Permits
We submit, we respond, we don't disappear. LADBS plan check is a conversation — and we're the ones holding the phone.
Permits are where most homeowners lose three months. We submit through LADBS ePlanLA, track every reviewer assignment, and respond to corrections within five business days. For pre-approved Standard Plan ADUs we route through the expedited track and shave 30–60 days off the typical timeline.
What happens, in order
- 03.01
ePlanLA submission
Digital plan submission through LADBS ePlanLA. We file under the correct ADU pathway (new detached, conversion, or junior ADU) and pay the ministerial fee schedule.
- 03.02
Plan check rounds
Building, structural, grading (if applicable), Bureau of Sanitation, LAFD (hillside), and LADWP review in parallel tracks. We answer every correction sheet — typically two rounds.
- 03.03
Standard Plan track (when eligible)
LADBS pre-approved ADU plans bypass architectural review and reduce plan check from ~12 weeks to ~4 weeks. We assess eligibility at the end of Stage 01.
- 03.04
Permit issuance
Pay impact fees, school fees (LAUSD), and permit issuance fees. Receive stamped plans and the building permit card. Construction may now legally begin.
LADBS & code references
- LADBS ePlanLA — the city's electronic plan submission portal.
- LADBS Standard Plan Program — pre-approved ADU designs with expedited review.
- LAMC §91.106 — permit fees and ministerial review framework for ADUs.
- Bureau of Sanitation Sewer Capacity Availability Request — required when adding fixture units.
What homeowners ask us during permits.
- How long does LADBS plan check actually take for an ADU?
- State law gives LADBS 60 calendar days to act on a complete ADU application, but the practical window is 8–16 weeks once corrections are factored in. Standard Plan ADUs route to a faster track and typically clear in 4–6 weeks. We respond to corrections within five business days to keep the clock moving.
- What does an LADBS ADU permit actually cost?
- City of LA permit and impact fees for a typical detached ADU run roughly $8,000–$22,000 depending on size, valuation, and whether sewer/school fees apply. State law caps impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft at zero. We pay these directly to LADBS at issuance — no markup.
- Can I pull the permit myself as the owner-builder?
- You can, but we don't recommend it. Pulling owner-builder means you accept liability for code compliance, workers' compensation, and any sub-contractor disputes. Our standard practice is to pull under our CSLB license (#1098432) so the permit, the workmanship warranty, and the insurance line up under one entity.
Have a question we haven't answered? See the full FAQ or ask the studio directly.