How Much Does a Permit Expediter Cost in California?
Most property owners want a fast, simple estimate before they dive into the details. In California, permit expediter fees usually range from $500 to $15,000+, depending on the size and type of project. Smaller residential projects stay near the low end, while restaurants, retail build-outs, multi-unit projects, and large commercial developments land at the higher […]
How to Prepare a Complete Building Permit Package That Won’t Get Rejected
Getting a building permit can feel stressful. Cities want detailed plans, and even small mistakes can delay a project for weeks. The good news is that most delays come from fixable issues. When you understand what reviewers expect, you can prepare a clean, complete permit package that moves forward without trouble. This guide walks you […]
What Is Included in a Building Permit Application Form
Mr. Thompson leaned back, rubbing his temples. “I thought I had everything ready,” he admitted. “I drew the plans myself, measured the backyard for the deck, even lined up a contractor. Likewise, I figured submitting the building permit would be simple. But the city sent it back… twice!” “That’s a common situation,” said Jake Heller, […]
How SB 9 and ADU Regulations Changed Residential Permitting in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has seen major shifts in residential permitting over the last few years. Two laws pushed most of this change: SB 9 and the state’s updated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) rules. Both laws aim to create more homes on the same land. That sounds simple, but it brought a real change in how homeowners, […]
The Cost of Permit Delays in Los Angeles, California
Permit delays feel small at first. A week here, two weeks there. Yet in Los Angeles, even a short delay can create real stress for homeowners and developers. Construction costs rise. Loan interest keeps adding up. Crews sit idle. And the entire project drifts into a longer timeline than expected. Los Angeles is a busy […]
Commercial vs. Residential Permitting in Los Angeles — Why the Timelines Are So Different
It started as a simple idea: a small business owner wanted to convert a dusty old office into a modern café, or a homeowner dreamed of building an ADU for their growing family. They had vision, creativity, and a budget — but one thing quickly became clear: in Los Angeles, getting a permit isn’t just […]
Entitlements vs. Building Permits in Los Angeles — What’s the Difference?
If you’re planning a project in Los Angeles, one of the first questions you’ll face is: Do I need an entitlement, a building permit, or both? It might sound simple, but misunderstanding the difference can cost time, money, and headaches. Some projects require both approvals, and each serves a different purpose in the development process. In […]
Breaking Down LADBS Fees and Permit Costs in 2025
If you plan to build, remodel, or add an ADU in Los Angeles, permit costs can be confusing. The fees charged by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) change every year, and 2025 brings a few new updates. You’ve probably heard someone say, “Permits cost a fortune in LA.” That’s not always […]
Top 10 Reasons Building Permits Get Delayed in Los Angeles (And How to Avoid Them)
You’ve just bought your dream plot in Los Angeles, imagining a modern home with sweeping views and a rooftop deck. Plans are ready, the architect and contractor are lined up—everything seems perfect. Then comes the building permit. What should be a simple approval turns into a maze of zoning rules, fire hazards, geotech studies, and multiple […]
Understanding LADBS Digital Systems: BuildLA, EPIC-LA & ePlanLA
If you plan to build, remodel, or get permits in Los Angeles, you’ll meet a few digital systems along the way. They have names like BuildLA, ePlanLA, and EPIC-LA — and each one serves a different purpose. For homeowners, architects, and contractors, these online platforms have replaced long lines and paper forms. You can now […]
