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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Most of the ADU Standard Plans have been pre-approved with various options. Some customization is possible, such as changes to window and door types and sizes, colors, etc. Approved standard plan floor plans can also be rotated.

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One-time Approval. This approval is granted for fixtures and equipment that are custom made or installed at a specific job site. The evaluation and testing can often be performed at the location where the fixture/equipment is installed. Application for this type of approval may be filed by the building owner, installer, vendor, or manufacturer. The approval is for one time and for a specific location, and it cannot be used for another installation.

General Approval/Laboratory Approval. This approval is granted for fixtures and equipment to be used anytime and anywhere within the City. The testing and physical evaluation are usually done in an approved laboratory, unless a suitable site visit is prearranged. Application for this type of approval shall be filed by the manufacturer.

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Elevator Plan Check projects that qualify for ePlan must meet all of the following:

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  • Installation of one Residential Elevator; or
  • Installation of one Cabled Traction Elevator; or
  • Installation of one Hydroelectric Elevator. 

 

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Fire Sprinkler projects that qualify for ePlanLA must meet one of the following conditions:

one

 

  • Installation of Fire Sprinkler for a single Family Dwelling or Duplex.
  • Installation of Fire Sprinkler in a Commercial Building that is a. Four (4) stories or less and b. No more than a total of four (4) hydraulic calculations. 
  • Installation of fire Sprinkler in an Apartment that is a. Four (4) stories or less and; b. No more than a total of four (4) hydraulic calculations.

 

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HVAC projects that qualify for ePlan must meet one of the following conditions 
 
  • Installation of HVAC system for one restaurant with up to 2 commercial kitchen hoods;or
  • Installation of HVAC system for up to 2 levels of garage ventilation;or
  • Installation of HVAC system for residential buildings up to 3 stories including garage ventilation;or
  • Installation of HVAC system for commercial tenant improvement. 
 

 

 

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Plumbing Plan Check projects that qualify for ePlan must meet the following condition:

must

  • Plumbing systems for buildings of 4 stories or less and up to 5 sheets of riser diagrams.

 

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Soft-Story Retrofit projects that qualify for ePlanLA must meet all of the following conditions: 

  • The project is an apartment or commercial building; and
  • The building is 2 stories or more; and
  • The building is 4 units or more; and
  • The project does not add new floor area; and
  • The project must have no changes in use; and
  • Only one building is allowed per plan check application.

 

 

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Tenant Improvement projects that qualify for ePlanLA must meet all of the following conditions: 
 
  • The project is in a commercial building; and
  • The project is above the ground floor; and
  • The project must have no changes in use; and
  • The project must have no changes to the exit components; and
  • The project must have no increase in occupant load.
 

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When you receive an Order To Comply (OTC) stating that your property violates Code, read the order carefully to identify which items:

  • require a permit
  • find contact information for the inspector or supervisor
  • determine what fees maybe applied and penalties if not paid on time
  • determine appeal procedures

The current property owner is responsible for complying with the Order, even if previous owners or tenants have performed the un-permitted work or created the violation.

Refer to the Obtaining Permits to Resolve Orders (.pdf) information bulletin for more detail.

 

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The property owner must hire an engineer or architect licensed in the state of California to evaluate the strength of the building. The engineer or architect must then develop plans for the building’s seismic strengthening in compliance with this program.  The owner must notify tenants in writing per HCIDLA regulations.

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