Pulling Your Building Permits

Once your plans pass plan check, it means all reviewing departments (Building & Safety, Fire, Public Works, etc.) have approved your drawings. But before you can start construction, there’s one last step - Sign-off and permit issuance. 

Here’s the process.

This guide was built in partnership with the AIA. 


It was fact-checked by licensed professionals and building experts. 


Consult a builder or architect for specifics to your situation.

1.

Department Sign-Offs

Each department must officially mark your plans as “cleared.”

This includes:

  • Building & Safety: confirms structure, energy, and code compliance

  • Fire Department: checks defensible space, access, and sprinklers

  • Public Works: approves grading, drainage, or driveway access

  • Planning/Zoning: verifies setbacks, heights, and use

When every department signs off, your plans become “Approved for Permit.”

2.

Pay fees

Before your permit is issued, you must pay permit and impact fees. These cover:

  • Building permit administration

  • Inspections during construction

  • School district or public infrastructure fees (if applicable)

Your architect or contractor normally pay these online or at the County counter and request reimbursement from you. Ask that they provide a copy of all invoices and receipts as back up for reimbursement.

In LA County: Fees are Deferred!

That means that waiving the fees was approved by the government, but funding to cover the cost has not yet been found. They have committed to finding the funding, at which point the fees will be officially “waived”. Should the funding not emerge, you will be informed about how they plan to bill you for your permit fees.

3.

permit issuance

Once fees are paid, drawing approvals logged, and your contractor submits their paperwork the County issues your Building Permit, (either a printed card or a digital file), your Job Card, and your Stamped Drawings.

The permit: 

Lists your address, permit number, project type, and expiration date. Your contractor must post the permit card on-site before construction begins.

The job card: 

Lists all the different types of inspections required, with a space for the inspector’s signature. The contractor is responsible for safe keeping the job card and providing it to you at the end of the project.

The “stamped drawings”:

These are your architect or engineer-stamped drawings with the County’s approval stamp added to each sheet. The stamp has the County’s seal, the name of the plan checker, and the permit number. 

Pro Tip: 

Two sets of the drawings must be printed - one will be kept on site in clean condition for the contractor, subcontractors and inspectors to refer to at all times. The second copy will be given to the lead inspector for their use throughout the project. 

4.

you’re cleared to build

After sign-off and permit issuance, your project enters the construction phase.

In short:

  • Plan check = County reviews your drawings.

  • Sign-off = Every department clears your plans.

Permit issuance = County gives you legal permission to start building.

Pro Tip

Ask your architect or project manager to double-check that all sub-permits (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) are included. It’s common for one to be missed, which can delay inspections later.

it’s on!

What Comes Next

Once you’ve pulled your permit:

  • Your inspector will be assigned.

  • Work can officially begin on-site.

You’re so close!!