CODE ENFORCEMENT

Code Enforcement is directed at violations of the County of Los Angeles Building Codes on private property. Enforcement cases are initiated with an administrative action and may continue through either criminal or civil prosecution. The following are typical types of cases:

• Unsafe Buildings: Buildings or structures which are structurally unsafe, or which constitute an immediate hazard to health, safety, or public welfare.
• Un-Permitted Work: Includes all buildings and structures constructed, altered or demolished (including the installation of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing) and grading performed without the required permits and approvals, or any unfinished work for which a permit has expired.
• Non-Inspected Work: Work for which a permit was first obtained, but which has progressed beyond a phase of construction without obtaining the required inspections and approvals of the Building Official.

The procedure for correcting unpermitted construction can vary due to the complexity of the project and the ability of an inspector to verify that the unpermitted work complies with the current Building Code. Permits may be required to correct, remove or demolish unpermitted construction. Contact the local Building and Safety District Office where the staff will provide you with the following information:

• Work Exempted from a Permit: There are sections in each of the building codes that list work that is exempt from a permit. Note: Exemption from a permit does not authorization work to be done in violation of the Code or other laws or ordinances.
• Permit Record: The local Building and Safety District Office maintains the historical permit record and copies can be obtained for a nominal fee. Additionally, you may be directed to the Office of the Assessor, to obtain the “Field Notes” to assist in creating a complete property profile.
• Pre-Code construction:The building codes were first adopted in March 1933, consequently, any building or structure constructed pre-1933 will not have any permit history.  Records of pre-code buildings are recorded in the “Field Notes” at the Office of the Assessor .
• Code requirements: Because the work was originally performed without the proper permit(s), it must now meet the requirements of the current code(s).
• Corrective Actions: This could involve retrofitting the foundation and framing, removal of wall and ceiling coverings, structural observation by a licensed engineer, electrical, plumbing or mechanical system testing, and excavation of buried wiring and plumbing. Many times, demolition or removal of the code violation is the most cost-efficient solution to unpermitted construction.
• Plan Check: An application for a permit for many construction projects requires the submittal of plans, specifications, and supporting documents and payment of fees. A plan check engineer will review the plans, specifications, and supporting documents for compliance with current building codes prior to the issuance of a permit.
• Permit: When a permit application is completed, and the plan check review is either approved or is not required, then a permit can be issued.  Permit issuance is dependent upon the approval of other required agencies that may be triggered based on the scope of work. The permit can only be issued to a contractor with the appropriate license(s) required by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), to the property owner in certain cases, or to an agent representing one of these two permittees. A permit fee is collected, and the permittee is given the proper permit documents to start construction.
• Inspection: Once a permit is issued, an inspection record card is provided to the permittee to post at the jobsite. When the permitted work reaches a certain phase of construction the permit holder is required to call the Building and Safety District Office that issued the permit to schedule an inspection. An inspector will review the work for compliance with the requirements of the code(s), the approved plan, and that the work matches the permit(s) scope of work.

The building codes were first adopted in March 1933, consequently, any building or structure constructed pre-1933 will not have any permit history. The legal occupancy or use of any building existing before the adoption of the Building Code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in the Building Code, the Fire Code, or as is deemed necessary by the Building Official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.

• Report a Concern
• 211: A Countywide hotline answered 24 hours a day.
• Contact the County agency
• Contact the local Building and Safety District Office