After you obtain a permit, construction work can begin. You must also call for an inspection before covering or concealing any work. Your construction is not approved until it has been inspected and accepted by LADBS.
Before you can request an inspection, you must first obtain the required permit(s) for the work you intend to do. You can check out our Permit page for more information on obtaining a permit. Once you obtain a permit you can commence with the work. However, you must call for inspection before you cover or conceal any work.
Work is generally inspected and approved in succession and no work may continue beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the inspector. Common items to be inspected are foundation excavations, concrete work, wood framing, ventilation equipment, plumbing, electrical, shear wall nailing, roof nailing etc. When completed, there shall be a final inspection and approval of the completed project.
The inspector will make sure that the work is being performed in accordance with the applicable codes and standards. It is important to remember the permitted work is not approved until it has been inspected and accepted by the inspection staff at LADBS.
When the work is ready to be inspected, you can request an inspection online or by calling 311 locally, or (213) 473-3231 if you are outside of the Los Angeles area. Depending on the scope of work being performed and the type of building, you may have one or more inspections.
Make sure all work being inspected is visible at the time of inspection. If any work has been covered, you will be asked to uncover it and schedule an Off-Hour Inspection at additional cost.
At the time of inspection, make sure the following are available on-site:
Scheduled inspections can be cancelled by calling (888) 524-2845, or directly through your inspector.
LADBS trains, certifies, and licenses Deputy Inspectors. Deputy Inspectors are an extension of our inspection staff, and they provide a service to builders who require continuous inspection for time periods that Building and Safety Inspectors cannot otherwise fulfill. Deputy Inspectors can be certified in multiple areas.