The Essential LADBS Permit Checklist (2025 Guide for Los Angeles Property Owners & Developers)
When you're preparing to submit plans to LADBS (Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety), even one missing document can delay your entire project. At Land Works Consulting, we help homeowners, architects, and developers navigate the Los Angeles permitting process every day and the #1 reason projects get delayed is incomplete submissions.
To help you avoid preventable setbacks, here is the exact LADBS checklist you should review before submitting your permit package.
1. Complete Set of Architectural Plans
LADBS requires a full, coordinated drawing set that clearly shows the scope of work. This typically includes:
Site plan
Floor plans
Elevations
Roof plan
Sections & details
Window/door schedule
Your plans must follow LADBS formatting standards and include all required notes and legends. Missing details (like fire blocking, egress windows, or structural notes) are one of the biggest causes of corrections.
2. Structural Plans & Calculations
If your project involves framing changes, additions, or load-bearing modifications, LADBS will require:
Structural plans
Structural calculations
Lateral analysis (shear walls, hold-downs, etc.)
Ensure that the architect and engineer have coordinated everything mismatched sheets almost always result in corrections.
3. Title 24 Energy Calculations
All new construction and most remodels require updated Title 24 documentation to show your build meets California’s energy efficiency standards. Even small inconsistencies between T-24 and architectural plans can lead to immediate rejection.
4. Soils Report (If Required)
For hillside properties, additions, or new construction, LADBS may require:
Geotechnical report
Grading plan
Slope analysis
If your property is in a special hillside or liquefaction zone, this step becomes mandatory.
5. LADBS Forms and Supporting Documents
Common documents include:
Permit application
Owner-builder verification (if applicable)
Agent authorization form
Plot plan checklist
Clearance worksheet
Submitting without the correct forms is one of the most frequent mistakes we see.
6. Clearances From Other Agencies
Depending on your project location, LADBS may require clearance from:
Public Works
Fire Department
Housing + Community Investment
Bureau of Sanitation
City Planning
Missing a required clearance can delay approval for weeks.
7. Digital File Formatting Requirements
Since LADBS now requires digital submissions, all files must be:
Flattened
Properly labeled
Combined in the correct order
Uploaded in PDF
Under the maximum file size
Incorrect formatting is a surprisingly common reason for rejection especially for architect-submitted plans.
Why This Checklist Matters
Every correction slows you down.
A complete, organized submittal can reduce your processing time by 2–4 weeks, prevent rejections, and keep your project moving.
At Land Works Consulting, we submit hundreds of permits each year. We know exactly what LADBS expects and how to avoid delays.
Need Help Submitting Your LADBS Permit?
If you want your permit submitted correctly on the first try, our team handles:
✔ Full permit expediting
✔ LADBS submissions & corrections
✔ Entitlements
✔ Clearances
✔ Plan check coordination
✔ Communication with the city
Whether you're a developer, architect, contractor, or homeowner, we make the process simple.
→ Contact Land Works Consulting today for a fast, stress-free permit submission.