Step 5: Construct and Inspect

With your contractors hired and building permits issued, you are ready to start construction on your property. As construction proceeds, it is very important to keep in contact with LA County to request periodic inspections as the work progresses.

Construction Hours: LA County Code (Title 12, Chapter 12.08) sets the permitted hours of construction.

Prohibited Hours for Building Construction Noise:

• • • Monday – Saturday: 8:00 PM – 7:00 AM
    • Sunday: All day

Work within Roadways must be performed only during weekdays from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (excluding holidays), unless otherwise specified by the permit.

Valley Fever, also known as Coccidioidomycosis or “Cocci,” is an illness caused by breathing in a fungus that can be found in soil and dirt in some part of Los Angeles County. When soil containing the fungus is disturbed, it causes the fungus to become airborne. People who live, work, or travel in areas where dirt and soil is sent into the air, like construction, farming and military have higher risk. See the below resources to learn more about Valley Fever and how you can protect yourself:

• Valley Fever Management Plan
• At Risk Groups
• FAQ English
• FAQ Spanish
• First Responders

A very important component of ensuring that your project meets building code and other requirements is to make sure that periodic inspections by LA County are performed throughout the construction of the project. At the start of the project, the permit will outline the construction steps that require inspection. To help the work proceed correctly, additional inspections will also be made as necessary.

Inspections shall be requested through EpicLA by logging into your Epic-LA account, select the permit associated with the permitted work. The inspector will confirm the inspection the following business day and provide a time of inspection. Periodic inspections shall be linked to the job card for reference.

OWTS Inspections by Public Health

Inspections are required by Public Health for the construction or repair of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems. These include a setback evaluation during the review of the initial site plan, a leak test for non-conventional Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems and a final field inspection for any new construction or repair.

LA County Fire Department Inspections

Contact your local fire prevention office to request an inspection.

To help streamline the rebuild process, for qualifying inspections, permit holders can schedule virtual inspections using a smartphone or tablet. Inspections can be done through live stream, picture, video, or any combination, eliminating the need for an inspector to meet with the applicant on site.

Please note: A virtual inspection is not guaranteed. Inspectors may require an in-person inspection for any portion or phase of a project at their discretion.

Virtual inspections make the process faster and easier by reducing wait times, allowing for quick re-inspections for minor corrections, being less disruptive on homeowners, and cutting down on traffic and pollution, leading to safer and healthier communities.

To request a virtual inspection, log into your EPIC-LA account and request an inspection in accordance with permit instructions.

Learn more about virtual inspections: Remote Virtual Inspection General Guide for Homeowners and Contractors.

What inspections qualify for virtual inspections?

The following inspections quality for a virtual inspection:

• Smoke/CO Detectors
• Residential Photovoltaic Systems/Battery (ESS)
• Water Heater (Storage tank and Tankless)
• Electrical Panel
• HVAC Replacements
• Temporary Power Pole
• Patio cover/Deck
• Demolitions and Sewer Caps
• Reroofing
• Window/Door Replacements
• Insulation
• Shower lath/backerboard
• Sign
• Drywall
• Exterior Lath
• Shower Pan
• Slab Rebar
• Floor/Roof Sheathing

Detailed virtual inspection procedures are provided for the most common inspections. For other types of inspections, please contact your local One-Stop Permit Center for step-by-step details.

• Re-Roofs
• Water Heaters
• Photovoltaic Systems
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Learn more about general guidelines for smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installation requirements.

Get Ready for Your Virtual Inspection

After you’ve scheduled your virtual inspection through EPIC-LA, you’ll prepare for the inspection.

The “host” should be familiar with the project that is being inspected. In most cases, this person is the contractor or the permittee/owner-builder.

The live stream video inspection can be done through FaceTime, Zoom, or another LA County-approved application. The video should start at the street that clearly shows the address and front of the property.

After the virtual inspection, results will be delivered through email.

Before your virtual inspection, make sure you have the following ready:

• Internet Connection
• Smart Phone, iPad or Laptop with webcam capabilities
• Flashlight
• Level
• Tape Measure or any other tool to facilitate the inspection