Los Angeles is currently under-producing housing by approximately 30,000 units per year compared to RHNA mandates. To understand why, we must look at the mechanics of the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and City Planning.
The 14-Department Gauntlet
A standard 50-unit Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) project doesn't just go through Planning. It requires sign-offs from up to 14 distinct entities:
- LADBS (Zoning, Structural, Grading, Mechanical, Electrical)
- City Planning (Entitlements, Conditions of Approval)
- Bureau of Engineering (Street dedications, B-Permits)
- Los Angeles Fire Department (Hydrants, turning radii)
- Urban Forestry (Street trees)
- Bureau of Sanitation (LID, sewer capacity)
- Housing Department (Covenant recordings for affordable units)
Permit Hold Cost Calculator
Calculate the carrying costs incurred during permit delays based on land acquisition price and interest rates.
Clearance Sequencing
The primary driver of delay is not any single department, but the sequential nature of clearances. For example, LADBS will not issue a building permit until BOE clears the B-Permit for street improvements. BOE will not clear the B-Permit until Urban Forestry approves the street tree removals. Urban Forestry will not approve removals without a Board of Public Works hearing.
This creates a critical path where a single absent staff member in a minor department can halt a $20M project for weeks.