Who issues plumbing permits
In the City of Los Angeles, plumbing permits come from the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Neighborhoods like North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks and Northridge are part of the City of Los Angeles. Separate cities like Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena have their own building departments with similar rules.
Jobs that usually need a permit
- Replacing a water heater.
- Repiping or replacing water lines.
- Replacing or repairing a sewer line.
- Adding or moving gas lines, or installing an earthquake gas shutoff valve.
- Adding new fixtures or bathrooms, or moving drains.
- Replacing the main water line.
Jobs that usually don’t
- Fixing a leak at a fitting or valve.
- Clearing a clog or cleaning a drain.
- Replacing a faucet or toilet in the same spot.
- Replacing parts like flappers, fill valves and cartridges.
How the inspection works
After the work, a city inspector checks it before it’s covered up or put into use. For a water heater, that includes the earthquake straps, venting, gas connection and relief valve. For new pipes, it usually includes a pressure test.
Why permits matter
- Inspections catch safety problems, especially with gas and venting.
- Unpermitted work can cause trouble when you sell your home.
- Insurance companies may question claims tied to unpermitted work.
Our approach
We’ll tell you up front if your job needs a permit and what it involves. If you’re not sure, ask before the work starts. It’s much easier than fixing a permit problem later.