Do I need a permit to replace windows in Los Angeles

PERMITS

Steps

General Permits

• STEP 1 Permit application

  A permit can only be issued to a contractor with the appropriate license(s), to the property owner in certain cases or to an authorized agent representing one of these two applicants.

• STEP 2 Agency List Given to Applicant

  Some permits will require additional agencies approvals before the permit can be issued. For example, installation of a private septic system will require Health Department approval.

• STEP 3 Agency Approval(s) or Receipt(s) and Payment of Permit Fees

  Applicant brings the appropriate paperwork from the required agency(ies) and pays all required fees.

• STEP 4 Permit Issued

  Once the Building Official issues the permit(s), the permit holder can commence work.

• STEP 5 Request Inspection

  Permit holder shall request an inspection within 12 months of issuance of the permit to avoid permit expiration. Follow up inspection must be requested every 180 days.

Tell me about Permits

What is the Permit Process?

When a permit application is completed, and the plan check review is either approved or is not required, then a permit can be issued. Permit issuance is dependent upon the approval of other required agencies that may be triggered based on the scope of work. The permit can only be issued to a contractor with the appropriate license(s) Contractors State License Board (CSLB), to the property owner in certain cases, or to an agent representing one of these two permittees. A permit fee is collected, and the permittee is given the proper permit documents to start construction.

When is a permit required?

Generally, permits are required for the following:

• New buildings
• Additions to buildings
• Tenant Improvements
• Accessory Dwelling Unit conversions
• Miscellaneous items (decks, patios, fences over 6’, fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, ADA striping and path of travel, etc.)
• Remodels and renovations (changes in occupancy or use, garage conversions, kitchen remodels, stucco, window(s) and door(s) changeouts, etc.)
• New, expanded, or replaced electrical items
• New, expanded, or replaced mechanical items
• New, expanded, or replaced plumbing items
• Grading work

For additional information see, Work Exempt from Permits

Why is a permit needed?

A home or business is a significant investment for a property owner. Work done without obtaining a required permit is illegal construction. Unpermitted construction can be problematic for a current or future property owner by affecting the resale value, causing additional cost to permit or demolish the unpermitted work, denial of insurance claims, possible civil or criminal prosecution, and uncertainty regarding the safety and quality of the unpermitted construction.

Hiring a Contractor

Although there are provisions that allow certain residential projects to be completed by a homeowner, most construction projects require the use of qualified, licensed contractors. It is your choice as to which contractor(s) you employ. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is responsible for issuing licenses to qualified contractors. For more information regarding hiring a contractor contact the (CSLB).

When will my permit expire?

The permit expires if the work has not started within 12 months from the date of permit issuance, or if the work lapses for more than 180 days at any time after the start of work. The permittee may be granted one or more extensions of 180 days each, upon written request. Permits issued to abate violation(s) in conjunction with a code enforcement action shall expire and become null and void at a date determined by the Building Official. An extension fee of up to 25 percent of the permit fee may be required. When a permit expires, a new permit application shall be filed, and new plan check and permit fees shall be paid.

How can a grading permit affect a building permit?

Once the grading plan is approved and the grading permit is issued, if the proposed grading is associated with a building permit, rough grade approval is required prior to obtaining the building permit. The grading permit will not be finalized, and any bond will not be released until all permits related to the grading work is finalized by the inspector.