Product Approval (Test Lab)

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.

LA Research Reports (LARR)
Building Research Section (BRS)
Mechanical Test Lab (MTL)
Electrical Test Lab (ETL)

About Test Lab

Approved materials are published as Los Angeles Research Reports (LARR).

For licensing of product approval test labs, refer to the Materials Control section in the Inspection Bureau.

Additional Resources

  • FAQ

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A contractor may sign for their own design as permitted by the State Law and section 93.0206(a).

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Yes, if the house is one story and will be built from plans based on the Department standard "Wood Frame Prescriptive Provisions One Story Residential Construction Only."

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Yes. From time to time, a testing agency may list an electrical product that may be in violation of the electrical code, and sometimes in violation of the safety test standard that the equipment supposed to be in compliance with, or evaluated to the incorrect safety test standard. In these cases, when such a product is discovered, the testing agency is notified to take immediate corrective action. If in the opinion of the Department, the equipment is considered to be of eminent hazard to the public or the property, or if the testing agency is nonresponsive to the Department request to resolve the problem, the equipment is not permitted to be installed or energized until the matter can be resolved.

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No, the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 93.0402 requires that the testing agencies and the product standards used by these agencies to be approved by the Department. For a list of approved laboratories, and list of their recognized standards, please visit our website at LADBS.org.

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You have the right to appeal any project. There will be a fee for an appeal.

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Yes, you can appeal if the project you are appealing was submitted to LADBS for plan check. LADBS will provide a response to the appeal in writing, and then you may appeal to City Planning if you do not agree with LADBS' responses. See Information Bulletin P/ZC 2017-019, available on LADBS.org, for more information.

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Yes. You can apply for the permits which do not require plan check. Please visit ePermit to apply.

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No, a permit is valid for two years from the time the permit fees are paid. You will need to obtain a new permit for the remaining work not completed under the expired permit.

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Yes, you can ask the inspector for your project about a permit extension.

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A request for Plan Check extension can be granted in most cases. See Information Bulletin P/BC 2020-120 information.

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