Building Permits � Los Angeles, CA

Building Permit Services in Los Angeles

Expert building permit services for Los Angeles homeowners and contractors. Get your building permit approved in as few as 5 days � not the 3 months a regular permit takes. We handle window/door replacements, kitchen and bathroom remodels, roofing, earthquake retrofits, and more.

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Modern kitchen remodel in a Los Angeles home

What Qualifies for Express Permit (5 Days)

Window and door replacements (same size and type)
Kitchen remodels without structural changes
Bathroom remodels (non-structural)
Roofing replacement (including cool roof compliance)
Earthquake retrofit (anchor bolts, cripple wall bracing)
Interior non-structural wall removal
Stucco and siding replacement
Drywall replacement and repair
Projects within the 10% rule threshold

What Requires Regular Permit (~3 Months)

Structural modifications (load-bearing walls)
Building additions or expansions
New construction from ground up
Changes exceeding the 10% rule
Work in historic preservation overlay zones (HPOZ)
Projects requiring grading permits
Hillside construction requiring geotechnical review

How Our Express Permit Process Works

Project Assessment

We review your project scope to determine express permit eligibility and identify any potential issues with LADBS requirements.

Document Preparation

We prepare all required documentation, including scope of work descriptions, contractor information, and any supporting materials.

Application Submission

We submit your express permit application to the appropriate LADBS office, ensuring all information is complete and accurate.

Express Processing (5 Days)

Express permits are processed without plan check. Qualifying applications are typically approved within 5 business days � not the 3 months required for regular permits.

Permit Issuance

Once approved, your permit is issued and you can begin work immediately. We'll schedule inspections as needed.

Local Insights for Los Angeles Building Permits

Los Angeles requires cool roof compliance for most roofing replacements. Your new roof must meet Title 24 energy standards.
Earthquake retrofit programs (soft-story retrofit, anchor bolt, cripple wall) have specific LADBS requirements that differ from standard building permits.
The 10% rule is particularly important for building permits � modifications to existing structures must stay within 10% of the original to qualify for express processing.
Kitchen and bathroom remodels are among the most common express permit projects in LA. As long as you're not moving walls or changing the footprint, these typically qualify.
Van Nuys and West LA LADBS offices handle building permits for their respective areas. Processing times and requirements can vary slightly between offices.