Room Additions in Los Angeles
Room additions in the City of Los Angeles
LADBS issued 1,634 permits for room additions in the last 12 months; for one- and two-family homes, the median time from submission to issue was 105 days.
Los Angeles at a glance
- Room addition permits issued in the City of Los Angeles, last 12 months, all property types
- 1,634 permits
- Share of those permits on one- and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
- 99.9%
- Median declared permit valuation, one- and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months
- $75,000
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 room addition 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 room addition permit data
City of Los Angeles room addition permit data
Local numbers for Los Angeles, each with its source and date.
- Median days from submission to issue, one- and two-family homes, City of Los Angeles, last 12 months1
- 105 days
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,632 |
| 2021 | 2,095 |
| 2022 | 2,432 |
| 2023 | 1,995 |
| 2024 | 2,010 |
| 2025 | 1,897 |
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 valuation, City of Los Angeles
| Project | Figure | Range on a shared scale |
|---|---|---|
| Median declared permit valuation, room additions on one- and two-family homes, City of Los AngelesA declared value on the building permit, not the full project cost. Design, materials, finishes and work not on the permit add to the real cost. | $75,000 |
Bars share one scale, from $0 to $75,000.
This is the median declared permit valuation on City of Los Angeles building permits for one- and two-family homes over the last 12 months. It is the value 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 number.
The typical path for a room addition
The typical path for a room addition
Check what your lot allows
Setbacks, height limits and lot coverage control how large an addition can be. Confirm the rules for your lot with the builder or the city before you design.
Design and engineering
Plans are drawn and structural details are engineered for the new space. Expect the design to change as you compare options.
Plan check and permit with LADBS
The City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety reviews the plans before a permit is issued. Confirm current requirements with the builder or the city.
Foundation and framing inspections
Inspectors check the foundation and framing before work is covered up.
Roofing, mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-in
Roofing, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work is installed and inspected while the walls are still open.
Finishes
Drywall, flooring, paint, doors and fixtures complete the room.
Final inspection
The city inspects the finished addition. Ask the builder what paperwork you will receive at the end.
Room addition questions
Do I need a permit for a room addition in the City of Los Angeles?
Most room additions need a building permit from LADBS. Whether yours does depends on the home and the work, so confirm with the builder or the city before you start.
How long do room addition permits take?
For one- and two-family homes in the City of Los Angeles, the median time from submission to issue was 105 days over the last 12 months. Your timeline depends on your plans and the city's review.
What does the permit valuation tell me about cost?
The median declared permit valuation was $75,000 over the last 12 months. It is the value the applicant declared to the city, not a contract price, and it is usually below the real project cost.
Can I add a second story?
It depends on your lot, height limits, existing structure and the city's review. Ask a local builder to check what your home can support.
What is the difference between a room addition and an ADU?
A room addition enlarges the main house. An ADU is a separate home unit on the lot. The permit counts on this page exclude ADUs.
How do I start?
Check your lot rules, then request a free, no-obligation estimate from a local builder. You can also check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board).
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 
Kitchen, whole-home remodel 
Addition / ADU interior 
Addition / ADU interior 
Whole-home remodel 
Whole-home remodel
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