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
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FAQ Search Results
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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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A second story that existed prior to the wildfire may be rebuilt and expanded as part of a like-for-like +10% project, so long as it complies with maximum allowable height and building footprint.
Also, within the allowable footprint and height, adding a new second story is allowed.
However, adding a new second story where it exceeds the height or footprint that existed prior to the Wildfire does not qualify as a like-for-like +10% project.
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Yes you can rebuild your attached or detached garage as part of a like-for-like+10% project. Each detached structure will be evaluated individually for conformance with like-for-like requirements.
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Adding a new basement or enlarging an existing basement level is allowed and qualifies as an Eligible Project, provided the basement does not exceed 110% of the existing building footprint.
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Yes, the current Energy Code applies.
However, if the rebuild project is using plans that were approved by the Department to comply with the 2019 Title 24, California Building Standards Code which include the Building and Residential Codes, or later versions per the Governor’s Directive No. N-20-25, then current Energy Code is not required.
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The building footprint expansion and shape can be modified provided it is within 110% of the existing building footprint and is substantially in the same location.
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Under the Mayor's Emergency Executive Order 7, the collection of fees associated with permits are currently suspended.
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Linkage Fee will not apply for the replacement of the existing house resulting in the net increase of 1500 sqft or less of floor area from the prior home that existed on the property. School District fees will not apply if the replacement house is built with the same square footage. If the rebuild includes an addition, the school fee will apply if the addition is more than 500 sqft.
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Prevailing setbacks apply to areas with developed lots (where some homes burned down, and with some homes still standing) of varying front yard setbacks. See Information Bulletin P/ZC 2023-015 on how to calculate prevailing setbacks.
For blocks on the same side of a street where there are no developed lots (homes completely burned down), prevailing setback does not apply and the front yard shall be per the zoning code according to the lot's zone.
For blocks on the same side of a street where some homes were damaged or destroyed and others were not, prevailing setback standards will apply.
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