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.

LA Research Reports (LARR)

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).

 

Open LA Research Reports Database

Additional Resources

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You can visit one of our development centers and apply for your permit in person by making the required appointment through the BuildLA system.

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A permit that does not require plans or plan check. Here is a link to a detailed list of express permits.

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At our website LADBS.org under “Plan Review & Permitting” option in the carousel.

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Most of the ADU Standard Plans have been pre-approved with various options. Some customization is possible, such as changes to window and door types and sizes, colors, etc. Approved standard plan floor plans can also be rotated.

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Most of the SFD Standard Plans have been pre-approved with various options. Approved standard plan floor plans can also be rotated or flipped (mirrored).

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One-time Approval. This approval is granted for fixtures and equipment that are custom made or installed at a specific job site. The evaluation and testing can often be performed at the location where the fixture/equipment is installed. Application for this type of approval may be filed by the building owner, installer, vendor, or manufacturer. The approval is for one time and for a specific location, and it cannot be used for another installation.

General Approval/Laboratory Approval. This approval is granted for fixtures and equipment to be used anytime and anywhere within the City. The testing and physical evaluation are usually done in an approved laboratory, unless a suitable site visit is prearranged. Application for this type of approval shall be filed by the manufacturer.

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Elevator Plan Check projects that qualify for ePlan must meet all of the following:

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  • Installation of one Residential Elevator; or
  • Installation of one Cabled Traction Elevator; or
  • Installation of one Hydroelectric Elevator. 

 

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Fire Sprinkler projects that qualify for ePlanLA must meet one of the following conditions:

one

 

  • Installation of Fire Sprinkler for a single Family Dwelling or Duplex.
  • Installation of Fire Sprinkler in a Commercial Building that is a. Four (4) stories or less and b. No more than a total of four (4) hydraulic calculations. 
  • Installation of fire Sprinkler in an Apartment that is a. Four (4) stories or less and; b. No more than a total of four (4) hydraulic calculations.

 

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HVAC projects that qualify for ePlan must meet one of the following conditions 
 
  • Installation of HVAC system for one restaurant with up to 2 commercial kitchen hoods;or
  • Installation of HVAC system for up to 2 levels of garage ventilation;or
  • Installation of HVAC system for residential buildings up to 3 stories including garage ventilation;or
  • Installation of HVAC system for commercial tenant improvement. 
 

 

 

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Plumbing Plan Check projects that qualify for ePlan must meet the following condition:

must

  • Plumbing systems for buildings of 4 stories or less and up to 5 sheets of riser diagrams.

 

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Soft-story Sample
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The Department of Building and Safety sent me a Notice of Hearing regarding someone else's property. Why did I receive this?
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The equipment has not been built yet. Can you approve the design of the equipment?
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There is an error on my permit. How can I get it corrected?
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To what extent can homeowners customize their standard plan designs?
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To what extent can homeowners customize their standard plan designs?
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What are different approvals I can obtain from LADBS-ETL?
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What are the building permit fees based on?
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What are the different approvals I can get from LADBS-MTL?
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What are the different types of approval?
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