Building Plan Self-Certification Pilot Program
As part of our effort to simplify and speed up the rebuilding process, LA County is considering innovative new methods to help us move beyond traditional permitting systems. LA County has just launched its Building Plan Self-Certification Program – a pilot program to help streamline plan review and speed up the rebuild process for homes in unincorporated LA County that were damaged or destroyed in the Eaton and Palisades Fires.
How It Works
Under the Program, California licensed architects and engineers who register for the program will be able to self-certify that their building plans comply with the Los Angeles County Building Code, eliminating the need for a full building plan check review. Approval from other LA County Departments such as Regional Planning, Public Health, and Fire will continue to be required prior to a building permit being issued.
Qualifications for Self-Certification: Professionals
To be eligible, a professional must meet all of the following requirements:
- Must be a California-licensed architect or engineer in good standing.
- Must have been responsible for ensuring Code compliance in Los Angeles County for a minimum of three (3) years.
- Must possess professional liability errors and omissions insurance, issued by an insurer authorized to perform business in California, with limits not less than $500,000 per claim and $1,000,000 in aggregated for all claims during the policy period.
Professionals who meet all of these requirements can self-certify by completing and submitting a Self-Certification Registration Form, along with a copy of their Professional Architect/Engineer License. LA County will review each registration and place all approved professionals on the Self-Certified Building Plan Professionals list, which will be available on this webpage in the coming weeks.
Eligible Projects
Projects that are self-certified must be the replacement of a single-family home, garage, or accessory dwelling unit lost or damaged by the Eaton or Palisades Fires and be located in unincorporated LA County under Public Works’ jurisdiction. The projects cannot be located within a Geologically Sensitive Area such as hillsides and areas subject to liquefaction or land movement, and must use Los Angeles County approved design, materials and methods.
Prepare and Submit Documents
Licensed professionals and homeowners must both sign and submit a Self-Certification Acknowledgement Form for each project, at the time of each plan submittal. The acknowledgement for is required to ensure that the licensed professional understands their professional, legal, and financial responsibility in the self-certification process and that the owner understands and acknowledges that their project is being submitted for self-certification.
Self-certified projects will still require the applicant to submit complete, stamped and signed plans including architectural plans, energy documents and structural calculations. Similarly, self-certified projects will require a permit application and payment of permit fees before construction may begin. Projects can be submitted through EPIC-LA or in person at the Altadena and Calabasas One-Stop Permit Centers.
How does the county ensure code compliance?
Professionals will take responsibility and liability for the accuracy of the plans they have prepared and are responsible for errors, omissions and any associated schedule delays or cost overruns. To ensure compliance and safety, LA County will be conducting random audits of at least 20% of all self-certified plans submitted. Projects will be fully inspected by LA County at all stages of construction.
Self-Certified Building Plan Professionals List
Prepare and Submit Documents
Licensed professionals and homeowners must both sign and submit a Self-Certification Acknowledgement Form for each project, at the time of each plan submittal. The acknowledgement for is required to ensure that the licensed professional understands their professional, legal, and financial responsibility in the self-certification process and that the owner understands and acknowledges that their project is being submitted for self-certification.
Self-certified projects will still require the applicant to submit complete, stamped and signed plans including architectural plans, energy documents and structural calculations. Similarly, self-certified projects will require a permit application and payment of permit fees before construction may begin. Projects can be submitted through EPIC-LA or in person at the Altadena and Calabasas One-Stop Permit Centers.
How does the county ensure code compliance?
Professionals will take responsibility and liability for the accuracy of the plans they have prepared and are responsible for errors, omissions and any associated schedule delays or cost overruns. To ensure compliance and safety, LA County will be conducting random audits of at least 20% of all self-certified plans submitted. Projects will be fully inspected by LA County at all stages of construction.