 feet in height, and 24-inch roof projection.; Certain fences and monument signs, generally limited to 6 feet and subject to additional pool-barrier and setback rules.; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids.; Ground-mounted radio/TV antenna towers not exceeding 45 feet and ground-supported dish antennas not exceeding 15 feet above finished grade.; Light standards not over 30 feet high.; Flagpoles not on a building and not more than 15 feet high.; Certain canopies or awnings attached to Group R-3 or U occupancies and projecting not more than 54 inches.; Decks, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route.; Prefabricated pools accessory to Group R-3 occupancies that are less than 18 inches deep or not over 5,000 gallons and entirely above grade.; Playground equipment up to 12 feet high accessory to Group R-3 occupancy.; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work where disabled-access requirements do not apply.; Minor electrical repair work such as replacing lamps, switches, receptacles, sockets, and similar devices; some low-voltage and temporary wiring work.; Minor plumbing repairs limited to leak repairs or stoppage clearing where pipes, valves, or fixtures are not replaced or rearranged.; Portable heating, ventilating, and cooling equipment and certain like-for-like appliance component replacements under the mechanical code.. Note: Separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required even when a building permit is exempt. Exemptions do not authorize work that violates code, zoning, or other ordinances. Pool safety devices associated with otherwise exempt prefabricated pools are not exempt. Grading has its own separate exemption list.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Los Angeles County, CA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: EPIC-LA, District office directory, (626) 458-3173. Inspection requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance..