Electrical equipment is evaluated in accordance with the requirements of National Electrical Code (NEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards.
Who can apply for equipment approval?
The equipment manufacturer (for general or one-time approval) and end user of the equipment (for one-time approval) can apply for equipment approval.
Will I need to send a sample of the equipment for evaluation?
Yes. In all cases, you are required to provide the equipment for evaluation.
Do I need an elevator permit to install a car lift in an auto repair garage?
An elevator permit is not required for a car lift within an auto repair garage, as the Los Angeles City elevator code does not apply to car lifts per the City of Los Angeles Elevator Code Section 92.0103.
I am installing a new elevator in an existing building. Does it need to comply with the requirements for medical emergency elevators?
If the building was built prior to 1/26/1988, the elevator does not have to comply with the requirements for medical emergency elevators.
Can I install a master PRV downstream of the fire pump in a sprinkler system?
A master PRV is allowed to be installed downstream of a fire pump when a second master PRV is installed to provide redundancy, so that failure of one PRV does not affect the operation of the fire protection system.
How many sprinkler heads do I need to hydraulically calculate for a single family dwelling sprinkler system?
Maximum two residential heads shall be hydraulically calculated for the design criteria listed in section 10.2.1 of NFPA 13D.
How do I size the fire water storage tank for a high-rise building?
The fire water storage tank is sized according to the sprinkler or standpipe demand, whichever is larger for the water supply duration as stated in NFPA 13 table 11.2.3.1.2
What are the pressure and flow requirements at the standpipe hose valves?
The flow and pressure requirements are 250 GPM at 100 PSI when PRV is not required, and 250 GPM at 125 PSI when PRV is required.
What are the requirements for fire protection in a high-rise retrofit building?
Refer to section 8604.6.5 of LABC.
When do I need to have a storage tank for fire protection?
Storage tanks for fire protection are required for new high-rise buildings over 75 ft. and for existing building falling under the scope of chapter 86 of LABC when the building height exceeds 150 ft.
When do I need to zone the sprinkler system?
The maximum pressure in the sprinkler system shall not exceeds 350 PSI at any location in the system. Sprinkler systems can be zoned to avoid exceeding such pressure.
When do I need floor control valves? Where should be located?
Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall be installed at each floor where any of the following occur:
Can I appeal a project I am not happy with?
You have the right to appeal any project. There will be a fee for an appeal.
Can I appeal a zoning violation to LADBS?
Yes, you can appeal if the project you are appealing was submitted to LADBS for plan check. LADBS will provide a response to the appeal in writing, and then you may appeal to City Planning if you do not agree with LADBS' responses.
Can I apply for a permit online?
Yes. You can apply for the permits which do not require plan check. Please visit ePermit to apply.
Can I ask for a permit extension if my permit has expired?
No, a permit is valid for two years from the time the permit fees are paid. You will need to obtain a new permit for the remaining work not completed under the expired permit.
Can I ask for my permit extension?
Yes, you can ask the inspector for your project about a permit extension.
Can I ask for Plan Check extension?
A request for Plan Check extension can be granted in most cases. See Information Bulletin P/BC 2020-120 information.