Building Permits (File Photo – lacounty.gov)
On Tuesday, May 20, Los Angeles County launched a Building Plan Self-Certification Pilot Program, allowing licensed California architects and engineers to self-certify that their building plans comply with the County’s Building Code—eliminating the need for a full plan check review.
By News Desk
The program is designed to streamline plan approvals and help affected residents in unincorporated areas rebuild homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and related structures more quickly.
“This pilot program is a significant step toward helping impacted residents move forward with the rebuilding process,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “By allowing qualified professionals to self-certify their plans, we are expediting approvals while maintaining high standards for safety and code compliance.”
To participate, professionals must register at recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/self-certification. In the coming weeks, a public list of registered architects and engineers will be available on the same website. Only those who have registered in advance will be authorized to self-certify plans.
“With the launch of the Self-Certification Program, Los Angeles County is fast-tracking the permitting process to support our fire-affected communities as they rebuild,” added Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “This is a moment to reshape government so that it works better for our community members who have already been through so much.”
Ensuring oversight
To ensure oversight, at least 20% of all self-certified plans will undergo random audits. Projects must still receive required approvals from other County departments, including Regional Planning, Public Health, and Fire, before a building permit can be issued.
L.A. County Public Works will continue offering traditional plan checks and additional rebuilding resources, such as preapproved standard plans.
For more information, eligibility requirements, or to find a registered professional, visit recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/self-certification.
In theory, this seems like a positive, however if your architect doesn’t want to take on the liability, it won’t work. In efforts to appease the Board of Supervisors’ expedited process, Building and Safety is funneling their responsibilities into the self-certified program. Meanwhile, word on the street is, that Building and Safety is not approving plans or providing corrections and are not issuing permits. They say it’s a two week turn around-but doesn’t seem like it.