How long does LADBS plan check take?

LADBS plan check timelines vary with permit type, submission completeness, and current department load. Typical 2026 ranges:

1. Over-the-counter (OTC) — for simple reroofs, like-for-like water heaters, small electrical-only permits. Same-day to 3 days.
2. Express residential — premium-fee plan check for residential projects under a threshold. 2-4 weeks typical first cycle.
3. Standard residential — non-express plan check. 4-8 weeks first cycle, 3-6 weeks each subsequent correction cycle.
4. ADU plan check — California state law mandates 60-day ministerial review. In practice LADBS meets this for straightforward applications; complex applications can take 8-16 weeks.
5. New single-family — 12-26 weeks first cycle. Combined with HPOZ, coastal, or hillside review, can extend to 40+ weeks.
6. Hillside + grading — grading permits in hillside areas add a parallel review stream. 8-16 weeks additional.

What extends a plan check:

• Incomplete submittals (missing structural calcs, missing T24 CF-1R, missing site survey).
• Non-responsive corrections (each cycle resets the clock).
• Additional review streams triggered by fire-severity zone, coastal zone, HPOZ, or hillside overlay.
• Landmarks or Cultural Heritage review for historic properties.

How to shorten:

• Use a licensed architect who has submitted to LADBS recently and knows the reviewer preferences.
• Pay for express plan check if eligible — the $1,500-$8,000 premium is typically recouped in soft-cost savings.
• Hire a permit expediter for projects with multiple review streams.
• Submit a complete package the first time (common omissions: structural engineer stamp, energy compliance, fire-access plan in FHSZ).

AskBaily's LA contractor partners work with expediters and architects who know LADBS's current reviewer load. Our LA scoping flags realistic timeline including correction cycles. See /regulatory/ladbs-plan-check for the full process.