Before doing any kind of work on a residential or commercial building, it’s usually necessary to obtain a building permit of some kind. The types of permits you may need to apply for largely depend on where the building is located. In Los Angeles County, building permits are separated into different categories that are based on the overall size of the project.
The process of obtaining a permit depends on the type of permit you need to apply for. Permits for larger projects tend to take longer to be approved than permits for smaller projects. If you’re set to work on a sizable project, you should consider retaining the services of a permit expediter to ensure that your project isn’t delayed for an extended period of time.
In the event that you’re working on a simple project, all that’s required of you to begin this project is to apply for an express permit. Express permits are the most basic building permits that you can apply for through the LADBS. This type of permit is the only one available through the LADBS that doesn’t require developers to submit plan checks or building plans. This guide tells you all you need to know about applying for an express permit.
What is an LADBS Express Permit?
Express permits are meant to be used specifically for simple projects that don’t necessarily require comprehensive plan reviews or approvals. The main reason to apply for this type of permit is that you can obtain the permit online or at an LADBS location. Keep in mind that your project will need to meet certain permit qualifications if you want your application to be approved. This permit is primary used for:
Plumbing projects
HVAC projects
Electrical projects
Fire protection installation
Placement of pressure valves and elevators
What Types of Construction Require an Express Permit?
There are numerous smaller projects that you must obtain an express permit to perform, which include everything from small construction projects on residential buildings to simple electrical projects in a home.
Building
The types of building projects that require an express permit include:
Changing the windows or doors in a residential building, which requires items certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council
Bathroom and kitchen remodels for residential buildings as long as no structural changes are being made
Re-stucco for any residential building
Re-roof project with Class A or B covering materials that weigh less than six pounds for every square foot over current solid sheathing squares
Re-roof project with any Class A or B covering material that weighs less than six pounds for every square foot over entirely new solid sheathing squares
Security bar installations in apartments or dwellings
Pumpkin or Christmas tree lots
Any complete work that was done with a previously expired permit
Wet sandblasting
The addition of plywood and sill plate anchor bolts to existing cripple walls
Change of contractor or ownership
Chimney repair work for residential buildings
The replacement of any damaged framing members
The repair of dry-rot, termite, or water damaged stairs in a residential building
Termite damage, dry rot repair, or water damage that costs less than 10% of the total replacement cost for a residential building
Fire damage repair for a residential building
The replacement of pre-fabricated fireplace with another fireplace that has the same location and size
Re-plastering of an existing swimming pool
Installing wood, fiber cement, or vinyl siding directly over solid sheathing
Replacing drywall without adding any new walls
Replacing existing siding with stucco
Applying a coating to an exterior deck or balcony
Applying a coating to a roof
Removing roof tiles before applying an underlayment and resetting roof tiles
Installing insulation or a radiant barrier in an attic
Construction of concrete block masonry fence
HVAC
The HVAC projects that require an express permit include:
Comfort cooling and comfort heating installations if the aggregate input is lower than 500,000 Btu/hr
Witness test
Environmental ventilation in any building with an aggregate capacity of comfort cooling or comfort heating of lower than 500,000 Btu/hr
Refrigeration systems that contain A1 refrigerants with an aggregate compressor horsepower of lower than 100
Gas furnaces and gas heaters at lower than 500,000 Btu/hr
Duct work modifications or additions in any building without a smoke control system
Replacing an A/C unit with one of the same type and size
Relocating an A/C unit to a different part of the same building
Relocating fans that are used for environmental ventilation
Installing prefabricated fireplaces
Installing ventilation exhaust fans
Installing air conditioning equipment
Plumbing
The plumbing projects that an an express permit is needed for include:
Any non-engineered water system that has 1.5 inches or less of water service
Installing or replacing plumbing fixtures
Replacing any underground water pipes
Installing a backflow prevention device
Sewer connection permit
Sewer cap
Sewer repairs, replacements, or alterations
Replacing water heaters
Low pressure gas piping systems that have as much as 10 outlets
Replacing control valves for lawn sprinklers
Installing an earthquake valve that has the same size as an existing gas main
Fire Protection
The types of fire protection projects that require an express permit include:
A pump test
Replacing the piping for an underground fire sprinkler that’s at the same size or larger
Standpipe flushing
Relocating a fire sprinkler
Replacing or adding valves
Replacing a fire sprinkler of the same type and size
Lowering a sprinkler head
Electrical
The types of electrical projects that require express permits include:
Any electrical installations with voltage of lower than 600 volts and as much as 400 amps
Adding or rewiring devices for existing circuits
Temporary power pole for lower than 600 volts and as much as 400 amps of total load
Wiring for swimming pools
Wiring for computers and telephones
Special equipment inspections for lower than 600 volts and as much as 400 amps
Electrical wiring on movie sets
Re-connection of electrical meters
Repairing damaged wiring
Adding a device to a current fire alarm system
Electrical wiring for trade shows, carnivals, and other special events
Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in residential buildings
Electrical installations regarding electric vehicle charging
Photovoltaic systems that are rooftop systems, 10 kW or lower, and lower than 225 amperes in service panel rating
Energy storage systems that are connected to the photovoltaic system
Elevator/Pressure Vessel
The types of elevator and pressure vessel projects that require an express permit include:
The repair of elevators
Work to tanks, boilers, and pressure vessels
Air tanks or compressors
Automotive hoist
Liquid propane gas tanks
Express Permit FAQs
There are many questions that people ask when trying to determine if they require an express permit.
How Do I Obtain an Express Permit?
In the event that your property or project qualifies for an LADBS express permit, you can apply for this permit online, which is the quickest and most straightforward solution.
Where Can I Find an Application for an Express Permit?
You can find an application for your express permit by visiting the LADBS.org website and navigating to the “Forms & Publications” tab.
How Do I Submit an Application for an Express Permit?
If you’d like to apply for an express permit, you can do so via the PermitLA website.
How Long Does it Take to Obtain an Express Permit?
Once you apply for an express permit on the LADBS website, you should receive an approval or denial in a few minutes.
How Long Is an Express Permit Valid?
Once you receive an express permit, this permit will eventually expire if:
Two years has passed since the permit was first issued
No work has begun within six months following the issuance of the permit
Work began but stopped for more than six months
If the permit is less than 30 days away from expiring, you can apply for an extension of time, which you can file with the LADBS by using a Modification Form 41a or Modification Form 42 request. In the event that you haven’t started work, you may need to file this request with the inspection district supervisor. When the permit has expired after work has begun, your request can be filed at any plan check office.
How Do I Obtain Staff Assistance for My Express Permit Without Visiting a LADBS Office?
You can receive staff assistance by contacting LADBS through their website.
There Is an Error on My Permit. How Can I Get It Corrected?
If you need to have a permit error corrected, you can do so in person by visiting one of the LADBS development centers.
With this guide in hand, you should know exactly when and how to apply for an LADBS express permit. While the process itself is fairly straightforward, only specific projects fall under the category of an express permit. Before you submit your application for an express permit, make sure that your project qualifies.