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How to Track Building Permits in Los Angeles, CA

Learn how to track building permits in Los Angeles, CA. Get information about the L.A. Department of Building and Safety, permit processes, and how architects can stay organized with Permitful.

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Tracking building permits in Los Angeles, California, is essential for any architect working in the city. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) handles all building permits, plan reviews, and inspections for one of the largest cities in the United States.

Understanding Los Angeles's Permit Process

LADBS manages a comprehensive permitting system that processes thousands of permits annually. The department uses an online system called LADBS Online for permit applications, plan submission, and status tracking.

Key Permit Types in Los Angeles

  • Building Permits: Required for new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs
  • Electrical Permits: For electrical installations and modifications
  • Plumbing Permits: For plumbing work and modifications
  • Mechanical Permits: For HVAC and mechanical system installations
  • Grading Permits: For earthwork and site preparation
  • Demolition Permits: For building demolition projects

Typical Review Timeline

Los Angeles permit review timelines vary significantly:

  • Over-the-counter permits: Same day for simple projects
  • Plan check review: 15-30 business days for initial review
  • Resubmittal review: 10-15 business days after corrections are submitted
  • Complex projects: 60-90 days or more depending on scope and required approvals

Challenges for Architects in Los Angeles

Managing permits in Los Angeles presents unique challenges:

  • High volume: LADBS processes thousands of permits monthly, leading to longer review times
  • Complex code requirements: LA's building code has specific requirements that can be challenging to navigate
  • Multiple plan check rounds: Most projects require multiple rounds of revisions
  • Large project portfolios: Architects often manage 20+ active permits simultaneously
  • Client expectations: Clients expect regular updates on permit status, especially for long review timelines

How Permitful Helps Architects in Los Angeles

Permitful is designed specifically for architects who need to track permits across multiple projects and jurisdictions. Here's how it helps:

Centralized Permit Tracking

Track all your Los Angeles permits in one place, along with permits from other cities. No more switching between different city portals or digging through email threads to find permit status.

Save Time with Reduced Communication

Permitful reduces back-and-forth communication by providing public project dashboards that clients can check anytime without needing to email or call you. Instead of fielding multiple status update requests, clients can simply visit their project dashboard to see the latest permit status, milestones, and progress—saving you hours each week.

Public Project Dashboards

Share a live dashboard with your clients showing the status of all permits for their project. Clients can check permit status anytime without calling or emailing you. This is especially valuable for Los Angeles projects where review timelines can be lengthy.

Milestone Tracking

Never miss a deadline. Track key milestones like:

  • Permit application submission
  • Plan check comments received
  • Resubmittal deadlines
  • Permit approval
  • Inspection scheduling

Calendar Integration

Export permit milestones to Google Calendar or Outlook so you get reminders where you already manage your schedule.

Best Practices for Los Angeles Permits

  1. Submit complete applications: Incomplete applications will be rejected, delaying your timeline significantly
  2. Respond to comments quickly: The faster you address plan check comments, the sooner you'll get approved
  3. Use LADBS Online effectively: Familiarize yourself with Los Angeles's electronic submission system
  4. Track multiple permits together: Many projects require building, electrical, and plumbing permits that need to be coordinated
  5. Keep clients informed: Regular updates prevent surprises and build trust, especially important given LA's longer review timelines

Stay Organized with Permitful

Whether you're managing permits for a single Los Angeles project or a portfolio of projects across California, Permitful helps you stay organized and keep clients informed. With public project dashboards, milestone tracking, and real-time updates, you'll spend less time managing permits and more time designing.

Ready to streamline your Los Angeles permit tracking? Get started with Permitful today.

Los Angeles Building Department Resources