LADBS vs. Other California Jurisdictions — Why LA City Permits Are the Most Complex in the State
If you’ve tried to get a building permit in Los Angeles, you probably noticed it’s not simple. The process can feel slow, confusing, and full of extra steps. But there’s a reason behind it. Los Angeles is huge. The city manages one of the largest building departments in the country — the Los Angeles Department […]
How to File a Building Permit Application with LADBS
If you’ve ever tried to start a construction project in Los Angeles, you’ve probably heard the same warning: “Good luck with LADBS.” Those five words can make even the most seasoned developer take a deep breath. For many property owners, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) feels like a maze — long […]
Enlisting Top-Rated Land Use Consultants in Los Angeles
Finding the right land use consultant in Los Angeles can make or break a development project. Whether you’re planning a new home, a multi-family project, or a mixed-use development, every step — from zoning analysis to permit approvals — demands expertise. But with so many consultants in the city, how do you know which firm […]
How LA CHIP Program Affects Permits, Incentives, and Project Timelines
The new LA CHIP program is reshaping how housing projects get approved. This article explains its impact on permits, incentives, and what developers should know in 2025.
What California’s Homeless-Funding Scandal Means for Developers
California’s housing crisis has been a long and painful story. Billions have been spent, thousands of projects announced, and yet homelessness continues to rise. Recently, a federal investigation into fraud within homeless-housing funds brought a new and uncomfortable truth to light — not every project that promises change is built on trust. The Department of […]
What the Surge in Sub-$1M Listings Says About L.A.’s 2025 Housing Pipeline
Los Angeles hasn’t seen this kind of buzz in a while — new listings under $1 million are showing up across the county. For a city long associated with sky-high home prices, that number feels like a relief to many would-be buyers. But beneath that optimism lies a more complex story about what’s driving these […]
Buying a Commercial Property in LA That Needs Work: Smart Deal or Hidden Trap?
The commercial real estate market in 2025 feels like a mix of opportunity and uncertainty. Some investors are eager to jump in, hunting for undervalued buildings that “just need a little work.” Others are pulling back, worried that rising costs and higher interest rates might turn a promising deal into a financial drain. But here’s […]
Can You Still Buy Home in Los Angeles in 2025 Without Leaving the City?
The Frustration of Living in the City You Can’t Afford For decades, Los Angeles has been the dream — perfect weather, creative energy, and endless possibilities. But in 2025, that dream feels harder to hold onto. Many lifelong residents are watching home prices climb while their savings can’t keep up. People earning six figures can’t […]
How to Reduce Delays in Plan Check Submittals
When your project reaches the plan check stage, every day starts to count. A slow review can derail your construction schedule, delay financing, and frustrate your entire team. In Los Angeles, where city reviews already take time, even a small paperwork issue can stretch timelines by weeks. At JDJ Consulting Group, we’ve seen how many […]
Who Files ED1 Applications in Los Angeles?
When Los Angeles introduced Executive Directive 1 (ED1), many developers felt hopeful. It promised a faster, simpler path for affordable housing approvals. But soon after, Jake Heller, owner and lead consultant at JDJ Consulting Group, noticed a common issue. Clients came in with stalled or rejected ED1 applications. Most didn’t know who could legally file […]
