Quick answer: Permit timelines in Los Angeles range from 4–8 weeks for a standard remodel at LADBS to 6–10 weeks in independent cities like Pasadena and Santa Monica — which building department handles your project depends entirely on which city your property is in, not just its LA-area location. APLA Construction (CA Lic #1136359) handles this throughout Greater Los Angeles.
One of the most confusing aspects of construction in Greater Los Angeles is figuring out which building department handles your property – and what permits you actually need. Los Angeles County contains 88 cities. Many have their own independent building departments. The rules, fees, and timelines vary significantly from city to city. This guide gives you a clear map of the LA permit landscape so you go into your project informed.
Many homeowners assume the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) handles all construction permits in the Los Angeles area. It doesn’t. LADBS only covers properties within the incorporated City of Los Angeles. Many cities within Los Angeles County operate completely independent building departments.
Covers the City of Los Angeles – including these neighborhoods and communities:
LADBS website: ladbs.org | Phone: (213) 482-0000
| City | Department | ADU Permit Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasadena | Planning & Development Dept. | 6-10 weeks | Historic districts add review time |
| Glendale | Community Development Dept. | 5-9 weeks | Hillside properties need geotech |
| Burbank | Building & Safety Division | 5-9 weeks | Generally responsive process |
| Santa Monica | Building & Safety Division | 6-10 weeks | Coastal zone + rent control layer |
| Culver City | Community Development Dept. | 4-8 weeks | Efficient ADU processing |
| Torrance | Building & Safety Division | 5-9 weeks | Moderate fees |
| Manhattan Beach | Building & Safety Dept. | 5-9 weeks | Coastal zone review for some |
| Redondo Beach | Community Development Dept. | 5-8 weeks | Active ADU market |
| Long Beach | Development Services Dept. | 5-9 weeks | Large city, volume-driven |
Demolition is permitted separately from the construction that follows it, and the sequence catches owners out: utilities have to be disconnected and signed off before a demolition permit is issued, which adds time ahead of the build. Our guide to demolition permits and utility disconnects in LA covers what is required for a partial interior gut versus a full teardown, and what each costs.
Permit fees in Los Angeles are based on the estimated value of construction. General ranges:
Unpermitted work in Los Angeles carries serious consequences:
APLA never performs work that requires a permit without pulling one. It’s not just the law – it protects you.
Yes. California law allows homeowners to pull permits for work on their own primary residence (owner-builder permit). However, if you sell within 1 year of completing permitted work as an owner-builder, you must disclose this to the buyer. For most homeowners, having a licensed contractor pull the permit is simpler and provides more legal protection.
You can search LADBS’s online permit records at epermits.ladbs.org using your address. For independent cities, each has its own online permit portal. An unpermitted room, garage conversion, or addition will not appear in the permit records. A pre-purchase inspection by a licensed inspector can also identify unpermitted work.
Yes. APLA manages permit submissions to LADBS, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Santa Monica, Culver City, Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, and all other cities in our service area. We know each department’s specific requirements and submission formats.
For ADUs: 45-70 days at LADBS (state-mandated 60-day target). Kitchen and bathroom remodels: 3-6 weeks at LADBS. Room additions and structural work: 5-10 weeks. Independent cities vary – Culver City tends to be faster, Santa Monica and Pasadena may run longer for complex projects.
APLA manages the full permit process – drawings, submission, plan check responses, and inspections – on every project we build. You don’t deal with the building department at all.
Call: (818) 818-4419
Email: info@aplaconstruction.com
CA General Contractor License #1136359 — verify on CSLB
Serving the entire Greater Los Angeles area. the licensed general contractor behind these permit filings