The contractor state licensing board can provide contractor-related information. Their website can be found here: CSLB 
 

The City does not enforce HOA rules. HOA approvals are based on private community-specific rules (often in the form of “Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions”, or “CC&Rs”) focusing on appearance, size, and design materials. These private community-specific rules are enforced by the HOA Board, not the City. HOA approvals and City permitting are wholly separate processes, and one does not replace the other. However, HOA rules do not override city ordinances, meaning an HOA cannot enforce rules that conflict with local, state or federal laws, though HOAs can create stricter rules than established law, creating higher standards within a specified community.

Many HOAs may want or require the review of plans before submission to the City. This can save you from going through the City’s permitting process for a project the HOA might ultimately reject. It is recommended to contact your HOA to find out if their approval is needed before applying for a City building permit.

To be considered an eligible project in accordance to Emergency Executive Order 1, the rebuilt structure shall not exceed 110% of the height that existed immediately before the Wildfires:

1. If the grade for the rebuild is the same as it existed immediately before the Wildfires, the height of the rebuilt structure shall not exceed 110% of the original height. The original height is the height of the structure that existed immediately prior to the fire.
2. If the rebuilt grade is raised, the structure's rebuild height shall not exceed 110% of the original height minus the amount the grade was raised. For example, if the grade was raised by 5’ and the original structure height was 30’, the new allowable height will be 33 ft minus 5 ft resulting in a 28’ maximum height from the new raised grade.
3. If the rebuilt grade is lowered, the new rebuild height shall not exceed 110% of the original structure height measured from the lowered grade. For example, if the grade was lowered by 5’ and the original structure height was 30’, the new allowable height will be 33’ from the new lowered grade.
4. The original grade, which existed immediately before the wildfire, shall be certified by a licensed surveyor or civil engineer.

For Zoning and Building code questions, please contact our call center at 311 or (213) 473-3231 and ask to speak with the LADBS Zoning & Building Code Engineer. Some zoning information can also be found on ZIMAS.

While the Pre-Approved Standard Plan Program streamlines the building and safety review process, other agency/departmental reviews and clearances may still be required depending on your specific site conditions and type of rebuild. Homeowners should be prepared to obtain additional approvals as part of the permitting process.

Standard plans are intended to serve as a base design that has already been reviewed by the Department of Building and Safety for Building Code Compliance. However, each property is unique, and modifications / customizations to a pre-approved standard plan may be necessary. Any customization of a pre-approved standard plan must be completed by the plan’s owner. Please note that design changes may result in additional costs and could result in additional permitting review timelines, as revised portions of the plan will require City review.