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LADBS ePlan: a builder's walkthrough of the LA permit portal

8 min read · Reviewed 2026-05-15

LADBS moved residential plan check fully online in 2022. The line at Figueroa Plaza is gone, and so is the half-day required to physically walk a set across the counter. What replaced it is ePlan — an electronic portal that works well once you know its quirks, and badly if you treat it like email-with-PDFs.

This guide covers the exact ePlan workflow our project managers run on every LA permit, including the file-naming conventions and submittal-package structure that minimize correction rounds.

  1. Step 1 — Project registration

    Same day

    Log in to ePlan at planlace.lacity.gov, register a new residential project with the property address and APN, and select the work type (ADU new, addition, alteration, etc.). The system assigns a project number and routes to the correct plan-check team.

  2. Step 2 — Submittal-package assembly

    1–2 days

    Assemble PDFs in this exact order, each as a separate file: (1) cover sheet with project data and code summary; (2) site plan with all dimensions; (3) architectural set (floor plans, elevations, sections); (4) structural set (foundation plan, framing plans, details, calcs); (5) Title 24 CF1R; (6) soils report (if required); (7) proof of ownership.

    Name files with this convention: PROJECT-NUMBER_SHEET-TYPE_REV.pdf. Example: 24-100123_STRUCT_R0.pdf. Wrong names get bounced before review.

  3. Step 3 — Initial submittal & completeness review

    5–10 business days

    Upload the package and pay the plan-check deposit (typically $1,500–$3,500 for an ADU). LADBS performs a completeness review — checking that all required documents are present, sheets are labeled correctly, and the project type matches the work. If complete, the 60-day ministerial clock starts. If incomplete, you get a 'Returned for Completeness' notice with specific fixes.

  4. Step 4 — First plan-check round

    2–4 weeks

    A plan-check engineer reviews the structural set, an architect reviews the building envelope and accessibility, and an energy reviewer checks Title 24. Each issues a separate correction sheet. Common ADU corrections: anchor bolt schedule missing, header sizing not justified, fire-rated assemblies not specified at 4-ft setback, Title 24 envelope values inconsistent with as-drawn windows.

  5. Step 5 — Correction response & resubmittal

    1–3 weeks (engineer time)

    The structural engineer revises the drawings and produces a written response addressing each correction item. The corrected set is uploaded as REV1, with the response letter as a separate PDF. Most ADUs clear in 2 rounds; complex hillside or HPOZ projects can take 3.

  6. Step 6 — Permit issuance

    1–3 days after final approval

    When all corrections are cleared, LADBS issues a 'Ready to Issue' notice. The owner or designated agent pays the remaining fees (building permit, school fees, LADWP, LAFD). The portal generates the issued permit as a downloadable PDF. Print one copy to post on the job site — required by inspector at first inspection.

Once issued, every inspection is also requested through ePlan. The general contractor or owner-builder schedules each phase (foundation, framing, etc.) and the assigned LADBS inspector visits within 48–72 hours.

FAQ

Can I correct typos in the submitted set without a full revision?
Minor revisions (typo fix, dimension callout) can be marked-up on the existing PDF and uploaded as a 'minor revision' through the same portal. Anything affecting structure or scope requires a new revision number and stamped sheets.
How do I see which engineer is reviewing my project?
ePlan shows the assigned plan-check engineer's name and contact. They will accept brief clarifying calls but won't pre-review drawings. Treat this contact for scope clarification only.
What happens if my project times out?
If you don't respond to corrections within 6 months, LADBS administratively closes the project and you forfeit the plan-check deposit. Reactivation requires a new submittal and a new deposit.
Does ePlan handle Coastal Development Permits?
Partially. LADBS-issued Coastal Exclusions and ministerial CDPs flow through ePlan. Appealable CDPs that go to the California Coastal Commission are filed separately on a parallel track.

Sources

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