LA building permit guides
Plain-English answers to the permit questions LA homeowners actually ask. Every guide is LA-specific, code-cited, and updated for 2026.
How to Look Up Permit History on a House in LA
Use Atlas, the free LADBS records tool, to look up permits, building info, and the Certificate of Occupancy by address. Here is how to check a property and what to do if the records are not online.
How Do I Pull a Building Permit in LA? A Step-by-Step Guide
A plain-English walkthrough of pulling an LADBS permit: figure out your scope, check Express vs Standard, apply on PermitLA, pay, and schedule inspections. Most simple permits take under an hour.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit from LADBS? (2026)
It ranges from the same day to a few months. Express permits are issued in under an hour; standard plan-check permits take a few weeks; ADUs and additions run closer to 60 days or more.
Do I Need a Permit to Install an EV Charger in LA?
Yes — a hardwired Level 2 EV charger needs an electrical permit in LA, but it qualifies for a streamlined Express Permit. Plugging into an existing outlet (Level 1) generally does not.
Do I Need a Permit to Convert My Garage in LA?
Yes — converting a garage into living space in LA always requires permits, and it is almost always treated as an ADU. No replacement parking is required, and LADBS targets a 60-day review.
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Deck or Patio Cover in LA?
It depends on size and height. A deck needs an LA permit if it is attached, over 30 inches high, or over 200 sq ft. Attached patio covers always need one; ground-level patios usually do not.