Building Research Section (BRS)
The BRS approves alternate building materials or products that are at least equivalent to the materials prescribed in the code in terms of quality, effective time period of fire resistance, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety.
Additional Information
Approved materials are published as Los Angeles Research Reports (LARR).
The Building Research Section is located at our Metro location (201 N Figueroa St, Rm 880, Los Angeles, CA 90012)
LA Research Reports (LARR)
LADBS approves alternate building materials or products that are at least equivalent to the materials prescribed in the code in terms of quality, effective time period of fire resistance, strength, effectiveness, durability and safety.
Approved materials are published as Los Angeles Research Reports (LARR).
Additional Resources
- FAQ
- Applications
- Publications
FAQ Search Results
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If your property is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), your property may be subject to Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs)—private agreements that may impose development standards or conditions different from those in the current Los Angeles Zoning Code. LADBS does not review or enforce CC&Rs, and the issuance of a permit does not indicate compliance with them.
Applicants are advised to contact their HOA prior to submitting plans to LADBS. Many HOAs may require plan review before submission to the City, which can save you from going through the permitting process for a project the HOA might ultimately reject.
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Section III of Alternate Building Materials Products Approval Requirements specifies the qualifications that Nationally Recognized Model Code Agency must meet for their Evaluation Report to be used as a basis for a Los Angeles City Research Report.
Currently, Evaluation Reports from the International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) and, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Uniform Evaluation Service (IAPMO UES) may be used as a basis for a Los Angeles City Research Report.
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When submitting your Building Permit application, please indicate the Standard Plan number you are using in the work description. For example, SFH000, ADU00, or MISC000.
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When submitting your Building Permit application, please indicate the ADU Standard Plan number you are using in the work description.
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When submitting your Building Permit application, please indicate the SFD Standard Plan number you are using in the work description.
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Geology and Soils reports are required in some geologically sensitive areas as outlined in the Information Bulletin P/BC 2025-157 Geologic and Geotechnical Considerations for Rebuilding in the Palisades Fire Area.
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Yes, surveys are required if the property lines are not clear or cannot be established in the field.
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Yes, a new ADU can be built as part of the rebuild and still qualify as a like-for-like +10% project per the Governor's Directive No. N-20-25, regardless of whether or not an ADU existed on the site prior to the Wildfire.
The ADU can be built before the main house.
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Yes, you may choose whether to build back all-electric and/or with gas appliances.
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