Department of Building and Safety
https://dbs.lacity.gov/
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) is the city's primary agency responsible for regulating construction and ensuring compliance with building codes and safety standards. It serves as a central hub for developers, homeowners, contractors, and business owners involved in building, remodeling, or maintaining properties within Los Angeles.
Core Services
Plan Review & Permitting: LADBS oversees the review of construction plans and the issuance of permits for various projects, including new constructions, additions, and remodels. Services are accessible both online through ePlanLA and PermitLA, and in-person at LADBS offices.
Inspections: To ensure compliance with building codes, LADBS conducts inspections at different stages of construction projects. These include inspections for excavation, foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. Inspection services can be scheduled online and include standard, virtual, and off-hour inspections.
Code Enforcement: The department investigates code violations related to existing commercial and residential buildings. This includes issues like unpermitted construction, substandard conditions, and illegal signage.
Additional Resources
Development Services Case Management (DSCM): Provides specialized assistance for complex development projects, offering consultation and problem-solving support.
Online Building Records: Access to historical building records, including permits, certificates of occupancy, and inspection reports, is available through LADBS's online portal.
Property Activity Reports: Users can obtain detailed reports on property permits and inspections, which are useful for real estate transactions and due diligence.