Building Permits in Los Angeles, California

Updated 1h ago

How many building permits are filed in Los Angeles, California?

As of May 30, 2026, 15,363 building permits are on file in Los Angeles, California. The most common type is renovation (7,169 permits). Records are pulled from the California public feed and refreshed daily.

Permits on record: 15,363
Top permit type: Renovation
Active permit types: 12

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15,363 permits

№ 001

Los Angeles, CARedacted

Los Angeles · CAADU25014-20000-05090

*EPLAN* New Second Story ADU per stste law gcs 66323 -a-1 addition and convert partial of existing residence

● No contractor on file

$90,0006dMAY 24

№ 002

Los Angeles, CARedacted

Los Angeles · CARoofing

This page indexes 14,056 building permits issued in Los Angeles, California, drawn from records published by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) through April 26, 2026. Activity over the last 30 days totals 3,220 permits. Records span project categories led by renovation (6,922 permits), roofing (3,178), miscellaneous work (1,198), pool (1,010), demolition (522). Los Angeles permit activity covers a wide range - single-family additions, ADU conversions, multifamily seismic retrofits, and new mid-rise construction. ADU permits in particular have grown substantially since California's statewide ADU laws took effect. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits are issued separately from the building permit and are often filed by sub-contractors after the building permit is approved. Permits are filed and tracked through LADBS' Online Building Records search. The records below are recent issued permits in Los Angeles; click any row to see the full filing, project description, valuation, and contractor on record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up a building permit in Los Angeles?

LADBS provides Online Building Records search at the department's website. You can search by address or permit number. Issued permits, certificates of occupancy, and inspection history are all publicly viewable.

Who issues building permits in Los Angeles?

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) issues permits within City of Los Angeles limits. Properties in cities like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, or Long Beach are permitted by their own jurisdictions even though they share the Los Angeles metro area.

What is an ADU permit?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permit covers construction or conversion of a secondary dwelling on a residential lot. California state law requires cities to allow ADUs under defined conditions, and ADU filings now make up a substantial share of LA's residential permit volume.

Are building permits public record in California?

Yes. Under the California Public Records Act, building permits are public records. LADBS posts most permit data online without requiring registration.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Los Angeles?

Over-the-counter permits for simple work can be issued the same day. Permits requiring plan check go through structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and zoning review and typically take weeks to months. LADBS publishes current plan-check turnaround times.

What's the difference between a building permit and a Certificate of Occupancy?

A building permit authorizes construction; a Certificate of Occupancy is issued after final inspection and confirms the structure is legally usable. New buildings and major changes of use require both.