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Electrical Permits

What is an Electrical Permit?

An electrical permit allows you to legally perform electrical work on a property, ensuring the work complies with safety codes.

When Do You Need a Permit?

You need an electrical permit for electrical work you plan to do on your property, including the installation, alteration, reconstruction or repair of any electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment, within or on any building, structure or premise.

Who Issues the Permit?

The Public Works County of Los Angeles Building and Safety issues electrical permits.

Types of Electrical Permits

There are different types of electrical permits based on the work being done

  • Electrical Permit (Complex): For electrical projects that need review of detailed plans, such as major upgrades or new installations.
  • Electrical Permit (Simple): For small projects that do not need review of detailed plans, like replacing outlets.
  • Electrical Permit (New Single Family/Duplex): For installing electrical systems in brand-new houses or duplexes. Fees depend on the size of the building.
  • Express Electrical Permit: For simple residential projects that can be approved quickly. This is a fast, automated process.

 

Office Locations

We are here to help you get the permits you need for your building projects. LA County Public Works offers building services to:

  • 10 District Offices for unincorporated communities.
  • 9 City Offices for incorporated cities.
Find Your Nearest Office

Contact

Do you have questions about permits? Need help with your project?

Contact Us

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

Apply for an Electrical Permit

Step 1: Find the Right Office

    1. Go to the Service Locator.
    2. Enter your street address or parcel number (numbers only, no dashes).
    3. Click Find Services to see which office gives permits for your area.
    • If LA County handles it, you’ll get the contact info for your local Building and Safety office.
    • If another office handles it, their contact info will show up.

    Step 2: Check If You Need a Permit and/or Plan Check

      1. Call your local office and ask if you need a permit and/or plan check for your project. 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.
      2. If required, make a plan check required for your permit.
    Contact Us

     

    Step 3: Apply for Your Permit

    1. Go to EPIC-LA.
    2. Click on Apply and search for the type of permit you need.
    3. Follow these steps:
    • Location
    • Description/Type
    • Contacts
    • More Info
    • Attachments
    • Review and Submit

    Step 4: If Required, Submit Your Plan Checks and Pay Fees

    1. Upload your plans to EPIC-LA (if required).
    2. Pay the plan review fees first.
    3. The County will check to make sure you’ve included everything.

      Step 5: County Reviews Plans

      1. If Approved: You’ll get an email asking you to upload any documentation needed for final approval.
      2. If Not Approved: You’ll get an email listing needed corrections to make before resubmitting.

      Step 6: Get Your Permit

      1. Once approved, the County will issue your permit.
      2. You can now start your project!

      Step 7: Schedule Inspections

      1. Inspections are needed to make sure the work matches the permit and complies with building codes.
      2. Use EPIC-LA to request inspections.

      Need Help?

      Contact Us