Ask a Question

Remodeling of apartment buildings that were first occupied prior to March 13, 1991, are not subject to DA requirements.

Yes, as long as it does not obstruct controls, faucets, and shower spray units, or the transfer of an individual from wheelchairs onto shower seats.

Employee workstations must be on an accessible route.

No, but backing for future installation of grab bars is required.

Yes. Per 11B-505.4, handrail height must be a minimum of 34" and maximum of 38" measured vertically.

Yes, DA seating is required for each functional area.

Disabled access requirements apply to both temporary and permanent structures.

No, as this is not “newly constructed” according to LABC 202 or used for public housing.

Yes, the manager's unit needs to comply with the same DA requirements as the dwelling unit.

5% minimum is required.

2% of the dwelling units. If parking is assigned, then 2% of the assigned parking spaces must be accessible. If unassigned, then a minimum of 5% of parking spaces must be accessible.

DA parking stalls must be provided in accordance with Table 11B-208.3.

Minimum 5% of the seating spaces for dining surfaces must be accessible and dispersed within other types of seating located in the functional area.

Addition of 3 or more newly-constructed units will trigger DA requirements.

Minimum of 5% must be in compliance.

1 in 6 DA parking stalls required by Table 11B-208.3 must be a van stall.

For elevator buildings, all units on floors served by the elevator must be accessible. For non-elevator buildings, all ground floor units must be accessible.

Yes, if it complies with the definition of a carriage unit per LABC 202.

Yes, a lift is required at public swimming pools.

No, a townhouse is not exempt. 

An accessible route must be provided to connect each story and mezzanine in a multi-story building (see exceptions per 11B-206.2.3).

No, an elevator is not required for a single-story building.

Yes, per 1134A4.

Alterations to an existing building must be provided with an accessible path of travel to the specific area of alteration. This includes the primary entrance to the building or facility, toilet or bathing facilities serving the area, drinking fountains, public telephones, and signs.

Turning space shall be a circular space of 60” diameter, or a T-shaped space with a 60” length for arms width, and a base that is 36” wide. See 11B-304.3.2.

Door maneuvering clearances are determined based on Approach Direction -- from the front, hinge side, latch side, approach side, pull or push side -- whether the path is perpendicular or parallel to a doorway.

See Table 11B-404.2.4.1 for each case scenario.

¼ inch is the maximum. 

34 inches is the maximum height.

36 inches is the maximum height.

8.33% is the maximum for a ramp slope. 

The slope requirements for different parts of an accessible route vary.

Walkways 5%
Ramps 8.33%
Landings 2%
Elevator car 2%
Accessible parking 2%

30” x 48” is the minimum width. 

The clear width of walking surfaces must be 36 inches minimum

15” minimum
48” maximum

36” minimum, if serving elements are on only one side; otherwise 44” minimum.

Van stall must be 9’ wide (with 8’ wide loading area) by 18’ long, or 12’ wide (with 5’ wide loading area) by 18’ long.

DA requirements for apartments came into effect on March 13, 1991.

Detectable warnings/truncated domes are required at platform edges, curb ramps, islands or cut-through medians, bus stops, hazardous vehicular areas, reflecting pools, and track crossings.

11B, as it is open to the public.

If you have resided in the house for 12 months or more.

A contractor may sign for their own design as permitted by the State Law and section 93.0206(a).

Refer to our Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-012 from our website for qualifications regarding counter plan check.

An inspection card is not required for any Electrical or Mechanical permits.

You will need a plan check when the scope of work involves items under code section 93.0206.

Any time you alter, repair, add, relocate, or modify existing electrical wiring, you will need an electrical permit. Refer to section 93.0201 for a list of exceptions.

Yes, if the installation involves a (1) communication circuit or class 2 signaling circuit over 30 volts or under 30 volts but more than 100 va, (2) amplifier circuits not using class 2 or 3 wiring, or (3) any circuit operating over 15 volts that control, generate, transmit, transform, or utilize more than 25 watts or va. See section 93.0202 for more details.

Fees for plan check are calculated based on items to be reviewed and permitted. You can find the breakdown of these item in sections 93.0214 through 93.0224.

A product (or equipment) is considered approved if it bares either the approval label of the City of Los Angeles Electrical Test Lab, or listing or certification label, symbol or other identifying mark of a recognized testing agency. And in either case, the product (or the equipment) is installed and used according to any limitations or restrictions posed by the testing agencies and the requirements of the code. See section 93.0402 for more details.

You may check the status of your plan check either through 311 or via Department's online permit and inspection report. You can reach this online service at https://www.ladbsservices2.lacity.org/OnlineServices/. 

You may view our employee directory on the LADBS website to look up your plan checker contact information.

Only standard solar pv permits currently qualify for online plan check and permit service. See Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-027 for more details. You will find a copy of this bulletin here.

For all other plan review, you are required to visit one of our offices to make a submission.

You may submit your plans at any of our three office plan check counters located at Metro, Van Nuys, and WLA Building and Safety offices.

The amount time needed to check a plan will vary week to week based on the day's backlog at the time of submittal. You may ask any available staff about the current backlog and a time estimate.

We only need one set of plans for plan review. Upon plan approval, you will need to provide two sets of final plans.

The fee is calculated in accordance to code section 93.0213. Each electrical component is itemized as a fee item. You may calculate the fee on our website using the Permit Fee Calculator.

Plan check fee is 80% of the permit fee, not including the energy fee or other administrative fees. The fee is calculated in accordance to code section 93.0213. Each electrical component is itemized as a fee item. You may calculate the fee on our website using the Permit Fee Calculator.

Plan check expedite fee is 150% of the original plan check fee. See 93.0233(h) and 98.0422 for more details.

Any permit that qualifies as an express permit may be obtained online.

Refer to Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-012 on our website to confirm when plans are required to go through regular plan check (back room) review.

A copy of the electrical code can be obtained from NFPA.org.

Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, known as the California Building Standards Code or just "Title 24," contains the regulations that govern the construction of buildings in California. Part 6 of Title 24 is the State of California Energy Regulation, where the applicant is required to comply for the indoor or outdoor lighting, desegregation, and monitoring of electrical loads and distribution equipment or service(s).

Generally speaking, no. A Title 24 plan check is typically only for plan check fees pertaining to energy compliance. Permit fees are only pre-calculated when the plan check also includes the power system, or when the applicant knows what he/she wants to obtain on a permit at time of plan check approval stage and plans to obtain the permit at that time.

A Title 24, Part 6 plan check is only for California state energy regulation compliance of indoor or outdoor lighting, desegregation and monitoring of electrical loads, and distribution equipment or service(s). The regular plan check involves building and premises wiring systems and may include Title 24, Part 6 energy regulation plan check.

You need to get a Title 24, Part 6 State energy regulation compliance plan check whenever you alter, repair, add, modify or install new lighting, or install new service or distribution systems as described in the California Energy Code.

No, the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 93.0402 requires that the testing agencies and the product standards used by these agencies to be approved by the Department. For a list of approved laboratories, and list of their recognized standards, please visit our website at LADBS.org.

No, the application number will be assigned when the completed application and payment are received.

Yes. Section 98.0422 of the Los Angeles City Municipal Code allows expedited review process when an amount of a fee equal to one-half of the review fee, in addition to the normal review fee, is paid.

Yes, but the cardholder needs to be present at the cashier's office for payment process.

No. "CE" is not recognized by the City of Los Angeles. It is a designation used for the self-certified equipment in Europe.

Yes. Please contact ETL prior to the wire transfer.

Wire Routing Transit Number: (RTN/ABA) 121000248
International Transfer: International SWIFT BIC WFBIUS6S
Bank Name: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Bank Address: 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
Account Number: 2000045258718
Please include Wells Fargo USD $8.00 charge for all incoming wire transfers.

For additional information regarding wire transfers, please contact Precy Sanchez at (213) 482-6955.

The initial evaluation process will take about 2 to 4 weeks. The overall completion of the evaluation and approval depends on the applicant.

The cost depends on the type of equipment and type of approval. Fees are based on the LAMC fee ordinance. Please contact ETL at 323-224-2168 to get an accurate quote for the evaluation process.

Time frame depends on current workload backlog. Please call ETL at (323) 224-2168 for the current backlog.

The overall system needs to be evaluated and approved, not just individual components.

No. The design of the equipment can be reviewed, but the approval can only be issued after satisfactory evaluation and testing of the equipment.

Different types of approval are: Laboratory Approval, Field One-Time Approval, and General Approval

Monday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM 
Tuesday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM 
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM 
Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

An application for the Electrical Test Lab (ETL) may be submitted for evaluation.

All major critical components in the equipment need to be recognized and/or listed by a City of Los Angeles recognized testing laboratory.

Personal, company or a cashier's check from a United States bank, made payable to "City of Los Angeles."

A letter of correction will be issued, either asking for additional information or indicating what tests or evaluations did not pass and may necessitate changes or modifications to the equipment.

Current product literature, owner’s manual, schematic wiring diagrams and parts list, installation instruction (if applicable), and a production sample of the equipment with all the options and accessories.

UL Standard is an Underwriters Laboratories standard used as the basis of evaluation and testing of equipment.

LARR stands for "Los Angeles Research Reports." LADBS approves alternate building materials or products that are at least equivalent to the materials prescribed in the code in terms of quality, effective time period of fire resistance, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety. Approved materials are published as LARR.

General or laboratory approval is generally for identical mass produced equipment with a one-year approval time, after which a re-evaluation would be required for another one-year period, if the applicant would like to maintain approval.

One-Time approval is for field installed product(s) at a specific location. The approval for the product is limited to the location in which it's installed, but no annual renewal is required, as is the case of general approval. 

2319 Dorris Place
Los Angeles, CA 90031

Tel: (323) 224-2168
Fax: (323) 224-2161

All electrical equipment sold, installed or advertised for sale in the City of Los Angeles shall be approved by the LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).

Electrical equipment is evaluated in accordance with the requirements of National Electrical Code (NEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards.

The equipment manufacturer (for general or one-time approval) and end user of the equipment (for one-time approval) can apply for equipment approval.

Yes. In all cases, you are required to provide the equipment for evaluation.

An elevator permit is not required for a car lift within an auto repair garage, as the Los Angeles City elevator code does not apply to car lifts per the City of Los Angeles Elevator Code Section 92.0103.

If the building was built prior to 1/26/1988, the elevator does not have to comply with the requirements for medical emergency elevators.

A master PRV is allowed to be installed downstream of a fire pump when a second master PRV is installed to provide redundancy, so that failure of one PRV does not affect the operation of the fire protection system.

Maximum two residential heads shall be hydraulically calculated for the design criteria listed in section 10.2.1 of NFPA 13D.

The fire water storage tank is sized according to the sprinkler or standpipe demand, whichever is larger for the water supply duration as stated in NFPA 13 table 11.2.3.1.2

The flow and pressure requirements are 250 GPM at 100 PSI when PRV is not required, and 250 GPM at 125 PSI when PRV is required.

Refer to section 8604.6.5 of LABC.

Storage tanks for fire protection are required for new high-rise buildings over 75 ft. and for existing building falling under the scope of chapter 86 of LABC when the building height exceeds 150 ft.

The maximum pressure in the sprinkler system shall not exceeds 350 PSI at any location in the system. Sprinkler systems can be zoned to avoid exceeding such pressure.

Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall be installed at each floor where any of the following occur:

1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access
2. Buildings that are four or more stories in height
3. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access

You have the right to appeal any project. There will be a fee for an appeal.

Complete this form and submit it to LADBS.

Yes, you can appeal if the project you are appealing was submitted to LADBS for plan check. LADBS will provide a response to the appeal in writing, and then you may appeal to City Planning if you do not agree with LADBS' responses. See Information Bulletin P/ZC 2017-019, available on LADBS.org, for more information.

Yes. You can apply for the permits which do not require plan check. Please visit ePermit to apply.

No, a permit is valid for two years from the time the permit fees are paid. You will need to obtain a new permit for the remaining work not completed under the expired permit.

Yes, you can ask the inspector for your project about a permit extension.

A request for Plan Check extension can be granted in most cases. See Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-120 information.

The "Express Permits" can be issued on the same day. See the Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-003 for the list of the Express Permits. For the Permits other than the Express permits which can be checked as Over the Counter, see the Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-011, -12 & -13, available at LADBS.org.

Yes. You will need to provide proof that you are residing in that house, such as a DWP or a Gas Company statement.

No, every required affidavit shall be reviewed and approved by City staff before it is recorded. Otherwise, it will not be valid.

If your plans qualify for electronic plan check service, you may submit online through ePlanLA.

Yes, but with some exceptions. Please see the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-079 for more details. 

For non-structural items, an ICC report is acceptable. For structural elements, you will need a LA Research Report. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-119.

No. Each property drainage shall be directed to a public street via non-erosive device.

If you can show that the Department has erred and LADBS accepts the error, LADBS will correct the error. Otherwise, you will need to pay a required fee to file an appeal against LADBS' determination.

A Certificate of Occupancy is not required for a Tenant Improvement project unless the permit is for a Change of Use.

A recreation room and/or an Accessory Living Quarters are required to observe setbacks from the property line per Section 12.21.C.5 of L.A.M.C.

The required parking spaces for a house in a single-family zoned property shall be covered.

Yes, all the required affidavits need to be recorded with LA County Records office. The affidavit shall be signed by the plan check staff assigned to your project before it is recorded.

Yes. Please visit our Online Permit webpage to register. 

Yes, a separation of 10 feet is required per Section 12.21.C.5 of L.A.M.C.

Yes, a Lot Tie affidavit will be required to create one lot in order to build a building over two lots. The lots shall be owned by the same owner in order to be tied together.

No. A job will stop if LADBS accepts it has made an error in issuing a permit. Otherwise, construction will stop only if a determination is made by LADBS Board of Commissioners or the Department of the City Planning that LADBS made an error in issuing a permit or in the zoning determination for a project.

No. A permit is issued by LADBS to check the zoning for the hospital site.

Yes, but LADBS does not issue permits for a public school.

Yes. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-079 for more details. 

The City does not enforce a CC&Rs.

You can check the zoning of your property by visiting ZIMAS. Visit one of LADBS Zoning counters for more information.

The CBC, CRC, LARC, and LABC require certain materials/products to be approved by the Building Official. Materials/products that are required to be approved are found in many sections of these codes with the term “approved.” See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-119 for more details. 

You can visit any of LADBS offices. For the permits which do not require Plan Check, you can apply online at our Online Permit webpage.

You can apply for a Standard Plan by visiting LADBS Public counter at 201 N. Figueroa Street, Station# 13.

For instructions on applying for your Certificate of Occupancy, contact the inspector for your project.

Please contact LADBS Grading Division for any Grading bond refund request.

Please see Section 91. 7006.5.7 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.)

You can visit our Pre-Approved Standard Plans page for more information. 

All new buildings or additions, and any alteration with valuation of more than $200,000.0 need to comply with the LA City Green code.

You can check with the office where you submitted your Demo Pre-Inspection (DPI) application for the status. You will be called once the GPI is ready.

You can check with the office at which you submitted your Grading Pre-Inspection (GPI) application for the status. You will be called once the GPI is ready.

Any tenant Improvement with the valuation higher than $150,244.00 needs to fully comply with the current Disabled Access regulation. A project with valuation of less than $150,244.00 can apply for a hardship. For Historical Building, please visit the DSA website.

All new buildings, additions or remodeling which introduces new exterior openings need to comply with the current energy regulations.

Please check with the office where you have submitted your Sign Pre-Inspection (SPI) application.

Call 3-1-1 to report a complaint or visit Online Services. 

Any accessory building shall observe 10 feet separation from the main dwelling unit or any Accessory Living Quarters on the property.

A height of a building is limited per the zoning designation of the property. Visit a LADBS office Zoning counter for more information. A building code also limits the height of a building based on the type of construction and the occupancy of the building. Your building will need to comply with the lost restrictive height of the zoning and the building codes.

A fence within the required front yard setback for a property is limited to 3.5 feet above the natural grade. The fence height within the required setbacks other than the front yard setbacks could be limited to 6 feet or 8 feet based on the location of the property. A fence in the Special Grading Area of the City is limited to 6 feet above the natural grade within the required side or the rear yard. Check the zoning for your property to see if it is located within the Special Grading Area.

The total floor areas of all the accessory buildings on a property can not be larger than the floor area of the main dwelling unit.

Each permit extension is good for 6 months.

A permit is good for two years from the time the permit fees are paid. You will need to call for inspection at least once every 6 months, otherwise the permit expires.

Each Plan Check extension is good for 6 months. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-120 for more information.

A Plan Check is good for 18 months from the time the plan check fees are paid.

A Grading Pre-Inspection normally takes two weeks, but it could be longer.

It normally takes minimum of two weeks for a Sign Pre-Inspection (SPI) to be completed.

A DPI normally takes two weeks minimum to be prepared.

It normally takes 45 days from the time your appeal is submitted to LADBS. See the Information Bulletin P/ZC 2014-019 for more information.

You will need to check with LA County Health Department. It is recommended that you submit plans to the health Department as soon as you can. It may take few months to obtain your approval.

A single family zone only allows one house. You will need to obtain a variance from the Department of the City Planning for any additional dwelling unit on your property.

Each house is required to have 2 parking spaces. The two-car parking spaces shall be covered, if the house is in a single family zone.

You can obtain one combined permit for the addition which covers the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc. work. However, a separate Sprinkler permit is required if the house needs to be sprinklered throughout due to the addition and remodeling.

A permit is valid for two years from the time the permit fees are paid. Each permit extension is good for 6-month within the two years limit.

The fee is based on the nature of the appeal and the number of the appealed items. See the Information Bulletin P/ZC 2014-019 for more information.

The inspector assigned to your project can explain the required fees for a permit extension.

The Plan Check staff assigned to your project can explain the required fees for the plan check extension for your project.

The school fees for residential building and commercial buildings are different.

You will need to review the corrections and provide responses to each corrections and revise your plans accordingly. Once you are ready, you can call your plan checker to schedule a meeting (called "Verification") to go over the corrections.

There is no set time and it changes based on our workload. You can ask staff who are processing your plan submittal to give you an idea on the number of the working days it will take to assign your plans. This waiting time is called backlog. Our goal is to reduce the backlog days for every project.

No. You can appeal as many items as you want. The fees you will need to pay for the appeal will be determined based on the number of the items you are appealing.

A building permit cannot be issued without the LA County Health Department approval. It is recommended you submit your plans to the Health Department as soon as you can to avoid any delay in your project.

The City requires the applicant for a project with excavation close to a property line to notify the affected property via a certified mail. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-060 for more information.

Please visit our Permit Fee Calculator. 

You will need approval from the Department of City Planning Office of Historic Resources.

A plot plan showing the location of each building to be demolished. Specify the number of the story(s), the use, the floor area, and the distance of each building from the property lines. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-039 for more information.

You will need at least a plot plan to show the area of the propose grading and foundation work along with the cross-sections for the grading/foundation work.

A fully dimensioned plot plan to show the location and size/type of each proposed sign(s) and elevations for the sign/type. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-078 for more information.

A DWP or a gas company bill showing the property address and your name as recipient of the bill through mail will be acceptable.

See the Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-001 for more information.

See the Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-001 for more information.

The owner shall give a notarized letter of authorization to his/her agent.

You will need to show a proof that you have been residing in the unit for which you are pulling a permit. A DWP statement or a Gas Company statement will be acceptable.

Contact your inspector for your project for instruction to apply for your Certificate of Occupancy.

Contact your inspector to check on the possibility of obtaining a permit extension.

You can then appeal any determination with respect to the Zoning code to the Department Of the City Planning. See the Information Bulletin P/ZC 2014-019 for more information.

To find the zone for your property, please visit ZIMAS.

A modification is issued/processed by LADBS. A variance is handled by the Department of City Planning, when a project is not a by-right project.

A Combined Building Permit (includes Electrical and Mechanical permits) can be issued for a single-family or a duplex; otherwise a separate Building, Electrical or Mechanical Permits is required.

See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2017-078 for details.

After a project is completed. You may contact LADBS Grading Division for the refund request.

Any time your property is in a City Special Grading Area and the amount of the cut or fill exceeds 250 cubic yards.

The school fees are required for new buildings and additions. Additions made within one year which are less than 500 square feet are exempt from school fee.

See the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.), Section 91.106.2 for when a Building permit is required.

See the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.), Section 95.112.1 for when a Mechanical permit is required.

No permit is required for a wood fence or wrought iron fence up to 10 feet.

See the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.), Section 94.103.1 for when a Plumbing permit is required.

A LA Research Report is required for any structural items. Please see Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-119 to learn more.

See the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.), Section 93.0201 for when an Electrical permit is required.

See the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.), Section 92.0129(b) for when an Elevator permit is required.

You will need a Haul Route hearing if your property is within LA City Special Grading Area, and you are exporting more than 1,000 cubic yards of dirt from your property. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-134, available at LADBS.ORG.

Any new restaurant or any tenant improvement of a restaurant will require approval by the LA County Health Department before a corresponding building permit can be issued. Any place where food is processed requires approval from LA County Health Department. See the Information Bulletin P/GI 2010-005 for more information.

Please call LAFD at (213) 482-6900 for the information.

Any permit other than Express Permits or the online permits require plans. For the list of the Express Permits, check the corresponding Information Bulletin.

Whenever a building is demolished, a Demo Pre-Inspection (DPI) is required. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-039 available on LADBS.ORG for more information.

A Grading Pre-Inspection (GPI) is required for any grading work on a property which is within LA City Special Grading Area. Check ZIMAS to see if your property is in the Special Grading Area.

Most of the signs except wall signs, under certain conditions, require a Sign Pre-Inspection (SPI) report. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-078 for more information.

A permit is good for two years from the time the permit fees are paid. You will need to call for inspection at least once every 6 months, or the permit expires.

The forms are available on LADBS.ORG. Please see our Covenant and Agreements page.

You cannot park within the required front yard setback of a property.

Please follow the link to see our Request for Modification of Building Ordinances form. 

Please go to the link to see our Request for Modification of Building Ordinances form.

Please call (213) 351-7352 for the location of the Health Department office where you can submit your plans.

Please call LAFD at (213) 482-6900 the information.

Please contact the inspector assigned to your project for further information.

A contractor or his/her authorized agent can pull a permit. See the Information Bulletin No. P/GI 2014-001 for information. 

Each required affidavit shall be signed by the owner of the property. See the Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-024 for more information.

You can appeal is to LADBS and your appeal will be heard by LADBS Board of Commissioners. You will need to submit your appeal by completing this form.

You can request the staff's immediate supervisor to discuss the matter further.

Yes, each complaint will be kept confidential.

The time to assign the plans changes from week to week. Normally, regular plan check submittals take 15 to 30 business days, and expedite submittals will take 6 to 10 days. These estimates are subject to change.

The plan check status can be obtained from the LADBS website or by calling Plan Check.

Counter hours are as follows:

No. The Grading Division no longer maintains standard general notes for grading plans.

Yes, for passive (non-concentrated) infiltration only. Where concentrated infiltration is proposed please refer to Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-118.

Not usually. However, further expediting supplemental reports for projects under construction can be considered. It’s recommended to discuss with the grading division reviewers at the time of submittal.

Yes. A completed GPI report may be obtained from the Records Section or Grading Division.

GPI waivers may be granted by the district grading inspector on a case by case basis. Waivers are generally not granted for deepened foundations, slopes 3:1 (H:V) or steeper, swimming pool, or retaining walls over 6 feet in height.

In general, infiltration is not allowed within a Hillside Grading Area. However, consideration can be given for properties where slopes won't be impacted.

In general, infiltration is not allowed within a potentially liquefiable hazard zone. However, sites within a potentially liquefiable zone can be considered for infiltration if a soils report demonstrates that the site is not subject to liquefaction.

The Department does not recommend or endorse consultants. The Department does maintain a roster of approved testing agencies on the web site, which contains soil laboratories and geotechnical companies.

The Department does not recommend or endorse consultants. The Department does maintain a roster of approved testing agencies on the web site, which contains soil laboratories and geotechnical companies.

A grading permit may be required depending on the scope of the project. Permits are almost always required in the Hillside Grading Area. Please contact the Grading Division.

A soils/geology report for a subdivision is generally required in hillside areas and seismic hazard zones. See Information Bulletin P/BC 2107-132.

No. Methane reports are reviewed by the building plan checker. See Chapter 71 of the LABC.

Check the Parcel Profile Report available on the Department’s website. NavigateLA also shows the extent of seismic hazard zones colored in the map.

Online at our website or call 311.

Check the “Search Online Building Records” on the Department’s website. Previous soils/geology reports can also be obtained at the Records Section locations at 201 N. Figueroa Street, Rm. 110 (Metro) or 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., 2nd Floor (Van Nuys).

Check the “Search Online Building Records” on the Department’s web site. Previous soils/geology reports can also be obtained at the Records Section locations at 201 N. Figueroa Street, Rm. 110 (Metro) or 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., 2nd Floor (Van Nuys).

Reports must be submitted in person at any construction services center.

In general, four years, unless there is a change in the scope of work or adoption of a new LABC.

Regular: 5 to 6 weeks. Expedite: 4 to 5 weeks.

Please refer to Department fee schedule online for general fees. Final fees to be determined at the time of submittal.

The bond is calculated based on the earthwork quantity, cost of drainage devices, and/or retaining walls per LABC 7006.5.7

Contact the Training and Emergency Management Division (TEMD) at 311 or (213) 482-6788.

Contact your consultant to provide a formal itemized response to the Department correction letter. Note: Additional Department fees are required for review.

Please refer to Information Bulletins P/BC 2014-044 and P/BC 2014-113.

Lands identified to be located within a Hillside Area based on the latest BOE Basic Grid Map A-13372, per Section 91.7003 of the Building Code. This map is on file in the official City documents located in the Office of the City Clerk in the Council File No. 121222 Sup. #1. An area where grading is only allowed in conjunction with an approved subdivision, a building permit or where the site has already been developed with an existing main building. Other requirements for grading also apply, including haul routes, postings, etc.

Land designated as “Hillside Area” on the Department of City Planning Hillside Area Map (12.21A.17), which can be viewed on NavigateLA. The area where construction projects are subject to the “Baseline Hillside Ordinance."

Please see Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-057 for details. 

A soils report is needed for construction on a slope steeper than 3:1 (Horizontal:Vertical), excavations removing lateral support, when a structure cannot be designed per building code values, and/or for structures which do not conform to chapter 18 of the 2014 LABC. Reports are also required for sites in seismic hazard zones that are not exempt under Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-044.

A geology report is needed for development within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone or a Preliminary Fault Rupture Study Area or for new onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).A combined report is needed for projects in a Hillside Grading Area or where bedrock is encountered in addition to the requirements for a soils report.

Please see Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-060 for a detailed explanation.

A grading bond is required for projects with over 250 CY of cut or fill in a Hillside Grading Area.

A building plan checker reviews most grading plans. The grading plan checker will review grading plans for grading work in conjunction with an approved subdivision map or to issue grading permits to correct a hazardous soil condition per LABC 7005.7.

The district grading inspector will clear the release of the bond upon completion of the work. Financial Services will release the bond amount.

A grading pre-inspection (GPI) can be applied for at the construction services center.

Grading plans are submitted to the building plan checker at the construction services center.

The minimum content required in a report is outlined in Information Bulletins P/BC 2014-113 and P/BC 2014-129.

The Building Plan Checker determines the amount of the bond.

The district grading inspector will clear the release of the bond upon completion of the work. Financial Services will release the bond amount.

Sites in most hillside areas, within potentially liquefiable zones, where infiltration rates are too low, or where the earth materials exhibit adverse conditions when saturated (e.g., expansive or hydro collapsible soils) are generally not allowed to infiltrate stormwater. Please refer to Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-118.

A fault investigation is required if the project is located within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone or a Preliminary Fault Rupture Study Area to preclude construction for human occupancy from being placed on an active fault. Please refer to Information Bulletins P/BC 2014-129 and P/BC 2014-044.

The Department requires the use of a back-up generator for sloping properties to maintain proper drainage and reduce the potential for erosion and sloughing in the event of a power failure.

The Department requires the use of a sump pump when concentrated drainage cannot be directed to an approved location via gravity. Please refer to Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-103.

No, EV charging stalls are required to be unrestricted and available for all users. However, if the EV charging infrastructure is located in a manner where it can facilitate both spaces, then it will be acceptable.

Green Building code is applicable to the following projects:

No, the number of stories does not change the requirements of a residential or non-residential use.

Contact the designated plan checker on your project to make an appointment for verification of corrections. Contact information is provided on the correction sheet. Approval for Green Building requirements will be provided after verification of all corrections is completed.

During the regular plan check submittal process, an additional set of plans is collected and routed for Green Building section for review and approval process, if required.

Guest rooms in a hotel for sleeping purposes and any related use is considered a residential project.

Call for initial inspection after HVAC is installed and ducts sealed and prior to drywall installation.

Commissioning report is required for all new non-residential projects of 10,000 square feet or more. The exceptions are warehouses, open parking garages and similar projects.

Ducts should be covered as soon as installed, and shall remain covered until the HVAC system is installed and ready to be turned on.

The manufacturer’s website will usually have this information readily available. Alternatively, the Cool Roof Rating Council (CCRC) provides a searchable public database for all products that have been tested by the organization.

CALGreen and Los Angeles Green Building Codes are available to view on our website. Purchase information can be found under LA City Code Amendments.

The report can be prepared by commissioning agents and any other trained personnel with experience on projects of comparable size and complexity.

Kitchen exhaust with intake from the kitchen ceiling register and bathroom exhaust can be combined using the same exhaust duct. Kitchen exhaust firm a kitchen hood shall be combined with bathroom exhaust.

Yes, but with conditions. Residential hoods may be installed in employee kitchen areas, community centers in residential buildings, churches and similar areas that are not designed for the selling of food to the public. The cooking equipment shall be of residential grade, and a modification shall be approved by Mechanical Plan Check before installation.

Yes, but with conditions. Contact Mechanical Plan Check for more information.

Plan check is required when the aggregate cooling or the heating in the building exceeds 500,000 BTU/hr.

A hood is not required for residential kitchens. However, it is required to provide kitchen ventilation for removing moisture.

No, plan check is not required for ductless window units.

Residential buildings up to 3 stories in height shall have filters with Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 6. Residential buildings over 3 stories in height have no requirements for MERV values. All non-residential buildings shall have filters with a MERV rating of at least 8. All buildings residential and commercial of any height located within 1000 feet of a freeway shall have filters with a MERV value of at least 13.

If the AC units that are added or replaced add up to 5 or more, then plans must be prepared and submitted for approval to Mechanical Plan Check.

Yes, but only when the area of the open window and the distance from the window to the furthest location in the room comply with the requirements of Title 24.

Please see Section 403.7 of the Los Angeles Mechanical Code (LAMC) for the requirements concerning garage ventilation systems.

Yes, ADA restrooms and parking at events must meet ADA requirements.

Yes. Sanitary facilities must be provided at special events.

A duplicate of Building Inspection Card can be obtained from LADBS cashier free of charge, but you must bring a copy of the permit.

Kitchen exhaust with intake from the kitchen ceiling register and bathroom exhaust can be combined using the same exhaust duct. Kitchen exhaust from a kitchen hood shall be combined with bathroom exhaust.

No. To have a special event, the building must have a Certificate of Occupancy.

Once the fees are calculated by the inspector, an email is sent to the customer to pay online.

Yes, you can pick it up at the public counter of any office.

Inspectors are assigned by district, with a few exceptions.

No, work cannot be started until a valid permit is issued.

Yes, all special event permits are issued online.

The fees are a part of the inspection fees.

Minor changes usually do not require returning to plan check. All major or structural changes require you to return to plan check.

No, but it would be more helpful if the plan checker was the original one who granted approval.

Yes. Each division has their own permit.

Yes, staff work days include Saturday and Sunday.

The fees are calculated by the type of occupancy.

Off-hour inspections can only be scheduled through the LADBS.org website. You may schedule an off-hour inspection through our Online Services.

The fees for an off-hour inspection is $318.00.

Off-hour inspections can only be paid through the LADBS website.

You can schedule an inspection for the next day, so long as you do so before 4:00 PM.

Anywhere between 1 to 7 days.

Depending on the project, there could be one or as many as needed to complete the project.

One inspector for building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, grading, and green. Separate for Fire Sprinkler.

Based on the height district and the type of construction, the building can be single-story to unlimited.

Fees are $550.00 for failure to comply within 15 days of the compliance date.

The inspector will issue to the correction for you to return to plan check and correct the error.

If the customer misplaces the permit, then yes. For department errors, there is no fee.

Per the Los Angeles Zoning Code construction hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays.

The inspection counter hours are from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

The inspectors are available from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM, Monday through Friday.

The permit number, address, owner, description of work, A&E occupancy load, and signature.

The purpose for which a building, or part of a building, is used or intended to be used.

It is an order to correct a code violation.

The Description describes the type of work that will be performed.

The cost is $137.80 for a TSE permit.

A point measured from the lowest adjacent grade to a point at the top of the building.

The issuance fee is $453.00.

In A and E occupancies the occupant load is required on the CofO for the number of people allowed.

For A, E, I, H, B, the fees are $98.00 per floor and R2 occ $189.00 per floor.

The measurement of the length times the width of the structure.

The structural inventory indicates the type of structure, occupancy, parking, height, length, width ETC.

Type I, II, III, IV and V. See section 602 of the Los Angeles Building Code for more detailed information.

Example of some uses are office, retail, restaurant, apartment, auto sales, auto repair, etc.

HVAC Plumbing, Electrical, Fire Sprinkler, Green, Building, Public Works, Fire Department, Sanitation.

The permit will have a section named inspection checklist with all the required documents.

A permit is required for Demolition, New Building, Addition, and Alteration.

Work that is less than $500.00 in valuation.

There is a section on the permit that indicates geographical indicators. The zone is located there.

The compliance dates vary the same date of issuance or 15 days later.

An AQMD clearance letter is required whenever there is a "Yes" answer to any of the questions on the AQMD "Air Quality Permit Checklist". The AQMD clearance letter will be required before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. For more information, please call 1-800-CUT-SMOG.

Projects that utilizes higher stresses require the Architect or Engineer to submit the form.

Building verification is required after all other division clearances have been obtained.

In apartment buildings, when carpet is installed in an assembly meeting the STC 50 requirement.

A Certificate of Occupancy is required for new buildings, additions, change of use or occupancy.

When the customer decides not to use anti graffiti coating on the first 9 feet of the exterior of the building.

When required by the engineer or indicated on the approved plans.

When there are higher stresses in the structural design.

When all wallboard has been installed and nailed or screwed in.

When clearance for the electrical is required to process the Certificate of Occupancy.

When the building is a title 19, A or E occupancy.

When clearance for the fire sprinkler is required to process the Certificate of Occupancy.

When all forms and rebar (reinforcing bar) are in place, but before concrete is placed.

When clearance for the HVAC is required to process the CofO.

When there is a City Planning Case requiring a landscape Architect.

When clearance for the plumbing is required.

A reroof certificate is required for existing building in which the roof is replaced or repaired.

When all rough sheathing is in place and nailed.

When all framing is in place and electrical and plumbing installed.

If the project has gas and the valuation is over $10,000.00.

Smoke detectors are required in all residential buildings

When required by Department of Public Works Sanitation. Please contact the Department of Public Works for more information. 

When required by the provisions of section 1710.2 or 1710.3 of the LAMC.

When all HVAC, electrical, and fire sprinkler are installed in the ceiling, but before covering.

An AQMD clearance is required for charbroilers spray booth, dry cleaning, motor fuel storage, ETC.

When work performed and materials used are required to comply with Title 24 Energy Regulations.

When all framing has been approved.

Call the Customer 311 or Call Center. Alternatively, you may file a complaint through the LADBS.org website.

Non-compliance fees are paid to Financial Services,

If no permits were pulled for the project, it will investigated by Code Enforcement. If permits were pulled, then the Inspection Division investigates.

Inspectors are assigned to a district in PCIS. You can check property activity reports on the LADBS website.

You can call the Customer 311 or Call Center for that information.

No, a CofO will only be issued if it is a change of occupancy or an increase in square footage.

Whenever an Order to Comply is issued you will be billed $336.00, plus a 6% surcharge fee.

The Temporary Special Event (TSE) permit must be obtained then contact the Fire Department.

Original documents are required. Copies may be accepted under special circumstances.

Yes, the clerical staff will mail it out once the inspector issues and turn it in for filing.

No, but there may be a fire inspector present.

No, the product is acceptable if it is listed by a City of Los Angeles recognized listing agency.

The product manufacturer needs to file a test lab application and submit the required testing reports. Please visit the Mechanical Test Lab page for applications.

You will need to file an application with the Mechanical Testing Laboratory. A complete application package and information on how to submit the application and the required product information is available on our Mechanical Test Lab section.

Approval from LA City Mechanical Testing Laboratory cannot be obtained for products that do not have applicable testing standards.

The process time depends on the current backlog and type of application submitted. Contact the Mechanical Test Lab Engineer for more information. You may find test lab contact information on our Mechanical Test Lab page. 

A product (or equipment) is considered approved if it bears either the approval label of the City of Los Angeles Electrical Test Lab, or listing or certification label, symbol or other identifying mark of a recognized testing agency. In either case, the product (or the equipment) is installed and used according to any limitations or restrictions posed by the testing agencies and the requirements of the code. See section 93.0402 for more detail.

Approved testing and listing agencies are available from the Mechanical Test Lab page.

All testlab applications are listed on the Mechanical Test Lab page on the LADBS website.

Yes. Graywater Ready Systems are not required when the landscape area on the site does not exceed 500 square feet, or when graywater irrigation is not permitted due to geological conditions, or for additions or alterations that use the existing building drain.

Yes. However, the emergency drains shall be protected against backflow with backwater valves.

No, water from sprinkler drain shall discharge to the sewer.

No. Low pressure gas systems (2 psi or less) with more than 10 gas outlets require plan check. Medium and high pressure gas systems (more than 2 psi) require plan check regardless of the number of gas outlets.

The Plumbing Code allows outdoor installations of water heaters. Check with the Zoning engineer for required minimum distance from the property line.

No, since the pipe sizing tables for rain rainwater are based on a minimum 1% slope.

Plastic waste and vent piping in residential occupancies are allowed when the residential portion of the building is 2 stories or less.

• Monday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Wednesday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Thursday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Plan check is not required for existing systems that are added added or altered with branch lines serving less than 20 fixture units and sized per table 610.4.

Low pressure gas systems (2 psi or less) with more than 10 gas outlets require plan check. Medium and high pressure gas systems (more than 2 psi) require plan check regardless of the number of gas outlets.

Plan check is not required for a 2-inch or less water service when the potable water piping is sized using table 610.4 of the Los Angeles Plumbing Code.

Plan check for sewer piping is not required when the drainage fixture units do not exceed 216 fixture units and pumps are not used.

No plan check is required for rain gutters.

Systems up to 10 interconnected roof drains do not require plan check.

Yes, plan check is required for sewage ejector per Section 101.5.6 of the Los Angeles Plumbing Code (LAPC).

Plumbing plan check is required only for swimming pools installed in apartment buildings or commercial building and it is not required for single family dwelling units.

The acceptable pipe material for subsoil drain are listed in table 1102.5 of LAPC. Acceptable pipe material are Asbestos Cement, PE, PVC, and Clay.

Combination Waste and Vent Systems are permitted when structural conditions prevents the use or conventional waste system.

In general, "Graywater Ready Systems" shall be provided for all building plans submitted after June 6, 2016.

No.

No, but a fax request may be sent.

Yes. Records may also be obtained from Online Building Records.

Atlas (Map Viewer) or Permit & Inspection Report can provide permit information for a specific property. 

Inspectors can extend a permit providing it is not an Express Permit.

To obtain copies of plans, we would first have to make sure there are plans on file. Plans are not maintained for every property.

Our records go back to the year of 1905.

A Range File is a Code Enforcement Violation.

The cost can range anywhere from 10¢ (cents) per page to $1.50 per page.

A covenant can be obtained at the County Recorder’s office.

Please contact the Public Works Department.

The County Assessor’s Office can provide the original Building Permit number. Building and Safety may be able to look it up by the permit number.

Usually setbacks can be obtained from a current plot plan.

The Architect information may be found on the Building Permit.

Building and Safety does not maintain copies of Plumbing or Electrical plans.

The application form for a Los Angeles City Research Report is available from the Los Angeles City Department of Building and Safety website. You may download it at New General Approval or Technical Modification.

Los Angeles Research Reports may be issued to an entity/company with the legal right to the product and the accompanying Technical Test Reports and Engineering Assessment. Test Reports shall bear the name of the applicant, unless a release letter accompanies the test report(s).

Complete an Application for Renewal and Clerical Modification of General Approval as directed in the instructions available at LADBS.org. The fee is listed on the application based on the type of product approval previously obtained. The renewal application extends the expiration date of the approval from the previous re-evaluation due date listed on the current approval.

The evaluation time frame is based on the complexity of the product. Contact the Engineering Research Section for the current status. The process to obtain a Los Angeles City Research Report consists of the following steps:

1. Determine if a LARR is required or not using the Information Bulletin P/BC 2020-119.
2. Submit the following information to the Los Angeles City Department of Building and Safety Engineering Research Section: product literature describing how your product is to be used, substantiating data (i.e. test reports by approved 3rd party testing agency, engineering analysis), a completed application form for new LARR, along with a check in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank.
3. Once this information is received, your application package will be reviewed for completeness. If any deficiencies are determined, a letter will be sent to the applicant stating the deficiencies requiring correction or completeness.
4. After determining the application package is complete, the application will be logged in and assigned a log number and placed in line for review.
5. The substantiating data submitted will be evaluated to determine if it is at least the equivalent of the prescribed devise, material, or method of construction specified by the Los Angeles City Building Code in terms of quality, effective time period of fire resistance, strength, effectiveness, durability, and safety.
6. After reviewing the substantiating data, the research engineer assigned to the application will write a letter stating their comments and the information needed to complete the evaluation and/or correct the evaluation, if necessary.
7. Upon resolution of all comments a draft copy of the Los Angeles City Research Report will be written. The draft copy of the Research Report will be e-mailed to the applicant for their review and comment. In addition, a supplemental fee will be sent to the applicant to bill the additional reviewing hours for the report approval beyond the first 6 hours.
8. After all comments from the applicant have been resolved and the supplemental fee has been paid by the applicant, the Research Report will be submitted to the Chief of the Engineering Research Section for final review and approval. A signed copy of the Los Angeles City Research Report will be mailed to the applicant and a copy will be posted on the LADBS web site.

Our goal is to assign an application in approximately 5 weeks to one of our engineers and an additional 3-7 weeks (depending on the complexity of the submittal) for the evaluation to be completed, a draft copy of the research report to be written, and the final copy of the research report signed. If the substantiating data is incomplete, such as missing test reports, testing not conducted by an approved testing agency, incomplete or missing engineering calculations, etc., the time to obtain a Los Angeles City Research Report may take longer.

Expedite report review is available pursuant to section 98.0422 of the Los Angeles City Municipal Code. The amount of the fee for this service is in addition to the normal review fee and is equal to one-half of the review fee.

The intent of the expedite service is to reduce the time to assign your application from approximately 5 weeks to 2 weeks.

For an estimate of the current assignment time for the expediting service, you may call the Engineering Research Section at (213) 202-9812.

The LARR may be used only for projects permitted under the Code version specified on the LARR. To update the LARR to the Current LABC, when there are no changes to the existing products nor to any code requirements regarding your product, you may file an Application for Renewal/Clerical Modification. For Product Approvals that expire within 12 months, submit the fee for a Renewal and the approval will be updated during as it is renewed. For Products that do not expire within 12 months of the time of application, pay the clerical modification fee and check the respective box.

For LARRs based on a Model Code Agency Evaluation Report: 

The LARR cannot be updated unless the Evaluation Report specifies the corresponding Code Edition; ensure the Evaluation Report is Updated before filing to update your LARR. If additional products are added to the approval, or changes to the existing products have been made, or if additional testing or analysis is required due to code changes, you must file an Application for Technical Modification. A separate Renewal Application will need to be submitted if the LARR is scheduled to expire soon.

Your products are approved for the Code version only listed on both the Evaluation Report and the LARR Approval Letter. If either product approval document does not list the current version of the Building Code, you will need to have these updated. Any revision to the report must be submitted to this Department for review with an appropriate fee to continue the approval of the report.

Two forms must be completed: (1) Application for New General Approval or Technical Modification and an (2) Application for Renewal and Clerical Modification of General Approval. Each form shall be processed separately with each its respective fee, specified on each application. One check may be made for the total or separate checks may be sent with each application.

Section III of Information Bulletin IB-P/BC-2014-119 specifies the qualifications that Nationally Recognized Model Code Agency must meet for their Evaluation Report to be used as a basis for a Los Angeles City Research Report.

Currently, Evaluation Reports from the International Code Council Evaluation
Services (ICC-ES) and, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Uniform Evaluation Service (IAPMO UES) may be used as a basis for a Los Angeles City Research Report.

The Code Date stated on a Research Report (upper right corner on first page of Research Report) identifies which Los Angeles Building Code (LABC) edition the product specified in the research report is approved for. Building projects and LARR approved products shall have the same Code Date. For example, projects submitted to plan check between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013 must use products approved under the 2011 LABC.

Exceptions for products without proper approval are considered by the Structural Plan Check Division. See your plan checker and plan check supervisor regarding the process and fees required for an administrative approval.

For General Approval – City of Los Angeles only:

Testing must be witnessed by an independent third party Testing Agency approved by the Los Angeles City, Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). The Approved Testing Agency shall issue the test report. The Approved Testing Agency shall approve the testing facility where the testing occurs to meet the requirements as specified in Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-028, Rules and Regulations for Recognition of Testing Agencies.

For Research Reports based on an Evaluation Report from a nationally recognized model code agency:

Test reports shall come from a qualified testing agency approved by the Model Code Agency issuing the Evaluation Report. The approved testing agency shall take necessary steps to ensure that the integrity and condition of the test specimens are maintained and are not altered during periods when a laboratory representative is not present. Also, the manufacturer’s testing facility shall show to the satisfaction of the approved testing agency that it meets the requirements for an approved testing agency.

Waiting for Soft-Story Content

A soft-story building is a structure which has a weaker first floor and is unable to carry the weight of the stories above during an earthquake. The first floor generally would have large openings in the perimeter walls such as garages, tuck under parking or even large windows.

Retrofit is an improvement to your building by altering or adding any structural elements.

This type of parking is parking beneath the 2nd floor.

The purpose of this program is to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life that may result from the effects of earthquakes on wood frame soft-story buildings. In the Northridge Earthquake, many wood frame soft- story buildings caused loss of life, injury, and property damage. This program creates a guide for property owners on strengthening their building to improve performance during an earthquake.

This program applies to all existing buildings with the following criteria:

1. Two or more stories wood frame construction wood frame construction
2. Built under the building code standards enacted before January 1, 1978
3. Contains ground or other similar open floor space that causes soft, weak or open wall lines.

Exception: The program does not apply to residential buildings with 3 or less units.

Each property owner of these buildings will be sent an order to comply. These orders will be sent accordingly based on the following priority:

Please visit the State of California’s Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists for information regarding licensed engineers: http://bpelsg.ca.gov. 

Please visit the California Architects Board for information regarding licensed architects: http://cab.ca.gov

Please visit the Contractors State License Board for information regarding hiring a contractor and to verify if a contractor is licensed and insured: http://cslb.ca.gov.

Submit proof of previous retrofit, plans to retrofit, or plans to demolish to the Department of Building and Safety. Plans and calculations will be checked for compliance with the retrofit ordinance. LADBS will provide guidance for all necessary steps to obtain the retrofit permit, which includes obtaining clearances from all pertinent agencies.

Within two (2) years after the service date of the Order to Comply, a structural analysis and plans to either retrofit or demolish, or proof of previous retrofit shall be submitted to the Department for review if the building meets the minimum requirements of this ordinance.

Within three-and-a-half (3 ½) years after the service date of the Order to Comply, obtain all permits for retrofit or demolition of the building.

Within seven (7) years after the service date of the Order to Comply, complete construction or demolition work and finalize permits.

Begin construction and request inspections online using our Online Services.

The documents required for submittal are:

• Structural analysis/calculation package
• Architectural plans
• Structural plans

For more details see our Plan Submittal for Regular Plan Check page.

Plan check is a process of which the plans are reviewed for compliance to current codes. For this program, the plans will be reviewed for compliance to the mandatory retrofit ordinance 183983 and 184081. Once plans have been reviewed and approved, permit can be issued.

All construction work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by authorized inspectors. It is your responsibility to notify the inspector when the work is ready for inspection.

Work is generally inspected and approved in succession and no work may continue beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the inspector.

Common items to be inspected are foundation excavations, concrete work, wood framing, shear wall nailing, etc. When completed, there shall be a final inspection and approval of the completed project.

To request for inspection, please call (888) LA4Build or request for inspection online.