The City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) issues building permits for all construction work. Required for: new buildings, additions, alterations affecting structure or fire/life safety, demolition, grading, signs, pools, solar panels. Not required for: minor repairs (like-for-like replacement), painting, flooring, cabinets. Application: online at ladbs.org or in-person at 201 N Figueroa St. Required documents: plans (2 sets), structural calculations (if structural work), Title 24 energy calculations, soils report (if applicable), school fee receipt, planning approval (if required). Fees: plan check + permit fee based on valuation. Typical total for a single-family remodel: $3,000-$8,000. New commercial: $15,000-$100,000+. Processing: standard 15-45 business days, expedited 5-15 business days for additional fee. Inspections: foundation, framing, rough MEP, insulation, final.