Obtain a Permit for Your Project
The permitting process may vary slightly depending on the type of permit you need, but the overall process is the same. If you’re a contractor or are familiar with permitting, you can skip ahead to the Permit Types section at the bottom of the page to apply for the specific permit you need.
STEP 1
Service Location
Identify responsible agency to verify if permit or plan check is required
STEP 2
EPIC-LA
Apply for permit or plan check online using EPIC-LA
STEP 3
Screening
Await application to undergo screening process
STEP 4
Fee Payment
Pay applicable permit or plan check fees
STEP 5
Review
Await County review of application
STEP 6
Approval
Receive permit issuance or plan check approval
Apply for a Sewer Tap and Saddle Installation Permit using EPIC-LA
What is EPIC-LA?
EPIC-LA is Los Angeles County’s online system for managing permits and inspections. It helps residents, businesses, and developers oversee their building projects from start to finish. Whether you’re constructing a home, upgrading your property, or planning a large project, EPIC-LA provides a centralized platform to handle all permitting needs. Take a look at the major features of EPIC-LA below.
Application
Use EPIC-LA to submit the application for your permit and inspection online
Application
Apply online for all your permitting and inspection needs
Document Upload
Submit electronic copies of all your plans and supporting documentation
Fee Payment
Pay all permit and inspection fees electronically
Status
Use EPIC-LA to track and manage the progress of your application
Status Updates
Receive comments and notifications electronically
Contacts
Gives others access to real-time feedback, comments and notifications.
Collaboration
Allow collaboration between the Department, applicants, and design teams
Gain a Better Understanding of Permits, Work Categories (or Work Classes), and Plan Checks
What is a Permit and When Do You Need One?
A permit is permission to build, fix, or change something on your property. You’ll need a permit for:
- Building something new (like a house or garage).
- Making additions or alterations (like adding a room or converting a garage).
- Doing repairs or replacements (like fixing a roof or replacing windows).
- Installing or upgrading electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.
- Adding solar panels, pools, or doing grading work.
What is a Work Category (or Work Class)?
A work category (work class) tells us the kind of work you’re doing. It helps decide if a plan check is needed and what details you need to include. Here are the main work categories:
- New: Building something brand new.
- Addition/Alteration: Changing or adding to what’s already built.
- Repair/Replacement: Fixing or swapping something without big changes.
What is a Plan Check and How Do You Know if You Need One?
A plan check is when experts review your project plans to make sure they meet safety, building, and environmental standards. Larger projects need plans that show what you’re building.
When applying for your permit, your local office will let you know if a Plan Check is required and the steps to get the plan check approved.
Building /Permits
- New buildings
- Additions to buildings
- Tenant Improvements
- Accessory Dwelling Unit conversions
- Miscellaneous items (decks, patios, fences over 6’, fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, ADA striping and path of travel, etc.)
- Remodels and renovations (changes in occupancy or use, garage conversions, kitchen remodels, stucco, window(s) and door(s) changeouts, etc.)
- New, expanded, or replaced electrical items
- New, expanded, or replaced mechanical items
- New, expanded, or replaced plumbing items
- New, expanded, or replaced sewer items
- New, expanded, or replaced solar items
- Grading work (Building and Safety reviews grading plans for single lot developments)
Public Infrastructure Permits
Review permit requirements to see if Plan Checks are needed.
- New buildings
- Additions to buildings
- Tenant Improvements
- Accessory Dwelling Unit conversions
- Miscellaneous items (decks, patios, fences over 6’, fireplaces, pools, retaining walls, ADA striping and path of travel, etc.)
- Remodels and renovations (changes in occupancy or use, garage conversions, kitchen remodels, stucco, window(s) and door(s) changeouts, etc.)
- New, expanded, or replaced electrical items
- New, expanded, or replaced mechanical items
- New, expanded, or replaced plumbing items
- New, expanded, or replaced sewer items
- New, expanded, or replaced solar items
- Grading work (Building and Safety reviews grading plans for single lot developments)
Review Latest Permit and Plan Check Requirements
Building
Public Infrastructure
Environmental
Electrical
Traffic, Safety, Mobility
Waterworks
Survey and Mapping
