Timeline

Every LADBS milestone

Our process keeps feasibility, design, and plan check items batched so you reach ready-to-issue status faster.

Step 1

Confirm feasibility + setbacks

Week 1

We pull zoning, overlay, and utility data for your parcel, then flag height or parking considerations across LA neighborhoods. Share utility bills or prior survey if available.

Step 2

Measured drawings & site plan

Weeks 1-2

Field team captures as-built conditions, setbacks, and slopes so CAD backgrounds and plot plans reflect the site accurately.

Step 3

Design development

Weeks 2-4

Architecture, structural, Title 24, and energy calcs stay coordinated so LADBS receives a complete package in the first submission.

Step 4

Submittal & intake meeting

Week 5

We deliver PDF plan sets, forms, and fee checks to LADBS Van Nuys or Metro counters and log the plan check number the same day.

Step 5

Corrections & re-check

Weeks 6-10

Typical corrections cover structural callouts, energy clarifications, or fire separation details. Responses go back within five business days.

Step 6

Ready-to-issue permit

Weeks 10-12

Once clear, we confirm inspection card requirements and prep your contractor with approved PDFs and stamped calculations.

Document tracker

What LADBS reviewers expect before granting approvals

Document	Owner action	Why it matters
Property survey / measured site plan	Provide existing survey or authorize our field team to measure setbacks and structures.	Accurate dimensions avoid LADBS correction rounds when verifying lot coverage and height.
Title report & owner authorization	Share a title report from the last 12 months or let us request one through escrow partners.	Confirms legal ownership when signing LADBS forms and noticing utility easements early.
Utility bills + panel photos	Upload recent LADWP and gas bills plus clear shots of your electrical panel.	Helps size service upgrades and coordinate DWP clearances alongside the permit.
Geotechnical / soils data (if hillside)	If prior soils reports exist, email them; otherwise we schedule new borings.	Satisfies hillside ordinances or VHFHSZ overlays before structural review begins.
HOA or covenant approvals	Secure HOA signatures or CC&R letters if your property requires one.	Prevents post-permit disputes; many HOAs demand stamped plans for archives.

Owner prep list

✔ Collect photos of access routes, rear yard, and any grade changes so we can validate crane or delivery needs.
✔ Note any unpermitted work; we incorporate legalization steps into the ADU permit to avoid red tags.
✔ Decide whether the ADU is rental, family, or flex use—usage drives mechanical sizing and finish specs.

Submission tips

✔ Bundle architecture, structural, Title 24, and energy sheets into a single PDF so LADBS plan examiners stamp once.
✔ Pay plan check fees online and keep the receipt handy; portal numbers speed up phone status checks.
✔ Respond to correction notices in the ePlan portal within five business days to keep your place in line.
✔ Flag accessory permits (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) that must be pulled alongside the building permit.

Need a done-for-you permit packet?

Upload your address, and we'll audit setbacks, scope, and paperwork before the first submittal.

Share property details See ADU city guides

Resource Library

More ADU planning guides

Use these deep dives to explore financing, scope, and cost decisions before we submit your plans.

Resource

ADU Financing & Budget Guide

Compare HELOC, renovation, and construction loans while modeling soft costs, contingency, and rent-back payoffs.

Read guide