By Site Plan Creator Team • March 6, 2026

Los Angeles Site Plan Requirements: Complete Guide for Building Permits

Creating a site plan for a building permit in Los Angeles, California requires meeting specific requirements set by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Whether you're building an ADU, adding a pool, constructing a fence, or renovating your home, this guide covers everything you need to know about site plan requirements in LA.

What Is a Site Plan and Why Does Los Angeles Require One?

A site plan (also called a plot plan in Los Angeles) is a scaled drawing that shows your property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, setbacks, driveways, and other site features. LADBS requires a site plan for virtually all building permit applications to verify that your project complies with the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) zoning requirements, setback regulations, and lot coverage limits.

In Los Angeles, your site plan must accurately represent your property's Assessor Parcel Number (APN), Parcel Identification Number (PIN), and Tract Name-Block-Lot legal description. You can look up your zoning designation through the city's ZIMAS (Zoning Information and Map Access System) at Planning4LA.lacity.org.

Required Site Plan Elements for LADBS

LADBS requires the following elements on all site plans submitted with building permit applications:

• Property boundaries with accurate dimensions
• Setbacks from all property lines (front, rear, and side yards per LAMC Section 12.21)
• Location of all existing structures with square footage and number of stories
• Proposed construction clearly distinguished from existing structures
• Parking areas meeting LAMC Section 12.21 A.4 requirements
• EV parking spaces per LA's Green Building Code
• Bicycle parking per LAMC Section 12.21 A.16
• Driveways and access points
• Rooftop structures and equipment
• Building materials and colors
• North arrow and scale (graphically displayed, accurate to within 1/16")

Stormwater Management Requirements

Los Angeles has strict stormwater regulations. Your site plan must include a Best Management Practices (BMP) plot plan showing stormwater management features. Common BMPs accepted by LA Bureau of Sanitation include:

• Rain tanks and cisterns
• Planter boxes and rain gardens
• Drywells and infiltration trenches
• Permeable pavers

Your BMP plot plan should be on 8.5" x 11" format and show the project site with all stormwater management features clearly marked. The Bureau of Sanitation must stamp your LID (Low Impact Development) compliance before LADBS will issue your permit.

How to Submit Your Site Plan in Los Angeles

LADBS offers multiple submission methods for your site plan and permit application:

ePlanLA (Electronic Submission)

For projects requiring plan check review, submit through ePlanLA at dbs.lacity.gov. This electronic system handles plan submission, review, verification, and permit issuance entirely online. You'll need to register for an Angeleno Account first, which works across all City of Los Angeles departments.

PermitLA (Express Permits)

Simple projects that don't require plan review can be processed through PermitLA as Express Permits. These include minor repairs, re-roofing, water heater replacements, and similar straightforward projects.

In-Person Submission

You can submit plans in person at Development Services Centers in Van Nuys or at 221 N. Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles. Appointments are required for in-person services.

Plan Check Process Types

LADBS categorizes projects into different plan check tracks:

• Express Permits — Simple projects processed immediately through PermitLA
• Counter Plan Check — Minimal-review projects issued over the counter
• Regular Plan Check — Standard projects including additions, alterations, and new construction submitted via ePlanLA
• Preliminary Plan Check — Optional pre-submission review with a plan check engineer ($208 + surcharges)

ADU and JADU Requirements in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has been a leading city for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction. California state law (AB 68, SB 13) combined with LA's local ordinance provides streamlined permitting for ADUs. Your site plan for an ADU must show:

• ADU location relative to the primary dwelling
• Setbacks (typically 4 feet for rear and side yards for detached ADUs)
• Parking (generally no additional parking required within 1/2 mile of transit)
• Access from the street or alley
• Total lot coverage including the ADU

LADBS offers pre-approved standard plans for ADUs that can significantly speed up the permitting process.

Los Angeles Zoning and Setback Requirements

LA's zoning regulations determine your property's setback requirements. Common residential zones and their typical setbacks include:

• R1 (Single-Family) — Front: 20 ft, Side: 5 ft, Rear: 15 ft
• R2 (Two-Family) — Front: 15 ft, Side: 5 ft, Rear: 15 ft
• R3 (Multiple Dwelling) — Front: 15 ft, Side: 5 ft, Rear: 15 ft
• RD (Restricted Density) — Front: 20 ft, Side: 5 ft, Rear: 15 ft

Always verify your specific zoning and setback requirements through ZIMAS before creating your site plan, as specific plan areas and overlay zones may modify these standards.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Building permit fees in Los Angeles vary by project scope. Key details:

• Permits are valid for 2 years from issuance
• Work must begin within 6 months of permit issuance
• Extensions are available through LADBS
• Plan check fees include a 3% Development Service Center Charge and 6% Systems Surcharge
• Regular plan check typically takes 15-30 business days for residential projects

Required Agency Clearances

Before LADBS issues your permit, you may need clearances from multiple city agencies:

• LADOT (Transportation) — Development Services Division review for driveway and traffic impacts
• Bureau of Sanitation — Stormwater/LID compliance stamp
• LA City Planning — Zoning compliance verification
• Bureau of Engineering — For projects affecting public right-of-way

Consult the LADBS Building Permit Clearance Handbook for a complete list of required clearances for your specific project type.

Hillside and Fire Zone Considerations

Properties in LA's hillside areas or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) face additional requirements. Following the January 2025 wildfires, LADBS implemented expedited permitting for fire-impacted properties, including a self-certification pilot program for faster rebuilds. Hillside properties may require additional inspections, soil testing, and slope stability analysis.

Creating Your Los Angeles Site Plan with Site Plan Creator

Site Plan Creator makes it easy to generate a professional, permit-ready site plan for your Los Angeles property. Simply enter your address, and the tool automatically loads your property boundaries, building footprints, and aerial imagery. You can then add setback lines, label structures, draw proposed construction, and export a scaled PDF ready for LADBS submission.