Pre-Submission Review · Free

New Construction Plan Check

Los Angeles, California

New construction gets the most rigorous plan check review in California. Every dimension — setbacks, height, lot coverage, FAR, and parking — is verified against the municipal code. First-time submittals that pass without corrections are rare, but catching violations before you submit can save 4–8 weeks of back-and-forth with the building department.

  • Verify setbacks for front, side, and rear property lines by zone
  • Check lot coverage and FAR against your city's limits
  • Confirm height measurement method (average grade vs. lowest point)
  • Calculate required parking spaces including accessible stalls

Project Location

Building Dimensions

Setbacks

Coverage & Parking

Additional Notes

New Construction in Los Angeles: What You Need to Know

New construction in Los Angeles goes through the most rigorous plan check process. Every dimension is verified against the municipal code — setbacks, height, lot coverage, FAR, parking, and structural requirements. First-time submittals that pass without corrections are rare, but catching issues upfront can save 4–8 weeks of back-and-forth.

The most common plan check flags for new construction in California cities:

  • Height measurement method — Los Angeles may measure height from average grade, lowest grade, or midpoint of the roof slope. Using the wrong reference point is one of the most common errors.
  • FAR (Floor Area Ratio) overages — New builds often maximize square footage. Even a small miscalculation in what counts toward FAR (garages, covered porches, stairways) can push you over the limit.
  • Lot coverage calculation — Covered patios, carports, and accessory structures may count toward lot coverage depending on the zone. Confirm what's included before finalizing your footprint.
  • Setback encroachments — Architectural features like eaves, chimneys, and bay windows may project into setback areas. Each city has specific allowances (typically 2–3 feet for eaves).
  • Parking layout — Stall dimensions, drive aisle widths, and accessible parking ratios must meet Los Angeles's standards. Tandem parking may or may not be allowed depending on your zone.

Running a pre-submission check catches these issues before they become correction letters. Enter your project dimensions above and we'll compare them against Los Angeles's building codes.

How Plan Check Works in Los Angeles

01

Enter your project details

Fill in the form above with your lot size, setbacks, building height, and other dimensions — the same numbers on your architectural plans.

02

We check against Los Angeles codes

Your project is compared against Los Angeles's specific zoning requirements — setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, parking ratios, and FAR limits for your zone.

03

Get a prioritized report

Critical violations, warnings, and advisory items — ranked by what a Los Angeles plan checker will flag first. Fix issues before you submit and save weeks of correction cycles.

Los Angeles Zone Requirements

Zone Front Side Rear Height Coverage
R1 — One-Family Zone 15' 5' 15' 33' 45%
R2 — Two-Family Zone 15' 5' 15' 33' 50%
R3 — Multiple Dwelling Zone 15' 5' 15' 45' 50%
RD1.5 — Restricted Density 15' 5' 15' 33' 50%

Frequently Asked Questions

What setbacks does Los Angeles require for new construction projects? +

Los Angeles requires a 15' front setback, 5' side setback, and 15' rear setback in the most common residential zone. Specific requirements vary by zone — enter your zone code above for exact numbers.

How long does Los Angeles plan review take? +

Initial plan review in Los Angeles typically takes 4-8 weeks. If corrections are required, each resubmission adds another 2-4 weeks. Running a pre-check before submitting can eliminate the most common correction items and save one or more review cycles.

What is the maximum building height in Los Angeles? +

The most common residential zone in Los Angeles allows a maximum height of 33 feet. Height measurement methods vary — some cities measure to the highest ridge, others to the midpoint of the roof. Check the specific zone requirements for your property.

Is this plan check tool free? +

Yes. Create a free account to run unlimited plan checks against Los Angeles's building codes. The tool checks setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, parking requirements, and flags common issues that Los Angeles plan reviewers look for.

What are the most common new construction plan check corrections in Los Angeles? +

The most frequently flagged items in Los Angeles include: Setback encroachments (eaves, steps, bay windows); Height measured incorrectly — must be from grade to highest ridge; Lot coverage calculation missing covered patios and accessory structures. Our tool checks for all of these automatically.

Los Angeles — Other Project Types