Remodel + addition permit in Los Angeles

Drawings we generate for you

Auto-drawn from your address using LARIAC orthoimagery, parcel polygons, and Microsoft Building Footprints.

• Site plan
• Existing floor plan
• Proposed floor plan
• Elevations

The permit pathway

1. Phase 01

   Define your scope

   Cosmetic vs structural vs addition determines the permit path

   Three scope levels — each takes a different permit path. Cosmetic-only (paint, flooring, fixture swaps) often needs no permit. Like-for-like trade work (replace water heater, swap outlets) is trade-only permit. Structural changes (move walls, add rooms, change windows) need full plan check.

2. Phase 02

   Get plans drawn (if structural/addition)

   Architect or design-build contractor

   Structural remodels and additions need permittable drawings: floor plan, elevations, sections, structural details. An architect ($5K–$25K) or a design-build contractor (often included in their project price) handles this.

3. Phase 03

   Plan check via ePlanLA

   LADBS reviews the drawings; you respond to corrections

   Architect submits via ePlanLA. LADBS issues corrections; architect revises and resubmits. 1–2 rounds typical for a clean remodel.

4. Phase 04

   Pull building + trade permits

   Building permit + electrical/plumbing/mechanical as needed

   Once plans are approved, pay the remaining building permit fee + state/green surcharges + records management. Pull trade permits for any electrical, plumbing, mechanical work in scope.

5. Phase 05

   Construction + inspections

   Stage-by-stage inspection sequence

   Construction in stages. Each stage stops for LADBS inspection before the next can start. Don't bury anything (foundation rebar, plumbing rough, electrical rough) that hasn't passed inspection.