What do I need to attach to my refund?

You will need to attach your original cash register receipt and your application or permit copy containing the original cash register validation. If you do not attach your original receipt and application or permit, an affidavit stating why you cannot submit the originals, signed by you and notarized, will be accepted. However, if you submit an affidavit in lieu of receipts, you will also be required to submit a copy, front and back of your canceled check or other proof of payment. Your claim will NOT be processed without these documents.

What will be refunded?

Refunds will be made on fees where no work has been performed for which the fee, application, permit or appeal was required, provided that the City has not made any physical inspection or review or conducted any hearing, conducted any test, or done any similar work. Under these conditions, 80% of the fees paid will be refunded (20% is retained to cover clerical and administrative costs).

If a valuation on a building permit was reduced, 100% of the difference will be refunded.

If a Department of Building & Safety error was made in issuing the application, 100% of the fees paid will be refunded.





What happens to my refund claim?

  • The City Clerk's office will assign a number, date stamp and log in your claim. They will then send it to Building and Safety, Financial Services for review.
  • Financial Services staff will also log it in. The refund will be forwarded to the applicable division for refund recommendation. For example, if the refund is for a building permit, requests will be sent to our Plan Check Engineers and our Building Inspectors. Our Department staff will review the refund requests and make appropriate recommendations. These recommendations will be sent back to Financial Services.
  • Financial Services staff will complete the audit on the claim, make the necessary calculations and set up either the refund or the denial letter. When completed, the refund or denial letter will be mailed to the claimant.
  • The City Clerk's office will assign a number, date stamp and log in your claim. They will then send it to Building and Safety, Financial Services for review.
  • Financial Services staff will also log it in. The refund will be forwarded to the applicable division for refund recommendation. For example, if the refund is for a building permit, requests will be sent to our Plan Check Engineers and our Building Inspectors. Our Department staff will review the refund requests and make appropriate recommendations. These recommendations will be sent back to Financial Services.
  • Financial Services staff will complete the audit on the claim, make the necessary calculations and set up either the refund or the denial letter. When completed, the refund or denial letter will be mailed to the claimant.

    • How long do I have to file a claim?

    A claim for refund of fees paid to the Department of Building and Safety must be filed:

    1. Within one year from the date of payment of the fee (L.A.M.C. Section 22.12 & 22.13)
    2. Within one year from the date of expiration of extensions on building or grading permits granted by the Department of Building and Safety (L.A.M.C. Section 98.0420).
  • Within one year from the date of payment of the fee (L.A.M.C. Section 22.12 & 22.13)
  • Within one year from the date of expiration of extensions on building or grading permits granted by the Department of Building and Safety (L.A.M.C. Section 98.0420).

    • Where do I file the refund?

    Your completed refund form and attached documents can be filed at any Office of the City Clerk or mailed to:

    City Clerk
    Room 395, City Hall
    200 N. Spring St.
    Los Angeles, CA 90012-4869

    You may also submit your refund form at any Department of Building & Safety cashier counter.  The cashier will then forward the claim to the City Clerk's Office.






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