Frequently Asked Questions

ePlanLA, short for Electronic Plan Review Los Angeles, is an online service for submitting plans for plan check, applying for permits, and tracking the progress of these applications. Plans submitted must be scaled pdf drawings. Plan review and correspondence will be done through the online service.

The steps of an ePlanLA application are:

1. Submit Application for Screening
2. Application Review
3. Plan Check
4. Corrections Issued
5. Plan Check Complete
6. Permit Issued

LADBS currently provides electronic plan review services for following application types: 

Building Plan Check 

• Affordable Housing 
• Soft-Story Retrofit
• Tenant Improvement or Deferred Submittals
• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
• Fences and Block Walls
• Swimming Pools and Spa
• Housing - Zoning Only
• Supplemental - Revisions to Projects Originally Submitted through ePlan

• Fire Sprinkler 
• HVAC
• Plumbing
• Elevator
• Supplemental-Revisions to Projects Originally Submitted through ePlan

• Residential Solar Photovoltaic
• Electrical
• Supplemental-Revisions to Projects Originally Submitted through ePlan

• The project is an apartment or commercial building; and
• The building is 2 stories or more; and
• The building is 4 units or more; and
• The project does not add new floor area; and
• The project must have no changes in use; and
• Only one building is allowed per plan check application.

• Installation of Fire Sprinkler for a single Family Dwelling or Duplex.
• Installation of Fire Sprinkler in a Commercial Building that is a. Four (4) stories or less and b. No more than a total of four (4) hydraulic calculations. 
• Installation of fire Sprinkler in an Apartment that is a. Four (4) stories or less and; b. No more than a total of four (4) hydraulic calculations.

• All plans and drawings need to be uploaded and submitted as single files in any of the following file formats/extensions: ADOBE, Vectored .PDF, .PDF

• All plans and drawing files must be saved and uploaded in LANDSCAPE page layout. 

• Drawing should be true-type fronts.

• The PDF files should have bookmarks based on sheet numbers for each sheet numbers for each sheet of the drawing set.

• Properly formatted and compressed PDF files should not exceed 50 megabytes (50MB) per file.

• A Plan Title (Cover) Page is require for each plan set.

• A Sheet Index must be included on the Plan Title Page.

• The upper right corner of ALL Plan and Title pages must be reserved for LADBS approval stamp (2.25” from the right edge, 0.25” from the top). See below sample for the Approval Stamp space and Sheet Index placement on the Title page.

• Structural calculations
• certificates
• plot plan
• reports
• Any other relevant, non drawing project documentation. 

• Plumbing systems for buildings of 4 stories or less and up to 5 sheets of riser diagrams. 

No, an agent, homeowner, engineer, contractor or architect can submit an application. 

No, all plan sheets must be combined into one PDF document.

• Installation of one Residential Elevator; or
• Installation of one Cabled Traction Elevator; or
• Installation of one Hydroelectric Elevator. 

Application status will be displayed on your dashboard, which is accessible after login to your ePlanLA account.

You will receive an email from RTI.ladbs@lacity.org containing detailed instructions and links to enter contractor and/or owner information in order to pay the final permit fees online.

After the permit fee is paid, an LADBS Plan Check Engineer will stamp your plans and you will be able to download the stamped plans from your dashboard.

ePlanLA is compatible with all commonly used web browsers, including: Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Apple Safari and Firefox.

 No, you may not change your email. The email provided at registration serves as your account name.

Contact information for plan review questions
Online: https://buildla.lacity.org/contact-form
Call Center: (213) 473-3231
IT Support: (213) 275-3434

Depending on the size of your project, you can get your permit online or at the counter of a Development Services Center. 

For simple projects where plan review is not required, you may obtain an Express Permit online or walk-in at a Development Services Center.

For medium to large projects where a plan review is required, you can get a Counter Plan Check on a walk-in basis at a Development Services Center.

For complex and major projects, call 3-1-1 for assistance.

Also known as an Online Permit or Express Permit, e-permit is a service we provide to expedite less complex permit types. Obtain permits on our website through Online Services or see a list of available online permits on our Express Permit page.

Permits are issued for many different types of work, including Building, Electrical and Plumbing just to name a few. Please visit each our Plan Check & Permit page for more information about when a permit is required.

If you have a specific question on whether the work you are performing requires a permit, please feel free to call 3-1-1 for further assistance.

The Permit Fee Calculator is an online service that can assist in permit fee calculations. 

You can also review the LADBS Fee Schedule page for further information.

A permit expires

1. In two years from the date of its issuance
2. If no work has been started within six months from its issuance
3. Work has started but stopped for over six months.

However, within 30 days of its expiration, an extension of time to extend a permit may be filed with the Department using either modification Request for Modification Form 41a or Request for Modification Form 42 . The request shall be filed with the inspection district supervisor if no work has been started. If the permit has expired and the work has started, the request shall be filed with any plan check office.

A homeowner can obtain a permit and do the construction, alteration or repair on his/her house and accessory buildings or facilities thereto, if the owner resides or will reside in the dwelling.

Read more on our "About the Construction Process" page.

A permit is not required for any type of fence under 3'6" in height.

A permit is required for a masonry or concrete fence over 3'6" in height, and for a fence of any other material over 10'0" in height. 

Please note that even though a permit may not be required, all fences must comply with the requirements of the LA Zoning Code.

In most residential areas, fences are limited to 3'-6" in height in the front yard and 6'-0 in the side and rear yards. 

Depending on lot size and location, the height limit may be increased to 8'-0 for the side and rear yards. The regulations can be found in Section 12 22 C 20 (f) of the LA Zoning Code.

No, when done as part of the City's "Water Conservation Retrofit Program" pursuant to the City's Water Conservation regulations. 

However, a non owner-occupied single family dwelling requires a permit obtained by a licensed plumbing contractor.

No.

Yes. The space must be able to be maintained at a room temperature of 70 degrees F, 3 feet above the floor in all habitable areas.

A complete set of plans showing the proposed work is brought into the Department, likely as a Counter Plan Check. A permit is issued after the plan are reviewed and approved by our plan check engineers. A complete set of plans includes:

• Site Plan
• Floor Plan
• Roof Plan
• Elevation of the building
• Section of the building
• Framing Plan
• Foundation Plan
• Architectural and Structural Details Plan

1. Applicant submits plans to LADBS, if plan check is required
2. LADBS reviews plans and issues corrections, and mandates separate City and County approvals as needed
3. Applicant corrects plans
4. LADBS verifies corrections, and issues permit
5. Applicant starts construction after permit is issued
6. As construction progress, applicant requests inspections from LADBS before work is covered.
7. LADBS inspects construction.
8. After approval of all construction and final inspection, LADBS issues Certificate of Occupancy to applicant.

LADBS offers a money-back guarantee on Express Permit times. If a walk-in customer waits longer than 30 minutes for service to begin, or if the customer waits longer than 60 minutes for the processing of the permit from the time that service begins, then the permit fee is waived.

No.

Yes, unless the work is performed by a contractor that holds a valid Certificate of Registration from LADBS as a Certified Licensed Contractor (CLC). 

The CLC is limited to the replacement of a water heater of equivalent capacity in gallons, BTU rating, and vent capacity.

No.

A plumbing permit is required for the installation of any gas piping, except piping less than 6 feet in length between an existing gas outlet and a gas appliance in the same room.

If it is a building code issue, you may file a request for modification. Please refer to the Request for Modification (Mod.00) form for reference. In approving such a request, the Department needs to determine that the slight modification is reasonably equivalent to the ordinance requirement involved, that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of the ordinance impractical, and that the slight modification is in conformity with the spirit and purpose of the Code involved.

If the request is denied by the Department, it may be appealed to the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners.

If it is a Planning Code issue, this Department can only review and act on items stipulated in Section 13B.10.1, specifically, yard variances not exceeding 20% of the required yard and parking facility design as published in Sec. 12.21A5. All other request for changes from the Planning Code shall be filed with the Planning Department.

Building permit fees are calculated based on the valuation of the project. Please refer to the Los Angeles City Building Code section 91.107 , or call our Customer Call Center at 3-1-1 for assistance.

See detailed information regarding the codes we follow at the "LA City Code Amendments" page.

Our Code Amendments can also be accessed through the L.A.M.C on the "American Legal Publishing Corporation" website.

Plan check is when your building plans are reviewed to make sure they comply with basic safety, engineering and planning rules. LADBS plan check engineers will review the design of such things as the structure, plumbing and electrical systems to make sure they are safe and properly designed. They will also look at other items, like building setbacks, heights and lot coverage to see that the construction is compatible with the neighborhood.

Plan check is part of the permit process. If your project disqualifies you from directly receiving an Express Permit, you will need to have a plan check. If it's a small project, a Counter Plan Check will suffice. If it's a large project, you might need to have a Regular Plan Check, where your plans are submitted and reviewed over the period of several weeks.

Projects that qualify for Express Permit do not require plan checks. Other plan checks, including plan checks by other City departments, county and state agencies may also be required for the work being performed.

For small to medium projects, you may visit the Metro (Downtown), Van Nuys, and West LA offices on a walk-in basis for a Counter Plan Check. Your plans are reviewed same day, in about 45-60 minutes

For large, complex projects, plans are sent in for a Regular Plan Check and reviewed within weeks.

For major developer projects, the design and permit process are allowed concurrently, in the Parallel Design - Permitting Process.

Plan check applications expire 18 months after the plan check fees are paid. However, within 30 days of its expiration, an extension of time to extend a permit application may be filed with the Department using a Request for Modification of Building Ordinances. The request may be filed with any Plan Check office, preferably with the office where the plan was reviewed. A fee shall accompany each request.

At the time of filing:

1. For single family or duplex submittal, one set if the job is not in a hillside area, and two sets if it is.
2. For apartment or commercial project submittal, two sets of plans are required. If it is a Title 19 project, a third set is required for Fire Department review.

1. For residential project permit issuance, two sets of plans if the job is not in a hillside area, and three sets if it is.
2. For commercial project permit issuance, two sets of plans are required.

Yes, if the house is one story and will be built from plans based on the Department standard "Wood Frame Prescriptive Provisions One Story Residential Construction Only."

Generally speaking, any changes to Department-approved plans shall be approved by the plan review engineer who reviewed and issued the permit. 

Sometimes, the changes can be handled over the counter on the same day it is brought in; other times, the changes may need to be resubmitted for further review with an additional plan review fee. In either case, it is always a good idea to first call the plan review engineer who issued the permit and ask for his/her help.

Call 3-1-1 to find out the current status of your plan check.

All construction work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by authorized inspectors. An inspection must be performed before work is concealed or covered. It is your responsibility to notify the inspector when the work is ready for inspection. Work is generally inspected and approved in succession and no work may continue beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the inspector. 

Common items to be inspected are foundation excavations, concrete work, wood framing, ventilation equipment, plumbing, electrical, shear wall nailing, roof nailing etc. When completed, there shall be a final inspection and approval of the completed project.

Once you obtain a permit, you can commence with the work. However, you must call for inspection before you cover or conceal any work. If you are unsure of when to call for inspection, please contact our Customer Call Center at 3-1-1.

When the work is ready, request an inspection using one of three options:

1. Request an inspection online using our Request For Inspection system. Requests made before 4:00 pm can be scheduled for the next business day.
2. Dial 888-LA4-BUILD / (888)-524-2845 for inside Los Angeles County or (213) 482-0000 for outside Los Angeles County and choose Option 1 to request an inspection using our Automated Inspection Request System. The AIRS Sequence Chart is helpful to have when using our Automated Inspection Request System (AIRS)
3. Dial 3-1-1 for inside L.A. County or (213) 473-3231 for outside L.A. County. Automated inspection requests may be made anytime (except between 2:00 am and 3:00 am). Requests made before 4:00 pm can be scheduled for the next business day. When calling for an inspection you will need to know the permit number, the site address, and type of inspection needed. To request an inspection for the next business day with one of our staff members, you must call in prior to 4:00 p.m. Automated inspection request systems will accept next day inspections prior to 4:00 p.m. We will attempt to contact you on the morning of the inspection.

For requests of four (4) or more seismic gas shut off valve inspections, please complete the Seismic Gas Shut Off Valve Inspection Request Form. To schedule fewer than four (4) seismic gas shut off valve inspections, please call 3-1-1 for inside Los Angeles County or (213) 473-3231 for outside Los Angeles County.

Deputy Inspection Notification

Deputy Inspection notification may be made by calling 3-1-1 or by completing a Deputy Fax Notification form and faxing it to (213) 482-6838 or 6839 by 3:30 pm one working day before the day of the inspection. Deputy Inspection Notification is not currently available on the Automated Inspection Request form.

You can request an inspection for the next business day, as long as the request is made before 4:00 pm.

You can request an inspection for any permit, regardless of whether it was obtained at an LADBS Development Services Center or on the Internet via e-Permit. 

Registration is not required to request an inspection, however, if you are already logged in as an e-Permit user, you do not have to log out to request an inspection.

The automated inspection request systems allow inspections to be requested only three days in advance. Call the Customer Call Center at 3-1-1 if you need to request an inspection more than three days in advance.

LADBS provides the following types of inspections:

• Residential
• Building
• Electrical
• Elevator / Pressure Vessel
• Fire Sprinkler
• Grading
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Sign
• Green Building
• Annual Inspection
• Haul Route Violation

Yes. You may select as many inspection types as you wish. Please limit your selection(s) to work that is ready to be inspected.

Select the inspection that most closely matches the type of inspection you want to request. 

When in doubt, select the "rough..." inspection and place a message in the ‘Comments’ section. Alternatively, you may contact the Customer Call Center by dialing 3-1-1 or (866) 4LA-CITY/(866) 452-2489 within L.A. County or (213) 473-3231 outside L.A. County.

No, contact the Customer Call Center at 3-1-1 for assistance.

Mistakes can be corrected on the page before clicking the "Continue" button, by highlighting the area to be corrected and retyping the information. Once "Continue" has been pressed, no changes can be made. 

For assistance, contact the Customer Call Center at 3-1-1.

To cancel or re-schedule an inspection, please contact our Customer Call Center through the following numbers: 3-1-1 or (866) 4LA-CITY / (866) 452-2489 within Los Angeles County. If you are outside Los Angeles County, you may call (213) 473-3231.

When calling, you will need to know the permit number and the site address.

You have until 12:00 noon of the third day that LADBS is open for public business.

"Extra Inspection Trip Payment" is an online service offered by LADBS to provide its customers the capability to pay extra inspection trip fees via the e-Permit system, when an inspection is scheduled but cannot be performed due to customer error.

Customers can pay for "Extra Inspection Trip" fees through Online Services.

At the time of inspection, make sure the following are available on-site: 

• A copy of the permit
• Approved plans if plan review was required
• The Building Card issued at the time of permit issuance (this is applicable to Building Permits only)
•  Any equipment needed to do the inspection, such as a ladder.

No. You must contact the inspector directly to request these types of inspections. You may obtain the inspector’s telephone number by contacting the Customer Call Center at 3-1-1 during business hours (8:00 am to 4:45 pm) or referring to our "Employee Directory" page.

There are three reasons why you might get this error:

1. You may not have a valid permit number
2. Your permit number is correct but the permit has not been issued
3. A ‘hold’ has been placed on the permit.

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued pursuant to a building permit for new construction, additions, and changes of occupancy after all the necessary construction has been approved by the inspector. It is evidence that the Department of Building and Safety has determined that the construction was done according to the requirements of the code for the given occupancy to be housed in the building.

The aim of LADBS Code Enforcement is to preserve and enhance the safety, appearance and economic stability of our community through the diligent enforcement of applicable ordinances and land use regulations. It maintains Los Angeles Municipal Codes (LAMC) by issuing an Order to Comply (OTC) to the property owner and any other person in control of a property who violates or causes or permits another person to violate any provision or requirement of the LAMC.

The OTC is essentially a warning letter with a time frame for voluntary compliance. The OTC describes the violation(s), instructions to remedy the violation(s) and warnings of possible penalty fees and criminal prosecution. Violation of the LAMC is a misdemeanor and code enforcement cases must therefore be prepared for the possibility of being resolved in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Read more about LADBS Code Enforcement.

Building and Safety addresses issues for single-family residential, commercial, industrial and vacant buildings inside the City of Los Angeles. You can report a code violation online, or call 3-1-1 to request an investigation.

When you receive an Order To Comply (OTC) stating that your property violates Code, read the order carefully to identify which items:

• require a permit
• find contact information for the inspector or supervisor
• determine what fees maybe applied and penalties if not paid on time
• determine appeal procedures

The current property owner is responsible for complying with the Order, even if previous owners or tenants have performed the un-permitted work or created the violation.

Refer to the Obtaining Permits to Resolve Orders (.pdf) information bulletin for more detail.

There could be many reasons why you received an Order To Comply. Do not dismiss it as an error. 

Contact the issuing Inspector so the necessary corrections can be completed, if needed. This helps avoid future fees and enforcement.

Call the Inspector immediately to schedule an inspection to avoid any non-compliance fees.

If you disagree on how the code is being applied to your specific situation, discuss the matter with the Inspector or the Inspector's immediate supervisor.

If the issue is not resolved, you have the right to Appeal to the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners. Further information on Appeal rights are on the Order.

Building and Safety's Financial Services section should have sent an invoice to the person(s) responsible for the fee. If you believe you have fees due, contact the Inspector or the Inspector's supervisor for confirmation.

The letter is sent out as a reminder that the recipient of the order is required to comply with the violations, and to call the Inspector for an inspection before the compliance date on the letter. 

If you can not comply by the date, call the Inspector for further options specific to your situation.

Several options are available. Talk to your Inspector to determine the best option for your particular situation.

You can review the past and present activity on a particular property with our free online Permit and Inspection Report. It shows both Permit activity and Code Enforcement activity.

The Zoning Code Manual and Commentary PDF is an interpretation of the Zoning code. It is a useful tool to answer more specific questions regarding Zoning.

The requirements are different depending on factors such as the zone of the lot and its location. For example, lots in hillside areas are subject to different regulations when compared to the flat areas of the City. Moreover, there are certain ordinances that designate Specific Plan areas in the City that have their own set of requirements. Please visit a Concierge Desk, visit an LADBS location, or call 3-1-1 for more assistance.

Zoning Information for a particular property can be obtained by:

• Permit & Inspection Report
• Generate a Zoning Information Letter
• ZIMAS (Zone Information Map Access System)
• The City's 3-1-1 Call Center refers zoning questions to our Engineers and Inspectors. Customers calling within Los Angeles County area may call 311. Customers calling outside of Los Angeles County who need information in the Los Angeles city jurisdiction may call (213) 473-3231.

A prevailing setback is a calculation used to determine minimum distance construction can be from the front property line, essentially a front yard measurement. An online Yard Setback Calculator is provided to assist in determining this complex calculation.

Many building records can be researched online.

You may also obtain copies of these documents in person at our following locations:

By Mail

The Metro and Van Nuys offices accept requests for records (Research Request Form (.pdf)) by fax and/or mail. (Please allow 7 - 15 working days for processing). The following mailing addresses are:

The Metro and Van Nuys offices also provide training for individuals who wish to learn how to research for high volume jobs.

To schedule for training at the Metro office on Tuesday only, please call (213) 482-6899 or at the Van Nuys office on Wednesday only, please call (818) 374-4390.

Find all the forms to make a data request on our Service Requests forms page.

The areas that provide records include the Plan Check and Inspection System (PCIS) and Code Enforcement Information System (CEIS).

The forms package includes:

Claim for Refunds must be prepared on the Department of Building and Safety Claim for Refund form (MISC-Form.01). You may also use the "City of Los Angeles Claim For Refund" form (Form Gen 64).

You will need to attach your original cash register receipt and your application or permit copy containing the original cash register validation. If you do not attach your original receipt and application or permit, an affidavit stating why you cannot submit the originals, signed by you and notarized, will be accepted. However, if you submit an affidavit in lieu of receipts, you will also be required to submit a copy, front and back of your canceled check or other proof of payment. Your claim will NOT be processed without these documents.

Your completed refund form and attached documents can be filed at any Office of the City Clerk or mailed to:

City Clerk
Room 395, City Hall
200 N. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012-4869

You may also submit your refund form at any Department of Building & Safety cashier counter.  The cashier will then forward the claim to the City Clerk's Office.

A claim for refund of fees paid to the Department of Building and Safety must be filed:

1. Within one year from the date of payment of the fee (L.A.M.C. Section 22.12 & 22.13)
2. Within one year from the date of expiration of extensions on building or grading permits granted by the Department of Building and Safety (L.A.M.C. Section 98.0420).

Refunds will be made on fees where no work has been performed for which the fee, application, permit or appeal was required, provided that the City has not made any physical inspection or review or conducted any hearing, conducted any test, or done any similar work. Under these conditions, 80% of the fees paid will be refunded (20% is retained to cover clerical and administrative costs).

If a valuation on a building permit was reduced, 100% of the difference will be refunded.

If a Department of Building & Safety error was made in issuing the application, 100% of the fees paid will be refunded.

1. The City Clerk's office will assign a number, date stamp and log in your claim. They will then send it to Building and Safety, Financial Services for review.
2. Financial Services staff will also log it in. The refund will be forwarded to the applicable division for refund recommendation. For example, if the refund is for a building permit, requests will be sent to our Plan Check Engineers and our Building Inspectors. Our Department staff will review the refund requests and make appropriate recommendations. These recommendations will be sent back to Financial Services.
3. Financial Services staff will complete the audit on the claim, make the necessary calculations and set up either the refund or the denial letter. When completed, the refund or denial letter will be mailed to the claimant.

The BBSC consists of five citizens appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The BBSC is granted the authority, by the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) and by the City Charter, to hear many kinds of appeals related to Building ordinances.

Read more about the BBSC.

The BBSC is granted the authority by the Code and by the City Charter, to hear many kinds of appeals, including but not limited to the following:

• Appeals of the Department’s action regarding requests for slight modifications of the Building Ordinances and/or Code Violation Inspection Fee Ordinances, pursuant to the authority described in LAMC Section 98.0403.1(b) 1.
• Appeals from determinations, orders or actions of the Department pertaining to enforcement of specific ordinances, regulations or laws in individual cases, pursuant to LAMC Section 98.0403.1(b) 2 (i.e. error and abuse, except land use issues)
• Applications for import/export of soil pursuant to LAMC Section 91.7006.7.4.
• "Quasi-Judicial" proceedings pursuant to Division 89 of the LAMC (NOID, PNH)
• Adoption of Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, HVAC, etc Ordinances
• The BBSC does not hear cases related to land use ordinances. These cases shall be heard by the Department of City Planning in accordance with Section 13B.10.2 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.

1. The Appeal processing Fee is $130.00 for the first item plus $39.00 for each additional item and a 6% surcharge. Additional fees may be added for research ($104.00/hour) and inspection ($84.00/hour).
   
   Board Fee is based on Table 4-A (found in LAMC Section 98.0403.2) (see Table 4-A below). The cost to file the appeal consists of the appeal processing fee and the Board fee combined.
   
   Applications for import/export have a filing fee of $529.00 for the first 1000 cubic yards and $100.00 additional for each 1000 cubic yards or portion of 1000 cubic yards, plus surcharges (17% + $10.00).
2. Department of City Planning Case applications have an Appeal processing fee of $130.00 with a 6% surcharge. Additional fees may be added for research ($104.00/hour) and inspection ($84.00/hour).

Generally, an appeal to the BBSC is scheduled for a hearing date within thirty days of receipt of the appeal to the BBSC. This time period will be extended in cases that require additional documentation and/or research. In the case of import/export applications, the scheduled hearing date is contingent upon receipt of the appropriate environmental clearance from the Department of City Planning (i.e. Categorical Exemption, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or Environmental Impact Report) AND responses from the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works. 

Notices for all cases on an upcoming hearing are mailed out to interested parties and/or the owner approximately ten days prior to the date of the hearing. For more information regarding a specific application or appeal, contact the Commission Office at (213) 482-0466.

Also, you may refer to Import/Export Route (Haul Route) Requests Status Table (.pdf) for the status of Import/Export (Haul Route) cases submitted to the Department.

LAMC requires that notices are sent to other property owners that may be affected by the request when an appeal request is submitted to the BBSC. You may attend the hearing and are allowed to speak on any case on the agenda, by completing a speaker card on the day of the hearing. 

Members of the public may address the BBSC during the appropriate time scheduled on the agenda (usually at the end of the hearing); however, the BBSC will not take any action on an item that is not on the current agenda.

Whenever an application for import/export is approved by the BBSC, any interested party may appeal the decision to the City Council within ten calendar days of the Board’s action. The appeal must be filed at the Office of City Clerk any time prior to 5:00 p.m. on the final day of the ten day appeal period. 

An import/export approval is valid for twelve months from the date of the Board’s action. The BBSC does not grant extensions on import/export applications. If you fail to obtain your grading permit within the twelve-month period, the application will expire and a new application must be submitted to the Commission Office to be heard before the BBSC. 

The application form for a Los Angeles City Research Report is available on the LADBS website here, as an "Application for New General Approval or Technical Modification." (PC-STR-App.18)

The evaluation time frame is based on the complexity of the product.  Contact the Building Research Section for the current status.

The process to obtain a Los Angeles City Research Report consists of the following steps:

1. Determine if a LARR is required or not, using the Information Bulletin P/BC 2020-119
2. Submit the following information to the Los Angeles City Department of Building and Safety Building Research Section:
   1. Product literature describing how your product is to be used
   2. Substantiating data (i.e. test reports by approved 3rd party testing agency, engineering analysis)
   3. A completed application form for new LARR (PC-STR.App18)
   4. A check in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank.
3. Once this information is received, your application package will be reviewed for completeness. If any deficiencies are determined, a letter will be sent to the applicant stating the deficiencies requiring correction or completeness.
4. After determining the application package is complete, the application will be logged in and assigned a log number and placed in line for review.
5. The substantiating data submitted will be evaluated to determine if it is at least the equivalent of the prescribed device, material, or method of construction specified by the Los Angeles City Building Code in terms of quality, effective time period of fire resistance, strength, effectiveness, durability, and safety.
6. After reviewing the substantiating data, the research engineer assigned to the application will write a letter stating their comments and the information needed to complete the evaluation, if necessary.
7. Upon resolution of all comments, a draft copy of the Los Angeles City Research Report will be written. The draft copy of the Research Report will be e-mailed to the applicant for their review and comments. In addition, a supplemental fee will be sent to the applicant to bill the additional reviewing hours for the report approval beyond the first 6 hours. 
8. After all comments from the applicant have been resolved and the supplemental fee has been paid by the applicant, the Research Report will be submitted to the Chief of the Building Research Section for final review and approval. A signed copy of the Los Angeles City Research Report will be mailed to the applicant and will also be posted on the LADBS website under "LA Research Reports".

The Code Date stated on a Research Report (upper right corner on 1st page of Research Report) identifies which Los Angeles Building Code (LABC) edition the product specified in the research report is approved for. Building projects and LARR approved products shall have the same Code Date. For example, projects submitted to plan check between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013 must use products approved under the 2011 LABC.

Our goal is to assign an application in approximately 5 weeks to one of our engineers and an additional 3-7 weeks (depending on the complexity of the submittal) for the evaluation to be completed, a draft copy of the research report to be written, and the final copy of the research report signed. If the substantiating data is incomplete, such as missing test reports, testing not conducted by an approved testing agency, incomplete or missing engineering calculations, etc., the time to obtain a Los Angeles City Research Report may take longer. 

Expedite report review is available pursuant to section 98.0422 of the Los Angeles City Municipal Code. The amount of the fee for this service is in addition to the normal review fee and is equal to one-half of the review fee.

The intent of the expedite service is to reduce the time to assign your application from approximately 5-weeks to 2- weeks. 

For an estimate of the current assignment time for the expediting service you may call the Building Research Section at (213) 202-9812.

Exceptions for products without proper approval are considered by the Structural Plan Check Division.  See your plan checker and plan check supervisor regarding the process and fees required for an administrative approval.

Complete the "Application for Renewal and Clerical Modification of General Approval form (PC-STR.App19)". Refer to "Instructions for Completing Application Forms for Research Reports (LARR) and Research Report Fees" for instructions.

The fee is listed on the application based on the type of product approval previously obtained. The renewal application extends the expiration date of the approval form the previous reevaluation due date listed on the current approval.

Los Angeles Research Reports may be issued to an entity/company with the legal right to the product and the accompanying Technical Test Reports and Engineering Assessment.  Test Reports shall bear the name of the applicant, unless a release letter accompanies the test report(s).

For General Approval – City of Los Angeles only:

Testing must be witnessed by an independent third party Testing Agency approved by the Los Angeles City, Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). ). The Approved Testing Agency shall issue the test report. The Approved Testing Agency shall approve the testing facility where the testing occurs to meet the requirements as specified in the "Rules and Regulations for Recognition of Testing Agencies."

For Research Reports based on an Evaluation Report from a nationally recognized model code agency:

Test reports shall come from a qualified testing agency approved by the Model Code Agency issuing the Evaluation Report.  The approved testing agency shall take necessary steps to ensure that the integrity and condition of the test specimens are maintained and are not altered during periods when a laboratory representative is not present. Also, the manufacturer’s testing facility shall show to the satisfaction of the approved testing agency that it meets the requirements for an approved testing agency.

Your products are approved for the Code version only listed on both the Evaluation Report and the LARR approval letter.  If either product approval document does not list the current version of the Building Code, you will need to have these updated.  Any revision to the report must be submitted to this Department for review with appropriate fee to continue the approval of the report.

The LARR may be used only for projects permitted under the Code version specified on the LARR.  To update the LARR to the Current LABC, when there are no changes to the existing products nor to any code requirements regarding your product, you may file an "Application for Renewal/Clerical Modification" (PC-STR.App19).  For Product Approvals that expire within 12 months, submit the fee for a Renewal and the approval will be updated during as it is renewed.  For Products that do not expire within 12 months of the time of application, pay the clerical modification fee and check the respective box.

For LARR’s based on a Model Code Agency Evaluation Report: the LARR cannot be updated unless the Evaluation Report specifies the corresponding Code Edition; ensure the Evaluation Report is Updated before filing to update your LARR.  If additional products are added to the approval, or changes to the existing products have been made, or if additional testing or analysis is required due to code changes, you must file an "Application for Technical Modification" (PC-STR.App18). A Separate Renewal Application will need to be submitted if the LARR is scheduled to expire soon.

Section III of Alternate Building Materials Products Approval Requirements (IB-P-BC2014-119) specifies the qualifications that Nationally Recognized Model Code Agency must meet for their Evaluation Report to be used as a basis for a Los Angeles City Research Report.

Currently, Evaluation Reports from the International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) and, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Uniform Evaluation Service (IAPMO UES) may be used as a basis for a Los Angeles City Research Report.

Two forms must be completed together:

• Application for New General Approval or Technical Modification (PC-STR.App18)
• Application for Renewal and Clerical Modification of General Approval (PC-STR.App19)

Each form shall be processed separately with each its respective fee, specified on each application.  One check may be made for the total or separate checks may be sent with each application.

No, provided the equipment or fixture is listed by an approved listing agency to meet the applicable standards listed in the code.

One-time Approval. This approval is granted for fixtures and equipment that are custom made or installed at a specific job site. The evaluation and testing can often be performed at the location where the fixture/equipment is installed. Application for this type of approval may be filed by the building owner, installer, vendor, or manufacturer. The approval is for one time and for a specific location, and it cannot be used for another installation.

General Approval/Laboratory Approval. This approval is granted for fixtures and equipment to be used anytime and anywhere within the City. The testing and physical evaluation are usually done in an approved laboratory, unless a suitable site visit is prearranged. Application for this type of approval shall be filed by the manufacturer.

The process to obtain a Los Angeles City Mechanical Research Report consists of the following steps:

1. Submit an “Application for Testing or Evaluating Mechanical Equipment” to the LADBS-MTL and pay the fees.
2. Attach product literature that shows materials and dimensions, and describes the intended use, installation and maintenance instructions. Also, you may include pictures or other materials that will help to evaluate the product. A product sample or a field visit maybe required.
3. Provide substantiating data such as test reports from an approved third party testing agency and/or engineering analysis in support of the requested approval.
4. Attach a typed list of sizes and models, as applicable, of the product to be approved.
5. After reviewing the submitted documents, an approval letter or a correction notice will be issued by an LADBS-MTL engineer and sent to the applicant.
6. Upon approval of a Mechanical Research Report, the approval letter will be posted on the Los Angeles City Department of Building and Safety web site. The approval letter will contain conditions of approval specifying the proper use and installation of the product.
7. The application package (PC-MECH.App14) can be found here or on the "Mechanical Test Lab (MTL)" page.

The application form can be found on the website here or on our "Mechanical Test Lab (MTL)" page.

It depends on the backlog at the time the application is submitted. The backlog information is provided to applicants at the time of submittal. The backlog is the time it takes to assign an application and report to an LADBS-MTL engineer to be processed from the submittal date. If there are any corrections, it will be up to the applicant to address the corrections in a timely manner.

For a general approval/laboratory approval, a company who has the legal rights to the product's test reports being submitted and the legal rights to the product. Test reports being submitted shall bear the name of the applicant, unless documentation is provided authorizing the applicant to use such reports.

For One-Time approval, application may be filed by the building owner, installer, vendor, or manufacturer.

A General Approval/Laboratory Approval is valid for one year from the approval date.

Expedite fee pursuant to Section 98.0433 of the Los Angeles City Municipal Code may be paid by the applicant to reduce the time it takes to assign the application to an LADBS-MTL engineer. The amount of the expedite fee is, in addition to the regular application fee, equal to one-half of the regular application fee.

Submit an “Application for Testing or Evaluating Mechanical Equipment” (found on the "Mechanical Test Lab (MTL)" page) to LADBS-MTL, check the box “renewal” and pay the fees. 

Additional information, tests, and/or engineering analysis may be required, in which case written comments will be sent to the applicant.

No, it does not if the electrical equipment is already tested and listed according to approved recognized national safety (RNS) standards and labeled by a recognized (approved) testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratory, Canadian Standards Association, FM Approvals LLC, Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc., and TUV America Inc., etc.

If the equipment is not already tested and listed, or if it is only tested and listed according to manufacturer standards, or if it is not code compliant or identified as required by the electrical code, then it needs to be retested according to RNS standards, and comply with California Electrical Code, and City of Los Angeles Electrical Code requirements by the LADBS-ETL or any other recognized testing agency.

The LADBS-ETL offers three different types of approvals:

1. Laboratory Approval – This approval is intended for mass produced electrical products by manufacturers.
2. Field One-Time Approval – This approval is intended for field installed products that may be one of a kind or a modified mass produced product. This type of approval is limited to the field conditions, intended for a specific job address.
3. General Approval – This approval is intended for products that may have code violations, have no recognized national safety standards to test to, or tested only to manufacturer standards. This approval may be for mass produced products, one of kind products, or for a job at a specific address. This approval may be referred to as “Research Report”.

Submit the following:

1. A completed application form (PC-ELEC-App.12). Original signature is required.
2. Application fee as marked on application form. Make check payable to “The Department of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles.”
3. Current product literature (brochure, operational instruction, maintenance manual, owner’s manual).
4. Photographs or drawings showing the exterior views and internal views of the equipment.
5. Schematic wiring diagrams. Diagrams should identify the sizes of wires, ratings of fuses, circuit breakers, and other components.
6. The parts list for the components operating at or above 30 VAC or 24.8 VDC in dry locations or 15 VAC or 12.4 VDC in wet locations. Include the part's function, name of manufacturer, catalog number, electrical ratings, and testing agency component recognition or listing number.
7. Production sample of the equipment as follows:
• For General or Laboratory Approval: Submit a current production sample (complete and operable) with all appurtenances to operate the equipment. If the equipment is too heavy or large to ship to the laboratory, arrange for a field location in the City of Los Angeles or at the factory where a complete testing can be performed without on-site restrictions (call the laboratory for a prior arrangement) and pay for the field trip charges.
• For One-Time Approval of field installed equipment: Provide the field location where the equipment is intended to be installed insuring that it can be evaluated and tested without on-site restrictions. Provide the complete address, phone number, and contact person. Pay for the field trip charges.
8. For equipment with unlisted transformers, drivers or power supplies with a rating of less than 1KVA, provide two samples with schematic wiring diagrams and specification sheets.

There is one application form that is used for each type of submittal (New, Renewal, Technical and Clerical Modifications, for Laboratory, General, and One-time Approvals). You can obtain this form as follows:

• On the LADBS website here as PDF (PC-ELEC-App.12) or on the "Electrical Test Lab (ETL)" page.
• Contact City of Los Angeles Electrical Test Lab at 213-482-6721.

Depending upon the labs backlog, it would take about 10 to 15 days for a lab application, and 15 to 20 days for a General Approval (Research Report) to be assigned. After assignment, it would generally take about one to two weeks to get a response. The overall completion of the evaluation and approval depends on the applicant. If the applicant is able to provide a test sample for initial and subsequent reevaluation, submit all the required information and documentations through the evaluation process, the complete process including the test lab evaluation and testing would generally be between 1 to 5 months to get an approval.

Equipment manufacturer or equipment distributor (for general or one-time approval) and end user of the equipment (for one-time approval) can apply for equipment approval.

The general and laboratory approval is good for 12 months. The product approval letter indicates the duration and expiration date of the approved product.

One-time approval is good for the duration where the equipment is installed, provided that the equipment is not modified or relocated to another location in or outside of the building or facility.

Yes. Pursuant to section 98.0422 of the Los Angeles City Municipal Code, expedite review process is available for the amount of the fee equal to one-half of the review fee, in addition to the normal review fee.

Only products that have either a Laboratory or General Approval (no one-time approvals) may be subject to annual renewal. About 60 days before an approval expires, the original applicant needs to take the following actions:

1. Submit a completed renewal application form (PC-ELEC-App.12). Original signature is required.
2. Submit the application fee as marked on the application form. Make check payable to “The Department of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles.”
3. Submit a current production sample of the equipment along with an explanation if there were any changes to the equipment from the previous approval.

All equipment approved by LADBS-ETL, with some exceptions for some of the equipment that have General Approvals, are required to bear the approval label of LADBS-ETL. This approval label would be different from equipment that is approved under Laboratory or General Approval vs. Field one-time approval.

For equipment that has Laboratory Approval or General Approval, the applicant is required to submit the following:

1. A completed label application form (PC-ELEC-App.12). Original signature is required.
2. Indicate the quantity of equipment that will be manufactured during the approval period.
3. Indicate the quantity of labels.
4. Application fee as determined based on unit fee cost for each label. Make check payable to “The Department of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles.”

For equipment that has a Field one-time approval, the applicant is not required to submit a label application form. The test lab personnel will apply the approval label on the equipment in the field once approval is issued.

Make sure that the equipment approval has not expired by checking the equipment approval letter. Each letter has an approval and expiration date that is indicated on the top right hand of the letter.

Check the equipment approval letter. Every approval letter indicates the models that are included. You may check the approval letters on the "LA Research Reports" page.

An approved recognized electrical testing agency is a testing agency that obtains approval from the Department of Building and Safety to perform testing and listing and field evaluation. A list of these recognized testing agencies are posted on the LADBS web as follows on the "Electrical Test Lab (ETL)" page:

• Testing agencies that have approval for listing of equipment
• Testing agencies that have approval for one-time field evaluation

No. Unless it is part of equipment approval by the LADBS-ETL with prior approval, provided that the testing is witnessed by the LADBS-ETL and the test program and equipment have already been approved by the LADBS-ETL.

Addition of a model to an existing approval requires submittal of Technical Modification. You need to perform the following steps:

1. Submit a completed Technical Modification application form (PC-ELEC-App.12). Original signature is required.
2. Submit the application fee as marked on the application form. Make check payable to “The Department of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles.”
3. Submit a current production sample of the new equipment model. d. Provide a current new model product literature (brochure, operational instruction, maintenance manual, owner’s manual).
4. Photographs or drawings showing the exterior views and internal views of the new equipment.
5. Schematic wiring diagrams. Diagrams should identify the sizes of wires, ratings of fuses, circuit breakers, and other components.
6. The parts list for the components operating at or above 30 VAC or 24.8 VDC in dry locations or 15 VAC or 12.4 VDC in wet locations. Include the part's function, name of manufacturer, catalog number, electrical ratings, and testing agency component recognition or listing number.
7. For new model with unlisted transformers, drivers or power supplies with a rating of less than 1KVA, provide two samples with schematic wiring diagrams and specification sheets.

The steps are the same as regular approval, as follows:

Submit the following:

1. A completed application form (PC-ELEC-App.12). Original signature is required.
2. Application fee as marked on application form. Make check payable to “The Department of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles.”
3. Current product literature (brochure, operational instruction, maintenance manual, owner’s manual).
4. Photographs or drawings showing the exterior views and internal views of the equipment.
5. Schematic wiring diagrams. Diagrams should identify the sizes of wires, ratings of fuses, circuit breakers, and other components.
6. The parts list for the components operating at or above 30 VAC or 24.8 VDC in dry locations or 15 VAC or 12.4 VDC in wet locations. Include the part's function, name of manufacturer, catalog number, electrical ratings, and testing agency component recognition or listing number.
7. Production sample of the equipment as follows:
• For General or Laboratory Approval: Submit a current production sample (complete and operable) with all appurtenances to operate the equipment. If the equipment is too heavy or large to ship to the laboratory, arrange for a field location in the City of Los Angeles or at the factory where a complete testing can be performed without on-site restrictions (call the laboratory for a prior arrangement) and pay for the field trip charges.
• For One-Time Approval of field installed equipment: Provide the field location where the equipment is intended to be installed insuring that it can be evaluated and tested without on-site restrictions. Provide the complete address, phone number, and contact person. Pay for the field trip charges.
8. For equipment with unlisted transformers, drivers or power supplies with a rating of less than 1KVA, provide two samples with schematic wiring diagrams and specification sheets.

However, the revised approval may require a new model designation of the previous product and the approval would be for the duration that was originally established for the equipment.

• The process for a test lab to become a recognized testing and listing agency is outlined in detail in the Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-028.
• The process for a test lab to become a recognized electrical test lab as a testing and listing agency is outlined in detail in the Information Bulletin P/EC 2014-002.

You need to file for a Clerical Modification approval. You need to perform the following steps:

1. Submit a completed Clerical Modification application form (PC-STR-App.19). Original signature is required.
2. Submit the application fee as marked on the application form. Make check payable to “The Department of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles.”

No. Only General Approvals (Research Reports), and some Laboratory Approvals have Conditions of Approval.

Listed or field evaluated equipment that are tested and listed or field evaluated according to recognized standards as specified for each testing agency are considered as acceptable. You can find these standards as follows on our "Electrical Test Lab (ETL)" page under "Publications":

• Standards for testing agencies that have approval for listing of equipment
• Standards for testing agencies that have approval for one-time field evaluation

No. When equipment is identified or recognizable as suitable for a specific purpose, function, use, environment, application, or so forth either by its listing or by the code, the equipment must comply accordingly. In this case, the equipment could only be used as part of a food display and its use for any other purpose would void its listing or may be in violation of code.

The rules and regulations of LADBS-ETL are provided in Information Bulletin P/EC 2014-005.

Yes. From time to time, a testing agency may list an electrical product that may be in violation of the electrical code, and sometimes in violation of the safety test standard that the equipment supposed to be in compliance with, or evaluated to the incorrect safety test standard. In these cases, when such a product is discovered, the testing agency is notified to take immediate corrective action. If in the opinion of the Department, the equipment is considered to be of eminent hazard to the public or the property, or if the testing agency is nonresponsive to the Department request to resolve the problem, the equipment is not permitted to be installed or energized until the matter can be resolved.

In general yes; however, if fraudulent, counterfeited, or non-applicable listing mark or logo is used on the electrical products, or if the installer misapply or use the product for other than its intended purpose, or if the installer does not follow the installation instructions of the product, the Department would treat them as an unlisted electrical product, and will notify the testing agency of the problem. The installer will be required to resolve the matter with the listing agency, or submit the product to City of Los Angeles Electrical Test Lab for evaluation and approval or any other recognized testing agency, or remove the product.

According to the City of Los Angeles Electrical Code section 93.0402, as well as section 110.2 of the State of California and National Electrical Code, only the conductors and equipment required or permitted (by the code) are acceptable when they are approved.

If an unlisted electrical product is inadvertently installed in the City of Los Angeles, the installer can request for a field evaluation of the product from the City of Los Angeles Electrical Test Lab or from a recognized testing agency, however, the equipment would not be permitted to be energized to operate until either an approval is obtained from the Electrical Test Lab, or an acceptable field evaluation by a recognized test lab is completed and a satisfactory report is submitted to the Department electrical inspection in order to obtain approval from them.

According to Electrical Code article 100, an equipment or material that is tested by an approved testing agency meeting appropriate designated standards are considered as listed equipment, provided that also, the testing agency publishes a list of these products and the product bears the listing mark or logo of the testing agency.

Electrical equipment that is evaluated and tested by the City of Los Angeles Electrical Test Lab conforming to the requirement of the adopted standards and codes are considered as approved equipment.

The City of Los Angeles Electrical Test lab (or LADBS-ETL) was established in 1925 to provide assistance to the industry, local manufacturers, business, inspection authorities, hospitals, importers, construction projects and the citizens of the City of Los Angeles in obtaining product approval at a low cost. As such, the test lab tests electrical products for compliance with the established safety standards as well as the requirements of the electrical code. A product is considered approved by the LADBS-ETL, when it conforms to the accepted, established, or amended safety standard(s), as well as the electrical code.

At times, where there are no specific standard, or an existing safety standard lacks in evaluation or testing of an electrical product, the electrical test lab develops or expands safety standards in conformance with the electrical code and evaluates the product to assure protection from fire, shock and personnel hazard.

A soft-story building is a structure which has a weaker first floor and is unable to carry the weight of the stories above during an earthquake. The first floor generally would have large openings in the perimeter walls such as garages, tuck under parking or even large windows.

Retrofit is an improvement to your building by altering or adding any structural elements.

This type of parking is parking beneath the 2nd floor.

The purpose of this program is to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life that may result from the effects of earthquakes on wood frame soft-story buildings. In the Northridge Earthquake, many wood frame soft- story buildings caused loss of life, injury, and property damage. This program creates a guide for property owners on strengthening their building to improve performance during an earthquake.

This program applies to all existing buildings with the following criteria:

1. Two or more stories wood frame construction wood frame construction
2. Built under the building code standards enacted before January 1, 1978
3. Contains ground or other similar open floor space that causes soft, weak or open wall lines.

Exception: The program does not apply to residential buildings with 3 or less units.

Each property owner of these buildings will be sent an order to comply. These orders will be sent accordingly based on the following priority:

Please visit the State of California’s Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists for information regarding licensed engineers: http://bpelsg.ca.gov. 

Please visit the California Architects Board for information regarding licensed architects: http://cab.ca.gov

Please visit the Contractors State License Board for information regarding hiring a contractor and to verify if a contractor is licensed and insured: http://cslb.ca.gov.

Submit proof of previous retrofit, plans to retrofit, or plans to demolish to the Department of Building and Safety. Plans and calculations will be checked for compliance with the retrofit ordinance. LADBS will provide guidance for all necessary steps to obtain the retrofit permit, which includes obtaining clearances from all pertinent agencies.

Within two (2) years after the service date of the Order to Comply, a structural analysis and plans to either retrofit or demolish, or proof of previous retrofit shall be submitted to the Department for review if the building meets the minimum requirements of this ordinance.

Within three-and-a-half (3 ½) years after the service date of the Order to Comply, obtain all permits for retrofit or demolition of the building.

Within seven (7) years after the service date of the Order to Comply, complete construction or demolition work and finalize permits.

Begin construction and request inspections online using our Online Services.

The documents required for submittal are:

• Structural analysis/calculation package
• Architectural plans
• Structural plans

For more details see our Plan Submittal for Regular Plan Check page.

Plan check is a process of which the plans are reviewed for compliance to current codes. For this program, the plans will be reviewed for compliance to the mandatory retrofit ordinance 183983 and 184081. Once plans have been reviewed and approved, permit can be issued.

All construction work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by authorized inspectors. It is your responsibility to notify the inspector when the work is ready for inspection.

Work is generally inspected and approved in succession and no work may continue beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the inspector.

Common items to be inspected are foundation excavations, concrete work, wood framing, shear wall nailing, etc. When completed, there shall be a final inspection and approval of the completed project.

To request for inspection, please call (888) LA4Build or request for inspection online.

“ASHRAE Guideline 0.2-2015 Commissioning Process for Existing Systems and Assemblies”
requires the following items as part of Retro-Commissioning:

• Define Owner’s EBCx goals and objectives.
• Select the Initial EBCx Team.
• Collect and analyze historical energy use.
• Study the building and its operational characteristics with regard to energy use, occupant health and productivity, and equipment and structural reliability and longevity.
• Develop CFR
• Review building documentation such as building plans, specifications, O&M manuals, and maintenance records.
• Perform diagnostic monitoring and establish trend logs to documents building performance for several weeks.
• Visually inspect systems for correct installation and operation.
• Perform simple repairs required to keep equipment operating, reduce energy use, and allow more accurate data gathering such as trend logging.
• Perform functional tests.
• Identify potential modifications that will reduce energy use and/or cost (includes a descriptions of the measure, estimated energy savings, cost estimate, and simple payback).
• Perform an engineering and economic analysis of potential modifications.
• Prepare a rank-ordered list of appropriate modifications.
• Implement recommended modifications.
• Prepare the draft EBCx Report, which includes the Implementation Report.
• Revise O&M procedures to improve efficiency and equipment longevity.
• Update facility personnel training programs for current and revised systems. Implement retraining of O&M staff as required.
• Transition to Ongoing Commissioning (OCx) with the OCx Plan. Ensure persistence of benefits with measurement and verification (M&V) strategies such as trend logging and monitoring.
• Prepare the final EBCx Report, including the Lessons Learned Report.

”ASHRAE Guideline 0.2-2015 Commissioning Process for Existing Systems and Assemblies” requires the following items as part of the Audit:

• Convene kick-off meeting to form team. Develop a procedural plan.
• Collect and analyze historical energy use.
• Study the building and its operational characteristics with regard to energy use.
• Identify potential modifications that will reduce energy use and/or cost (includes a description of the measure, estimated energy savings, cost estimate, and simple payback).
• Perform an engineering and economic analysis of potential modifications.
• Prepare a rank-ordered list of appropriate modifications.
• Prepare a report to document the analysis process and results.