Building Research Section (BRS)
The BRS approves alternate building materials or products that are at least equivalent to the materials prescribed in the code in terms of quality, effective time period of fire resistance, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety.
Additional Information
Approved materials are published as Los Angeles Research Reports (LARR).
The Building Research Section is located at our Metro location (201 N Figueroa St, Rm 880, Los Angeles, CA 90012)
LA Research Reports (LARR)
LADBS approves alternate building materials or products that are at least equivalent to the materials prescribed in the code in terms of quality, effective time period of fire resistance, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety.
Approved materials are published as Los Angeles Research Reports (LARR).
Additional Resources
- FAQ
- Applications
- Publications
FAQ Search Results
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The Department does not recommend any architects or engineers. Prior to hiring an architect or engineer, we recommend that you review their licensing information. For licensing information about architects, please visit the California Architects Board. For licensing information about engineers, please visit the California State Department of Consumer Affairs.
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The Department does not recommend any contractors. Prior to hiring a contractor, we recommend you to review their licensing information and proof of insurance. The California State Department of Consumer Affairs maintains an online tool to Check a Contractor License.
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LADBS Records Section has as-built plans (blueprints) for Single Family Dwellings, Duplexes, Apartments, and most Commercial buildings, permitted and built after 1977.
For more information, refer to the last page of the research request form.
You may look up the Certificate of Occupancy online at our Online Building Records or the Department of Building and Safety Records Section will help obtain the Certificate of Occupancy.
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Please inquire with the Department of City Planning for requirements and approvals relating to the Coastal Zone.
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Complete plans and construction documents will need to be submitted to the Department of Building and Safety (DBS) for review. The plans can be submitted electronically on the DBS Electronic Plan Review Portal (ePlanLA). Alternately, plans can also be submitted in person via walk-in service at the West LA Office or by appointment at any of the DBS’s office locations. The Department highly recommends online submittal, a dedicated team will be assigned to expeditiously review all permits related to the 2025 wildfire repair and rebuild.
In addition to complete plans and calculations, you may need the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) and building permits. Information on how to get plans for your house are available under the question titled “Does the Department have copies of the plan for my house or building?”
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If your property qualifies and does not require special processing, you may apply for an epermit online. This is the fastest, easiest option.
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You can visit our website for Express Permits.
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Obtaining a permit online at our website LADBS.org takes only minutes.
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A permit expires
1. In two years from the date of its issuance
2. If no work has been started within six months from its issuance
3. Work has started but stopped for over six months.
However, within 30 days of its expiration, an extension of time to extend a permit may be filed with the Department using either modification Request for Modification Form 41a or Request for Modification Form 42 . The request shall be filed with the inspection district supervisor if no work has been started. If the permit has expired and the work has started, the request shall be filed with any plan check office.
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