Roof replacement in the City of Los Angeles
LADBS issued 13,428 permits for re-roofs over the last 12 months; the median declared permit value on one or two family homes was $5,200.
Los Angeles at a glance
- Re-roof permits issued, all property types, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
- 13,428 permits
- Share of re-roof permits on one or two family dwellings, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
- 82.5%
- Median declared permit valuation, one or two family re-roof permits, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
- $5,200
LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org) · data as of
- Numbers from LADBS public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
A useful first step
Before you start in Los Angeles
Confirm whether your scope needs plan check or an express permit.
What to prepare
LADBS offers express permits for some simpler work. Larger or more complex changes can require plan review. Describe the actual work, including structural, electrical and plumbing changes, when asking the department which route applies.
LADBS contractor guide · Checked
What do permits say a re-roof costs?
From City of LA building permits, last 12 months. Not a contract price. How we calculate this
Declared values on City of Los Angeles building permits, last 12 months. A declared value is what the permit states, not your contract price. How we calculate this.
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), permits on one- and two-family homes issued to ; fire rebuilds excluded. ZIP medians need 20+ permits.
City of Los Angeles re-roof permit figures
City of Los Angeles re-roof permit figures
Local numbers for Los Angeles, each with its source and date.
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 8,859 |
| 2021 | 8,992 |
| 2022 | 10,339 |
| 2023 | 14,486 |
| 2024 | 14,253 |
| 2025 | 11,931 |
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), full calendar years, fire rebuilds excluded, data as of .
Declared permit value for re-roof projects in the City of Los Angeles
| Project | Figure | Range on a shared scale |
|---|---|---|
| Median declared permit valuation, re-roof permits on one or two family homes, last 12 monthsA declared value on a building permit, not the full project cost. Design, materials, finishes and work not on the permit add to the real cost. | $5,200 |
Bars share one scale, from $0 to $5,200.
This is the median declared value on City of Los Angeles building permits for re-roof work on one or two family homes over the last 12 months. It is what the applicant declared to the city, not a contract price, and it is usually below the real project cost. Get an estimate for your home to know your cost.
The typical path for a roof replacement
The typical path for a roof replacement
Inspect the roof and decide
Look at the roof's age, leaks, sagging or damage. Decide with a builder whether repair or full replacement fits your home.
Choose the roofing material
Compare shingle, tile, metal and flat roofing options. Consider slope, climate, the look you want and your budget.
Confirm the permit with the city
Ask the builder whether your project needs a City of Los Angeles permit for a re-roof and what the permit application will include. Confirm the rules with the builder or the city.
Tear off and repair the deck
Remove the old roofing and check the roof deck. Repair any damaged decking before new underlayment and roofing go on.
Install underlayment and new roofing
Install the new underlayment and roofing material as planned. The city may inspect key stages of the work.
Final inspection and sign-off
Schedule any required inspection and get the final sign-off from the city, if your permit requires it.
Roof replacement questions for Los Angeles homeowners
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in the City of Los Angeles?
Many re-roof projects in the City of Los Angeles need a building permit, but whether yours does depends on the home and the work. Confirm the permit requirement with the builder or the city before work starts.
How many re-roof permits does the city issue?
The City of Los Angeles issued 13,428 re-roof permits over the last 12 months, for all property types, with fire rebuilds excluded. Of those, 82.5% were on one or two family dwellings. These are permit counts, not a measure of how many roofs were replaced.
What does the permit valuation tell me about cost?
The median declared valuation was $5,200 for one or two family homes over the last 12 months. That is the value the applicant declared to the city. It is usually below the real project cost, so an estimate for your home is the way to know what you will pay.
Should I repair or replace my roof?
It depends on the roof's age, active leaks, and the condition of the roof deck. A builder can inspect the roof and explain whether repair or replacement makes sense for your home.
How do I choose a roofing material?
Common choices include asphalt shingle, tile, metal and flat roofing systems. The right choice depends on roof slope, climate exposure, the structure of your home, appearance and budget. Ask the builder to compare options for your roof.
How do I start?
Send a request for an estimate. One local builder receives it and can contact you about your roof. You can also check any contractor's license status with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Whole-home remodel, exterior 
New home, exterior
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