How Much Does an LADBS Building Permit Cost in 2026?

The math behind LADBS fees

Most LADBS building permit fees come from the schedule in LAMC §98.0403. The structure is straightforward:

1. Building Permit fee — based on declared project valuation, in tiered brackets
2. Plan Check fee — 90% of the building permit fee, charged on top
3. Trade permits — electrical 26%, plumbing 26%, mechanical 13% of the building permit fee
4. State surcharges — SB 1473, CBSC, SMIP, energy compliance, totaling roughly 3–5%
5. Issuance and records fees — small fixed amounts

Worked example: $40,000 kitchen remodel

• Building Permit (R-3, valuation-based): ~$580
• Plan Check (90% of permit): ~$520
• Electrical Permit (26% of permit): ~$150
• Plumbing Permit (26% of permit): ~$150
• Mechanical Permit (13% of permit, if applicable): ~$75
• State surcharges: ~$60
• Records management + issuance: ~$45
• Total: ~$1,580

That works out to roughly 4% of the declared $40K valuation. Smaller projects pay a higher percentage; larger projects (ADUs, additions) pay a lower percentage proportionally.

Worked example: $150,000 attached ADU

• Building Permit: ~$2,200
• Plan Check: ~$1,980
• Plumbing Permit: ~$400
• Electrical Permit: ~$400
• Mechanical Permit: ~$200
• Zoning Clearance (Planning): ~$300
• Sewerage Facilities Charge (BOS): ~$8,000
• State surcharges: ~$300
• Total: ~$13,800

For ADU-specific fee breakdowns, see how much does an ADU permit cost in LA.

Express Permit pathway saves money

For simple swaps and replacements, the Express Permit pathway bypasses plan check entirely and uses a per-fixture fee schedule instead of valuation-based pricing. Typical Express Permit costs:

• Water heater replacement: $80–$120 (see our water heater permit guide)
• HVAC equipment swap: $50–$200
• Window replacement (same size): $100–$220 (see our window permit guide)
• Re-roofing: $50–$300

Full Express vs. Standard breakdown: LADBS Express vs Standard Permit guide.

Why valuation matters so much

Because LADBS fees scale with declared valuation, underdeclaring saves money — but it’s risky. LADBS uses its own valuation table for cases where declared value seems suspiciously low. If they assign a higher valuation than you declared, your fees go up automatically. Repeated underdeclaring can trigger code-enforcement scrutiny.

The honest answer: declare actual project value, including contractor labor + materials + permit fees themselves. That number is what LADBS expects.

Frequently asked questions

How does LADBS calculate building permit fees?

Under LAMC §98.0403, fees scale with declared project valuation in tiered brackets. The basic structure is a starting fee plus a per-$1,000-valuation increment. Plan check is 90% of the permit fee. Trade permits are 26% (electrical/plumbing) and 13% (mechanical) of the building permit fee under the R-3 combined permit method.

What is plan check and why is it 90%?

Plan check is the LADBS review of your drawings before the permit is issued. The 90% figure under the LA fee schedule reflects the time examiners spend reviewing drawings, which is comparable to the issuance and inspection work itself.

Can I lower my permit fees?

Mostly no — the fee structure is set by ordinance. You can avoid some costs by qualifying for the Express Permit pathway (no plan check), but Express is limited to single-fixture swaps and simple replacements.

Do permit fees include state surcharges?

No, state surcharges (SB 1473, CBSC, SMIP, energy) are added on top of LADBS fees. They typically add 3–5% to the LADBS fee subtotal.

What if I underdeclare project valuation?

LADBS reserves the right to use its own valuation table if your declared value is below their threshold. Underdeclaring can trigger a higher assessed valuation than the declared value — and is treated as fraud at extremes.