Before You Submit Your Plans, Here is Your Checklist
Submitting plans to Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) isn’t just about having drawings it’s about having the right information, coordinated correctly, from the start.
We see projects delayed every week due to avoidable oversights. Before you hit “submit,” use this checklist to help prevent corrections, resubmittals, and unnecessary wait time.
Pre-Submittal Plan Review Checklist
Fully Coordinated Plan Sets
Before submitting, confirm that:
Architectural, structural, and site plans are consistent
Square footage, room labels, and dimensions match across all sheets
Existing conditions are clearly documented
Notes and details are complete and legible
Tip: Even small inconsistencies can trigger full correction cycles.
2. Zoning & Code Compliance Verified
Do not rely on assumptions.
Confirm:
Setbacks, height limits, and FAR are compliant
ADU type and classification are correct
Parking requirements are accurately calculated
Lot coverage and use are permitted by zoning
Tip: Zoning issues caught during plan check are some of the most time consuming to fix.
3. Required Reports Prepared
Depending on your project scope, you may need:
Title 24 energy documentation
Soils or geology report
Existing building records
Fire department clearance
Grading or hillside documentation
Tip: Missing reports = automatic delays.
4. Correct Project Scope Defined
Make sure your plans clearly reflect:
The full scope of work (no gray areas)
Accurate valuation
Correct permit type (ADU, addition, remodel, new construction)
Tip: Scope mismatches often trigger reclassification and re-review.
5. Proper Owner & Consultant Authorizations
Double-check that:
Owner authorization forms are signed and current
Consultant information is accurate
Contractor information (if applicable) is correctly listed
6. Clear Correction Strategy (Before Corrections Happen)
Ask yourself:
Who will respond to LADBS corrections?
Will responses be coordinated across all disciplines?
Is there a plan to track comments and resubmittals?
Tip: Poor correction responses cause repeat comments and longer queues.
7. Permit Tracking & Follow-Up Plan
Submitting is only the beginning.
Make sure someone is assigned to:
Track permit status
Monitor reviewer routing
Follow up when plans stall
Coordinate resubmittals promptly
Why This Checklist Matters
LADBS delays are rarely caused by the city alone most delays happen before plans are ever submitted.
A clear strategy, complete documentation, and active permit management can save weeks or even months on your timeline.
How Land Works Consulting Helps
At Land Works Consulting, we manage the entire permitting process so projects don’t get stuck in the system.
We provide:
Pre-submittal feasibility and zoning analysis
Permit strategy and document coordination
Full LADBS submittal management
Clear correction responses
Ongoing city follow-ups and inspections
Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, architect, or developer, we help you submit once and submit correctly.
Need Help Before You Submit?
If you’re preparing plans or dealing with permit delays, we’re here to help.
📍 Serving Los Angeles, LA County, Glendale, Pasadena & surrounding cities
Contact Land Works Consulting to get started