Permits in Los Angeles, CA

Six common home projects, checked for Los Angeles, Los Angeles County. Pick a project below for a full result with sources and a checklist.

Choose a project

Shed

Detached or attached storage, garden, or workshop sheds.

General pattern — verify locally

Fence

New fences and fence replacements in front, side, or back yards.

General pattern — verify locally

Deck

New decks, deck replacements, and deck additions attached to or detached from the house.

General pattern — verify locally

Retaining wall

New or replacement retaining walls supporting soil, slopes, or driveways.

General pattern — verify locally

Water heater replacement

Replacing or relocating a gas, electric, heat pump, or tankless water heater.

General pattern — verify locally

EV charger installation

Level 1 and Level 2 electric vehicle charging equipment for a home garage or driveway.

General pattern — verify locally

What we know about Los Angeles

Shed: California cities generally work from the California Residential Code, a state-amended version of the IRC, so the accessory-structure exemption size can differ from the 120 sq ft pattern used elsewhere.

EV charger installation: California's statewide energy code (Title 24) has pushed EV-ready circuits into many newer LA homes, which can simplify a Level 2 install — but the circuit still needs to be confirmed as permitted for this specific use.

While you are planning work in Los Angeles, you may also want what common household appliances cost to run in California, how to dispose of old paint, batteries, and other household hazardous waste, and smoke alarm placement and the 10-year expiration rule.