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1. Is it possible to legalize a structure already built without the proper procedure?

a. In about 90% of the cases, it is possible to legalize a structure already built without its corresponding paperwork. However, it might be necessary to make minor structural changes in order to comply with the current building code.

 

2. How much will I have to pay for permit fees?

a. Each city has its own fees, which vary depending on the size of the project. Most of these fees are divided as follow:

i. Plan check fee: this amount is paid in order to have a city engineer review the plans.
ii. Permit fee:this amount is paid in order for the construction permit to be issued, after approval of plans.
iii.In cases when the project is bigger than 500 square feet, an additional fee is required, this fee is called “School Fee” and it also varies depending of the school district your parcel belongs to.

 

1. Is there a fee for processing the building permit for the client?

a. Not necessarily, if the project develops within the city of Los Angeles, our office could process the building permit at no additional price. Nonetheless, if the project develops outside the city of Los Angeles or within the county of Los Angeles or any other county, an additional fee will be charged or the client could complete the process on his/her own convenience.

 

2. Can I build a second unit in my lot?

a. Before this question can be answered, we will need to know the zoning assigned to your parcel. Then we will analyze the existing structure(s) to see if it is possible to build a second unit. For example, the minimum square footage required for a single-residence parcel (R1) to have a second unit is 7,500 and there must be a passageway no less than 10 ft. wide so that a second unit could be accessed and there must be sufficient space designated for parking only. Nonetheless, each zoning is different and so are their restrictions.

 

3. Are the cities where having a building permit issued is more difficult?

a. Some cities have a committee in charge of reviewing specific designs. When this is the case, the process is longer because before any structural calculation can be made, we must first have a design approved with no conditions. This review if often conducted once a month, therefore, if there are changes to make, we will have to wait for the next review meeting to be conducted until final approval is achieved.

 

4. How much money do I need for my project to be constructed?

a. We do not know the construction prices, however, most of the licensed constructors we work with, charge between $80 and $120 per square foot.

 

5. I had an emergency and do not have the money to pay for the permit fees, what can I do?

a. After approval of plans, most city halls will give a three months extension called “Ready To Issue” (RTI) to pay for such fee with no additional charges.

 

6. Do I need to start construction right after the permit is issued?

a. No. There is a period of 180 days after the issuance of any building permit in which you are not required to perform any construction work. Again, each city follows different standards; there are cities where this lapse varies. However, if after that time you are not ready to start, it is possible to request another extension.

 

7. What do I do if I can’t finalize the project or I want to modify the design after been started on site?

a. We can redesign the project at a minor fee. However, there will also be a fee from the corresponding department of Building and Safety in order to process any change in a project already approved.