Hills & Canyons · Timeline
How long an ADU really takes in Hills & Canyons
Total elapsed schedule from the first site walk to the final inspection. Plan check is rarely the long pole — utility coordination and trade scheduling usually are.
Stage by stage
- Topo + soils + geotech
- 5–10 — Required before any meaningful design work.
- Structural + grading sheets
- 4–8 — Heavier than flat-lot — caissons, retaining.
- LADBS plan check
- 6–10 — Hillside grading is the long pole.
- Construction
- 26–40 — Crane / haul windows, weather-sensitive grading.
Permit clock vs total schedule
- Ministerial permit
- 12–18 weeks
- Discretionary review (when triggered)
- 22–36 weeks
What slips schedules in this area
- Baseline Hillside Ordinance caps height, grading cuts, and building footprint based on slope.
- Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan applies along the spine — separate Director's review.
- Beverly Hills parcels run their own R1 design review; Bel-Air HOAs review separately.