If you’re searching for remodel permit drawings Los Angeles homeowners can submit to LADBS with confidence, you’re likely planning a kitchen renovation, a bathroom remodel, or a larger interior overhaul. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that even projects that do not touch the building’s structure, like a kitchen layout change or a bathroom reconfiguration, often require documented plans showing existing conditions and proposed changes. This is where remodel permit drawings come in.
This guide explains why LADBS remodel drawings need to start with a proper as-built survey, what LADBS expects to see, and how to avoid the most common reasons remodel permits get delayed in Los Angeles.
Why As Built Drawings for Remodel Permit Applications Matter in LA
LADBS reviews every remodel permit against the existing conditions of the structure. If your kitchen was expanded ten years ago, or a wall was moved without a matching update to city records, that discrepancy will surface during plan check. Submitting as built drawings for remodel permit review that reflect the real, current layout of your Los Angeles property is what allows LADBS plan checkers to evaluate your proposed changes accurately.
Without an updated as-built set, LADBS cannot confirm that your remodel plans are consistent with what physically exists, which is one of the most frequent causes of correction requests on remodel projects across Los Angeles neighborhoods like Eagle Rock, Van Nuys, and Mar Vista.
What’s Included in a Set of Remodel Permit Drawings Los Angeles Homeowners Need
A complete package typically includes:
- Existing floor plan showing current walls, doors, windows, and fixtures
- Proposed floor plan showing the new layout after the remodel
- Demolition plan, when walls or fixtures are being removed
- Electrical plan, showing outlets, switches, and fixture locations
- Plumbing plan, for kitchen and bathroom remodels involving fixture relocation
- Elevations, when cabinetry, windows, or exterior features change
- General notes and code references required by LADBS reviewers
Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel Plans: A Closer Look
Kitchen and bathroom remodels are two of the most common project types we document in Los Angeles, and each has its own drawing requirements. A kitchen remodel plan generally needs to show cabinet layout, appliance locations, and any changes to plumbing or gas lines. A bathroom remodel plan needs to show fixture placement (toilet, sink, shower or tub), ventilation, and any structural changes if a wall is being moved to enlarge the space.
For example, converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower may seem minor, but it usually requires updated plumbing plans and, depending on the building’s age, an accessibility or waterproofing note referencing current code.
Software Used: CAD vs. Revit
Most professional as-built and remodel drawing sets in Los Angeles are produced in either CAD or Revit. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) produces precise 2D line drawings and is often faster for straightforward remodel projects. Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) platform that creates a 3D model alongside the 2D plans, which is useful for larger remodels involving multiple trades or future renovation phases. Many drafting teams also use 3D laser scanning to capture existing conditions accurately before producing either CAD or Revit deliverables, which reduces field visits and minimizes measurement errors in older homes. Choosing between CAD and Revit often comes down to project complexity, but either method can produce compliant remodel permit drawings Los Angeles plan checkers are able to review without delay.
How Much Do Remodel Permit Drawings Cost in Los Angeles?
Pricing for remodel permit drawings depends on the scope of the project, the size of the space, and whether structural elements are involved. Below is a general cost comparison based on typical residential remodel projects in Los Angeles.
| Project Type | Typical Drawing Scope | Estimated Cost Range | Typical Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single bathroom remodel | Existing + proposed plan, plumbing plan | $450 to $900 | 3 to 5 business days |
| Kitchen remodel (no structural changes) | Existing + proposed plan, electrical and plumbing plans | $700 to $1,400 | 4 to 7 business days |
| Kitchen or living area with wall removal | Full plan set + structural note | $1,200 to $2,500 | 7 to 10 business days |
| Whole-house interior remodel | Complete architectural set, multiple disciplines | $2,500 and up | 10 to 15 business days |
These ranges reflect typical Los Angeles residential projects and can vary based on the age of the property, the availability of original building plans, and whether a licensed architect of record needs to stamp the set. Homes without any existing documentation on file with the city usually require a full as-built survey first, which adds to both cost and timeline.
Submitting Remodel Drawings to LADBS Online
LADBS has expanded its online submittal options in recent years, allowing many remodel permit applications to be processed without an in-person visit to a public counter. Generally, the process looks like this:
- Prepare the drawing set in PDF format, meeting LADBS formatting and scale requirements
- Create or log into an LADBS online services account
- Submit the application along with the drawing set and any required supplemental forms
- Respond to plan check corrections, if requested, through the same online portal
- Receive permit approval and schedule inspections as the remodel progresses
Not every remodel project qualifies for fully online review. Projects involving significant structural work, additions, or certain older properties in Los Angeles may still require in-person or expedited plan check. For the most current submittal requirements, it is worth confirming directly with LADBS before finalizing your drawing set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permit drawings for a bathroom remodel in Los Angeles if I’m not moving any walls?
In many cases, yes. Even a fixture swap or plumbing relocation within an existing bathroom footprint can require permit drawings, since LADBS reviews plumbing and electrical changes regardless of whether walls move.
What is the difference between as-built drawings and remodel permit drawings?
As-built drawings document a space exactly as it currently exists. Remodel permit drawings build on that foundation by adding a proposed plan showing the changes being requested, which is what LADBS actually reviews for approval.
Can I submit remodel permit drawings to LADBS entirely online?
Many straightforward interior remodels can go through LADBS’s online plan check system. Projects with structural scope or unresolved code issues on the property may require additional review steps.
How long does LADBS plan check take for a remodel project?
Turnaround varies by project complexity and current department workload, but straightforward interior remodels in Los Angeles often move through initial review faster than projects involving structural changes or additions.
