LADBS Permit Tracking: A Complete Guide for Contractors

Understanding the LADBS permit system

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety is the building authority for the City of Los Angeles — distinct from the 88 other incorporated cities in LA County, each of which has its own building department. LADBS processes permits for residential and commercial projects within city limits, covering solar, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and construction work.

LADBS operates a web-based permit portal where contractors and homeowners can submit permit applications, check status, schedule inspections, and download approved plans. The portal is functional but requires active monitoring — it doesn't push notifications when status changes.

LADBS permit status codes explained

When you log into the LADBS portal and check a permit, you'll see one of several status designations:

• Application Submitted: Your application has been received and is queued for review.
• In Review / Plan Check: A plan checker is actively reviewing your application. This stage can last anywhere from 5 to 21+ business days.
• Corrections Required: The plan checker has identified issues. You'll receive a correction notice with specific items to address before the permit can be approved.
• Approved / Permit Issued: Your permit has been approved. You can download the permit and begin work.
• Suspended: Work has been stopped on the application, often due to incomplete documentation or an outstanding fee.
• Expired: The permit was issued but work was not completed within the allowed timeframe.

How long does LADBS permit review take?

LADBS permit review timelines vary significantly by project type and current workload. General expectations as of 2026:

• Solar PV (residential): 10–21 business days for over-the-counter and standard submittals
• Panel replacement: 5–14 business days
• HVAC replacement: 7–21 business days
• New construction: Can run significantly longer depending on project complexity

These are averages and can vary. LADBS also offers expedited review for additional fees.

The 88-city problem LA contractors face

LADBS only covers permits within the City of Los Angeles. If you're doing work in Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Culver City, Santa Monica, or any of the other 87 incorporated cities in LA County, you're dealing with that city's building department — not LADBS. Each has its own portal, its own review timelines, and its own status codes.

For solar, electrical, or HVAC contractors running jobs across multiple LA jurisdictions, this creates a multi-portal tracking problem that manual spreadsheets can't reliably solve.

Scheduling inspections at LADBS

Once your LADBS permit is approved, you'll need to schedule inspections as work progresses. LADBS allows online inspection scheduling through their portal. Key points:

• Request inspections at least 24 hours in advance for next-day scheduling
• Inspections are typically scheduled for a morning (AM) or afternoon (PM) window
• The permit must be on-site during inspection
• If an inspection fails, you must correct the noted issues and request a re-inspection

When to escalate at LADBS

If your permit has been in review significantly longer than the published timelines, you have options. LADBS has a public counter where you can speak with staff directly, and you can request a status update through their online inquiry system. For permits with corrections, responding quickly and completely is the most effective way to accelerate approval.