The #1 Reason ADU Permits Get Stuck in Los Angeles
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become one of the most popular ways to add value and generate income in Los Angeles. But if you’ve submitted plans and are now stuck in corrections, you’re not alone.
The number one reason ADU permits get delayed in Los Angeles is documentation not design.
Most homeowners assume the city is simply “slow.” In reality, city reviewers at the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) are reviewing compliance, not intent.
The City Reviews Documentation, Not Ideas
You may have:
A great floor plan
A contractor ready to build
A designer confident in the layout
But LADBS evaluates:
Zoning compliance
Setbacks
Height restrictions
Fire separation
Structural calculations
Energy compliance
Clearances from multiple departments
If even one component is incomplete or inconsistent, the project enters a correction cycle.
The Most Common ADU Correction Issues
We regularly see:
Inconsistent square footage between sheets
Missing structural details
Incomplete Title 24 documentation
Setback miscalculations
Improper egress or fire separation notes
Utility connection coordination gaps
These small oversights create weeks sometimes months of back-and-forth.
The Correction Cycle Problem
Many projects stall because:
Corrections are responded to piecemeal
Engineering updates aren’t coordinated with architectural sheets
Resubmittals lack clear response letters
Each round can add 3–6 weeks.
How Permit Strategy Prevents Delays
At Land Works Consulting, we:
Review plans before submission
Coordinate between architect and engineer
Prepare city-ready submittals
Respond to corrections comprehensively
Track department clearances
The result? Fewer correction cycles and faster approvals.
If your ADU is stuck in corrections, request a permit review consultation before submitting again.