Permits are usually the part of a project homeowners underestimate. Construction can't start until the city approves the plans, and the time that takes depends on the kind of project and the city you're in. Here are the realistic ranges we plan around in Los Angeles.
Design and permit timelines by project type
| Project | Design + permits | Construction | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | 4–8 weeks | 6–12 weeks | 3–5 months |
| Whole-home remodel | 2–4 months | 3–6 months | 6–10 months |
| Garage conversion | 2–4 months | 3–5 months | about 5–9 months |
| ADU | 3–5 months | 4–7 months | 8–12 months |
| Home addition | 3–6 months | 4–6 months (first floor), 6–9 months (second story) | 9–15 months |
| Custom home | about 6–8 months (feasibility 1–2, design 3, permits 2–3) | 3–5 months | 10–12 months |
These ranges come from our own LA projects. Your city and the complexity of the plans can push a project to either end.
Why permit times vary
- The city. LA City’s LADBS (Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety), Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena and other cities each have their own building departments, rules and backlogs.
- Plan check corrections. The city reviews your plans and almost always sends back corrections. How fast and how well those are answered matters a lot.
- Extra reviews. Hillside lots, coastal zones, historic overlays and HOAs can add review steps.
- Engineering. Structural work (removing walls, second stories, hillside foundations) needs engineered plans, which take time to prepare.
- Title 24 (California's energy code). It requires energy calculations for most projects.
What we do to keep permits moving
We prepare the plan set, submit it, answer plan-check corrections, handle counter visits and schedule inspections. You get status updates along the way. City and school fees are billed at cost.
Tips to avoid permit delays
- Check feasibility first. Before paying for full design, confirm setbacks, height limits, soil and foundation capacity.
- Lock in decisions early. Changing the design after submission restarts parts of the review.
- Use a contractor who knows your city. Each building department works a little differently.
Common questions
How long does an ADU permit take in LA?
We plan around 3–5 months for ADU design and permits combined, not permits alone. Your city, plan-check corrections and the complexity of the plans can affect that timeline.
Can I start construction before permits are approved?
Construction can't start until the city approves the plans and required permits are approved.
Who handles plan check corrections?
WOW prepares and submits the plan set, answers plan-check corrections, handles counter visits and schedules inspections. You get status updates along the way.
Planning a project? Call WOW Construction Group at (888) 486-2182 for a free estimate and a realistic timeline for your address. Building in Los Angeles since 2014. CSLB (Contractors State License Board) #1074656.
