Electronic Plan Check FAQS
LA County Building and Safety electronic plan check FAQs
What is electronic plan check?
Instead of reviewing and approving construction documents on paper, Building and Safety accepts online submittal of plans and calculations in PDF format. The review and approval process takes place digitally, and PDF files are electronically transferred between parties using the internet.
What file types can I submit?
Multi-page PDF files are the only file type accepted. PDFs can be produced by most CAD programs and scanning software. Hand-drawn plans can be scanned into PDF files at many copy stores for a small fee.
Where do I submit plans?
To register, log in, submit new plans or download corrected documents, visit the LA County Building and Safety Online Plan Check portal.
Will I need to purchase any new software?
Any PDF viewer, including the free Adobe Reader, can be used to view review comments made by Building and Safety plan check engineers. Application and submittal processes are web based and are intended to work with major internet browsers.
Will my plan check time be expedited?
Electronic plan check submittals enter the same plan check backlog as paper-based submittals. However, applicants may save travel time and can download corrected or approved documents online.
How will I be notified of status changes?
After you register and submit a project, you will receive emails notifying you of status changes.
What other agencies will use electronic plan check?
Building and Safety is leading implementation of electronic plan check. Other departmental agencies may use the same system in the future. In the short term, some agencies may continue with paper-based reviews.
Will I need to print any plans?
After your digital plans are approved, you will need to print one color set of plans to keep at the construction site. Contractors and inspectors will use this jobsite set of plans.
Will I ever need to come to the district office?
The electronic plan check system may not accept fees online or provide signed permits, so you may need to visit the district office when instructed by email.
Where can I find more information?
Detailed instructions for submitting plans, downloading documents and checking status are available on the LA County Building and Safety Division website.
For additional assistance or information, contact the building plan check engineer at your local LA County Building and Safety district office.