Most renovation work in unincorporated LA County requires a building permit from the DPW Building and Safety Division. Permits are needed for structural changes, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, roofing, and window/door replacements that change openings. Cosmetic work generally does not require permits.
Under LA County Building Code (Title 26), building permits are required for renovations involving: structural alterations (removing or modifying load-bearing walls), electrical work (new circuits, panel upgrades), plumbing work (rerouting pipes, adding fixtures), mechanical work (HVAC replacement, duct modifications), roofing replacement, window or door changes that alter structural openings, and additions of any size. Cosmetic work that does not require permits includes: painting, wallpapering, installing flooring, replacing fixtures in kind (same location, same type), and minor repairs. For kitchen and bathroom remodels, permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, and any wall modifications. The permit application process involves plan submittal, plan check review (1-3 weeks for standard projects), permit issuance, inspections during work, and final inspection for sign-off. Online permits are available through the LA County ePermit system for simpler projects.
Work without a permit may result in stop-work orders, double permit fees for after-the-fact applications, and potentially requiring walls to be opened for inspection. Unpermitted work can complicate property sales.
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