How LA permits actually move.
Long-form guides to ADU permitting, remodel sequencing, and the LADBS portals we file through every week. Written by the people doing the work.
The Los Angeles ADU permit process, step by step
The actual six-step ADU permit process inside the City of LA in 2026. Real LADBS timelines, fees, and corrections — from a builder who's permitted dozens.
11 min read · Reviewed 2026-05-15
LADBS ePlan: a builder's walkthrough of the LA permit portal
How LADBS's electronic plan-check portal actually works in 2026. File types, naming conventions, correction workflow, and the mistakes that cost a week each.
8 min read · Reviewed 2026-05-15
FAQ
About these guides
Who writes these guides?
Our principal architect and our permit runner — both are practicing professionals on active California projects in 2026. Each field guide is reviewed quarterly and stamped with the reviewer's name and date at the top.
Are the guides specific to California or general advice?
California-specific. Every cost, code citation, and timeline is grounded in California law and our own project data — cross-checked against the 2026 cost report and the permit directory. Out-of-state readers can use them for general orientation but should not treat the numbers as transferable.
How often are guides updated?
Quarterly review with on-demand updates when state law or major city code changes. Each guide shows its last-reviewed date. If a guide is more than 6 months old without a review note, treat the numbers with caution and cross-check against the field journal.
Can I cite your guides in a city hearing?
Yes — guides are public, attributable to Alpha Dream Construction, and accurate to our knowledge. Most are cited a few times a year in HPOZ hearings and zoning appeals. Pair them with the relevant glossary entries when you cite.
Do I need to read the guides before contacting you?
Not at all. The guides exist so motivated owners can self-serve when they want to — but the first call is free either way. Many of our best clients arrive having read nothing and asked great questions on the discovery call. Or just start an inquiry.
Is there a paywall or signup required?
No — every guide is free and accessible without an account. Same for the glossary, the permit directory, and the field journal. We don't gate content because we'd rather help informed owners than collect emails.
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