Permits · 5 min read
Permit Timelines in the San Fernando Valley
How long approvals actually take, and what makes them faster or slower.
Permit timelines are one of the least predictable parts of a project, but they are not a mystery. The two biggest factors are your scope and your jurisdiction.
Over-the-counter vs. plan check
Simple, non-structural work can sometimes be approved over the counter in days. Anything structural, an addition, or an ADU goes into plan check, which typically runs several weeks to a few months including correction cycles.
Jurisdiction matters
- Most of the Valley is City of Los Angeles, reviewed by LADBS.
- Burbank, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood are separate cities with their own departments and timelines.
- Hillside, coastal, and historic overlays add review steps.
What makes approvals faster
Complete, accurate drawings the first time. Most delays are correction cycles caused by incomplete submittals. Getting the package right up front is the single best way to shorten the timeline.
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