Permit timing visualization. Source: LADBS new build permits with complete data issued January 1, 2025 through May 10, 2026 and submitted after January 1, 2022. Samples shown: Single-Family n=359, ADU n=1,266, Rebuild n=659. Key medians: single-family homes issued at 297 days, accessory dwelling units at 193 days, and fire rebuilds at 87 days. The 297-day clock breaks down into Corrections by day 23, Resubmitted by day 40, Approved by day 247, and Issued by day 297. Clearance medians are counted from Corrections to first clearance cleared; common examples include engineering process fee 26 days, roof and waste drainage 83 days, sewer availability 28 days, hydrant and access approval 77 days, Low Impact Development 62 days, and Construction near power lines 130 days. Submission rounds show three submissions as typical, and 22% required five or more rounds. The project destination is /sandbox.
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TurboPermit analyzed thousands of City of Los Angeles permits to uncover actionable insights to streamline the process for residential builders. We’re sharing some of these insights because it’s surprisingly difficult to get a clear answer to the question: “How long does a housing permit actually take?”
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Typical Palisades rebuild permits have been issued in under 100 days, while ADUs have been taking close to 200 days and new single-family homes around 300 days. Almost half of all single-family projects took longer than one year.
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1 in 4 single-family projects took over two years. This chart shows the variation by showing how quickly the fastest and slowest 25% of each project type moved through the process.
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The plan is reviewed and the 1st round of corrections and project clearances are provided. Once the corrections are reflected in the building plan it can be resubmitted. 0% of projects analyzed were approved upon the first submission.
ClearancesRequested across 13 departments with unique processes that have their own timeline.
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Once no further building plan corrections are outstanding and all clearances have been obtained, permits are approved. A final issuance process kicks off where final fees are collected. After a permit is issued builders can finally put a shovel in the ground.
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TurboPermit helps builders get housing permits 50% faster. We’re continuously working to drive that time down even further. Our platform, accessed from a phone or desktop, can run AI Plan PreChecks to reduce correction rounds, review auto-completed No Net Loss Forms, and guide you through your project’s process.
