Los Angeles requires LADBS permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that include gas piping, electrical wiring, or plumbing under LAMC Chapter IX (Building Code). Counter-top BBQ islands without utilities generally do not require a permit.
LADBS requires separate trade permits for the gas, electric, and plumbing components of a built-in outdoor kitchen under LAMC Chapter IX, which adopts the California Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes. A gas permit covers natural gas piping serving a grill, side burner, or pizza oven; an electrical permit covers any 120/240V circuit for outdoor outlets, lighting, or refrigeration; a plumbing permit covers built-in sinks with city water and waste connections. The masonry counter itself is generally exempt from a building permit if under 6 feet tall and not enclosed by walls, per LAMC 91.105. Outdoor kitchens with gas appliances must meet 10-foot clearance from combustible construction per CFC 308.
Working without LADBS permits results in stop-work orders and a doubled permit fee for after-the-fact permits under LAMC 98.0412. Unpermitted gas lines also create a safety risk and may be disconnected by SoCalGas upon notification.
Los Angeles, CA
Anyone caring for injured native wildlife in Los Angeles must hold a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit under Fish and...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles protects wild birds under LAMC §53.55 and emerging bird-safe building design guidance, layered atop California Fish and Game Code §3500-3516 and ...
Los Angeles, CA
Veterinary offices and small animal hospitals are allowed by-right in LA's C2 and C4 commercial zones under LAMC §12.13 and §12.14. Overnight boarding requir...
Los Angeles, CA
Pet grooming shops in Los Angeles need a city business tax registration and an LA County Department of Public Health animal-care facility permit. Mobile groo...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Front-yard structures must comply ...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles has no city ordinance regulating residential holiday inflatables. Size, lighting, and motor noise are not separately regulated, though general LA...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle outdoor kitchen permits.
See how Los Angeles's outdoor kitchen permits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.