PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for a driveway or patio in Los Angeles, CA?

Short answer: No, a permit is not required for a driveway or patio in Los Angeles, CA.

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
No permit required Confidence: high

No building permit for walks and driveways up to 30 in above grade and not over a basement or story below.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see the LADBS fee schedule. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://dbs.lacity.gov/services/homeowner-step-by-step

Where to apply

LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS): Express Permits online or by appointment

Permitting authority: City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Applies inside the City of Los Angeles only (not other cities or unincorporated LA County). Zoning sets fence heights separately from the building code. Fire hazard zones and hillside areas add rules. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“5. Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below.”

Source: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-172464

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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