What do I do if I cannot finish the work before the compliance date?
Several options are available. Talk to your Inspector to determine the best option for your particular situation.
How do I see what is happening to a property I reported?
You can review the past and present activity on a particular property with our free online Permit and Inspection Report. It shows both Permit activity and Code Enforcement activity.
How can I determine what the zone of my property is?
Zoning Information for a particular property can be obtained by:
What is a prevailing setback?
A prevailing setback is a calculation used to determine minimum distance construction can be from the front property line, essentially a front yard measurement.
How do I get official LADBS property records?
Many building records can be researched online.
You may also obtain copies of these documents in person at our following locations:
What form do I use for refunds?
What do I need to attach to my refund?
You will need to attach your original cash register receipt and your application or permit copy containing the original cash register validation.
Where do I file the refund?
Your completed refund form and attached documents can be filed at any Office of the City Clerk or mailed to:
How long do I have to file a claim?
A claim for refund of fees paid to the Department of Building and Safety must be filed:
What will be refunded?
Refunds will be made on fees where no work has been performed for which the fee, application, permit or appeal was required, provided that the City has not made any physical inspection or review or conducted any hearing, conducted any test, or done any similar work.
What happens to my refund claim?
- The City Clerk's office will assign a number, date stamp and log in your claim. They will then send it to Building and Safety, Financial Services for review.
- Financial Services staff will also log it in.
What is the Board of Building & Safety Commission (BBSC)?
The BBSC consists of five citizens appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The BBSC is granted the authority, by the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) and by the City Charter, to hear many kinds of appeals related to Building ordinances.
What types of appeals does the BBSC have authority to rule on?
The BBSC is granted the authority by the Code and by the City Charter, to hear many kinds of appeals, including but not limited to the following:
How much does it cost to file an Appeal/Application with the BBSC?
- The Appeal processing Fee is $130.00 for the first item plus $39.00 for each additional item and a 6% surcharge. Additional fees may be added for research ($104.00/hour) and inspection ($84.00/hour).
When will my appeal be heard?
Generally, an appeal to the BBSC is scheduled for a hearing date within thirty days of receipt of the appeal to the BBSC. This time period will be extended in cases that require additional documentation and/or research.
How will I know that my case is on the BBSC agenda?
Notices for all cases on an upcoming hearing are mailed out to interested parties and/or the owner approximately ten days prior to the date of the hearing. For more information regarding a specific application or appeal, contact the Commission Office at (213) 482-0466.
The Department of Building and Safety sent me a Notice of Hearing regarding someone else's property. Why did I receive this?
LAMC requires that notices are sent to other property owners that may be affected by the request when an appeal request is submitted to the BBSC. You may attend the hearing and are allowed to speak on any case on the agenda, by completing a speaker card on the day of the hearing.
Development Services / Case Management
