How to Clear Complicated City Permits for Your ADU in Los Angeles
If you’ve ever tried to build an ADU or garage conversion in Los Angeles, you already know the most challenging part isn’t the construction — it’s the city permitting process. Between zoning restrictions, plan check reviews, and department sign-offs, getting your permits approved can feel like a maze.
At Pacific Point Builders, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners successfully navigate LADBS and LA County permits for ADUs, remodels, and new construction. Here’s how we clear complicated permits and keep your project moving smoothly.
1. Start With the Right Research
Every property in Los Angeles is unique. Before drafting plans, it’s crucial to review:
- Zoning and setbacks (to confirm where your ADU can be built)
- Utility access (sewer, water, power locations)
- Slope, easements, and existing structures
- Fire zone and hillside overlays (which often require extra approvals)
✅ Our team completes a full feasibility study to identify any red flags early — saving you time and costly revisions later.
2. Prepare Complete and Accurate Plans
Most permit delays come from incomplete or inconsistent drawings. LADBS reviewers want coordinated plans that align across architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, and Title 24 sheets.
✅ We prepare a complete design set, including architectural layouts, engineering, and energy calculations — ready for submission and review.
3. Coordinate With the Right Departments
ADU permits in Los Angeles often require sign-offs from multiple divisions, including:
- LADBS (Building & Safety)
- Public Works (sewer, right-of-way)
- LADWP (water, power, meter spots)
- Planning (zoning clearance)
- Fire Department (for access and setback compliance)
✅ Pacific Point Builders manages communication with all departments, tracks plan check status, and ensures corrections are handled quickly.
4. Respond Promptly to Plan Check Corrections
When the city issues a correction notice, timing matters. Every day spent waiting adds delay to your project.
We review city comments line-by-line, coordinate with our engineers, and submit detailed responses within days — not weeks.
✅ Our experience with LADBS plan checkers allows us to anticipate corrections and resolve them efficiently.
5. Schedule Inspections Early
Once your permits are approved, construction inspections can still cause slowdowns.
We coordinate all city inspections — foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, and final — ensuring every phase passes smoothly the first time.
✅ Our proactive scheduling keeps your project moving and avoids costly re-inspections.
6. Keep It Transparent and Stress-Free
We know dealing with the city can be frustrating. That’s why Pacific Point Builders keeps clients updated through every stage of the permit process — from submittal to approval — so you always know where your project stands.
✅ Our goal: no surprises, no setbacks, and a faster path to your ADU permit.
Partner With Los Angeles ADU Experts
Clearing complicated city permits takes experience, relationships, and attention to detail — and that’s exactly what we bring to every project. Whether you’re planning a garage conversion, detached ADU, or multi-unit build, Pacific Point Builders handles the entire permitting process for you.
Start Your ADU Project Today
Skip the red tape and move straight to building. Contact Pacific Point Builders for a free consultation or try our Online ADU Cost Calculator to get an instant estimate and start your project the right way.
