Introduction: Why Permits Are the #1 Cause of Delays in LA
If you’ve ever built or remodeled in Los Angeles, you know that permits can make or break your timeline. From ADUs in Silver Lake to luxury hillside homes in Bel Air, permitting is often the biggest bottleneck in construction. The city’s strict codes, backlog of applications, and complex review process often leave homeowners and contractors frustrated. But with the right approach, you can navigate LA’s permitting maze efficiently—saving both time and money.
At Saban Global, we specialize in guiding clients through the permitting process so projects move smoothly from blueprint to build. This article dives deep into the causes of permit delays, strategies to avoid them, and the long-term value of having an expert partner.
Why Los Angeles Permitting Is So Complex
Los Angeles presents unique permitting challenges that are unlike most U.S. cities:
- Stringent building codes: Earthquake risks demand reinforced structures, often triggering additional engineering requirements.
- Overlapping jurisdictions: Depending on where your property is, you may need approvals from LADBS, county agencies, or even the California Coastal Commission.
- High application volume: Los Angeles processes tens of thousands of applications annually, and staffing shortages add to the delays.
- Constantly evolving regulations: Especially regarding ADUs, hillside construction, and sustainable building practices.
- Neighborhood-specific overlays: Historic preservation districts, hillside ordinances, or neighborhood zoning overlays may require separate approvals.
Unlike smaller municipalities, LA often requires multiple layers of documentation before approval. For example, a hillside home may need soils reports, geotechnical studies, fire access verification, and environmental impact assessments—all before initial review.
Common Causes of Permit Delays in Los Angeles
Permit delays don’t happen at random; they typically stem from predictable issues. Here are the most frequent causes:
- Incomplete Applications – Missing a single form or document can reset your timeline by weeks.
- Plan Check Corrections – LADBS reviewers often return projects with notes requiring revisions. Even minor errors can trigger multiple rounds of resubmission.
- Zoning Conflicts – Building in hillside zones, coastal zones, or historic districts means stricter reviews.
- Environmental Reviews – Tree removals, slope grading, or water runoff studies can add months of review.
- City Backlog – Even if your documents are perfect, staff shortages and sheer volume of applications can stall progress.
- Neighbor Objections – Projects requiring variances may be delayed by appeals or community input.
Strategies to Avoid Permit Delays
1. Partner With an Experienced Contractor
Local experience matters. A contractor familiar with LADBS can anticipate problems and resolve them before submission. Saban Global maintains relationships with city officials, which often accelerates communication.
2. Conduct a Pre-Plan Review
Before submitting, compare your design against zoning and code requirements. Saban Global conducts internal code compliance checks, ensuring your design aligns with city ordinances.
3. Submit a Complete Package
Delays often stem from missing reports—soil, energy, or engineering. By submitting a fully complete package, you avoid costly resubmission cycles.
4. Track Applications Actively
Too many homeowners assume the city will notify them promptly. In reality, consistent follow-ups are essential. At Saban Global, we assign team members to monitor permits and stay in regular contact with reviewers.
5. Use Technology to Your Advantage
EPIC-LA (the city’s electronic permitting system) allows digital submittals. Leveraging these tools cuts down on office visits and streamlines document tracking.
6. Anticipate Corrections and Budget for Them
Even with the best preparation, most projects receive corrections. Allocating time and resources for revisions reduces stress and keeps your timeline realistic.
7. Engage Specialists for Complex Sites
For hillside, coastal, or historic properties, hire specialists early. Soil engineers, environmental consultants, and historical architects can address concerns before they stall your file.
The Financial Impact of Permit Delays
Every month of delay has real costs:
– Carrying Costs: Mortgages, taxes, and insurance continue to accumulate.
– Construction Costs: Material prices fluctuate, and delays can increase overall project costs.
– Lost Income: For ADUs and multifamily units, each month of delay represents lost rent.
– Extended Disruption: Families waiting for remodels face longer displacement.
For investors, delays can even mean missed market cycles. In a fast-moving city like Los Angeles, six months can significantly affect resale values.
The Role of Saban Global in Preventing Delays
Saban Global takes a proactive, client-first approach:
– Pre-Construction Planning: Identifying risks before filing.
– Dedicated Permit Managers: Tracking progress and communicating with LADBS.
– Cross-Discipline Coordination: Working with engineers, architects, and consultants early.
– Full-Service Execution: From blueprint to inspection, ensuring every stage meets city requirements.
This integrated process dramatically reduces setbacks and accelerates approvals.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to get a building permit in Los Angeles?
A: Simple permits may take 2–6 weeks, while major projects like ADUs, hillside homes, or multifamily developments may take 6–12 months without proactive management.
Q: Can I start construction without a permit in LA?
A: No. Unpermitted work can result in fines, stop-work orders, and even demolition orders. It also reduces resale value and makes insurance claims more difficult.
Q: Do I need a contractor to get a permit?
A: While homeowners can technically file on their own, experienced contractors like Saban Global know how to avoid mistakes and keep projects moving forward.
Q: What is the fastest way to get a permit in Los Angeles?
A: Work with a contractor who submits a complete package, uses EPIC-LA, and maintains regular communication with city reviewers.
Q: Are permit fees refundable if my application is denied?
A: Generally, no. Once submitted, fees are non-refundable, which is why getting it right the first time is so important.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of the Process
Permit delays are one of the most common—and costly—barriers to completing a construction project in Los Angeles. With the city’s strict codes and overloaded system, going it alone is risky. By partnering with Saban Global, you gain a team that understands LADBS inside and out, anticipates issues, and keeps your project moving forward.
Don’t let delays add unnecessary stress and costs. Contact Saban Global today to ensure your next project starts—and finishes—on schedule.
