Before investing in full architectural plans or pulling permits in Los Angeles, it's critical to make the most of your feasibility period. This is the window—often right after putting a property under contract—when you have time to assess whether your development idea can realistically move forward. The City of Los Angeles offers a wealth of planning and permitting tools that can help you make informed decisions early in the process.

Here’s how to evaluate your project's feasibility using available city resources before committing to full design or engineering.

Understand the LADBS Plan Check and Permit Process

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) provides clear guidelines on when and how to apply for permits. Depending on the complexity of your project, you may qualify for over-the-counter review, or you might need to go through a full plan check process.

Knowing this early helps you estimate both timeline and required documentation. Smaller jobs like interior remodels may be quick, but ground-up construction or large additions often require multiple layers of review.

Check Zoning and Site Constraints

To determine what you’re allowed to build, look up your property's zoning, land use designations, and any overlays such as hillside, coastal, or specific plan zones. Zoning codes will tell you what uses are permitted, how tall you can build, how much parking is required, and more.

This step is essential during your feasibility period, especially if your concept involves rezoning, variances, or discretionary entitlements.

Estimate Permit Fees and Timeline

Development costs in Los Angeles vary depending on square footage, building use, and review complexity. Estimating fees upfront helps you avoid surprises. Fee schedules are typically based on valuation or occupancy type.

Also, different departments may need to approve your project—like Planning, Public Works, or Fire—which can affect your permitting timeline. Understanding the review sequence is critical during early planning.

Determine the Appropriate Plan Check Type

LADBS uses different plan check types depending on the scope of work. These include:

• Express Permit (no plan check, over-the-counter)

• Regular Plan Check (for most new construction and additions)

• Parallel Design Permitting (for larger projects needing zoning and building review concurrently)

• Green Building or Energy Plan Check (for environmentally regulated projects)

Identifying which type applies to your development helps you prepare the right documents during feasibility.

Schedule a Consultation for Early Feedback

If you’re unsure about your project's code compliance or permit path, LADBS offers consultation services. These meetings can help confirm whether your proposal fits city regulations and whether additional approvals—such as zone variances or CEQA review—may be triggered.

Many developers schedule consultations during the feasibility period to reduce risk before entering full design.

Review Clearance and Inspection Requirements

In addition to getting a permit, your project may require clearances from other departments and multiple inspections at different phases of construction. Some clearances must be secured before permit issuance, while others are needed before final sign-off.

Knowing what inspections or special agency sign-offs are required helps you budget time and resources effectively.

Summary: Make the Most of Your Feasibility Period

Here’s a development feasibility checklist for projects in Los Angeles:

• Research zoning, overlays, and environmental constraints

• Determine if your use is permitted by right or requires discretionary review

• Estimate plan check and permit fees

• Identify which departments need to approve your project

• Choose the appropriate permit or plan check path

• Book a consultation if necessary to reduce uncertainty

Ready to Evaluate Your Site?

If you're in escrow or exploring a site for potential development, preparing a preliminary site plan and reviewing feasibility requirements is the best first move. You can use this early assessment to make a go/no-go decision—and avoid spending thousands on design work that may not get approved.

We offer services to help you evaluate zoning, permitting paths, and city requirements based on your property. Let us help you make the most of your feasibility window and plan with confidence.