Building Permits

The department provides building and safety services for the City of Los Angeles. Services include building permits, building evaluation and hazard mitigation. The city requires property owners to obtain permits for construction, remodeling, demolition, relocation or removal of any commercial or residential building or structure. Services are restricted to property within the City of Los Angeles. 

The department inspects buildings to evaluate damage and safety and provides enforcement of laws and ordinances. This is accomplished through implementation of the local zoning, building, plumbing mechanical and electrical codes, as well as engineering, energy, and disabled access regulations and state and local laws for construction and maintenance of commercial, industrial and residential buildings. The enforcement of the law is the issuance of an Order To Comply (OTC) which is given to those who violates any provision or requirements of the Los Angeles Municipal Code. The OTC describes the violation, instructions to remedy the violation and warning of possible penalty fees and criminal prosecution. 

Hazard mitigation services are provided to help people safeguard their property, which also includes printed materials about earthquake preparedness.