Navigating LA County’s 2024 Roofing Permit Changes: Your Complete Guide to Compliance and Application Success
As 2024 brings updated building requirements and streamlined processes to Los Angeles County, homeowners and contractors need to understand the evolving landscape of roofing permits. Whether you’re planning a simple repair or a complete roof replacement, staying compliant with LA County’s permit requirements protects your investment and ensures your project meets current safety standards.
Understanding When You Need a Roofing Permit in LA County
A building permit is required to alter or repair your dwelling. In LA County, most roofing projects require permits, but the specific requirements depend on the scope of work and your property’s location. The County requires property owners to obtain permits for construction, remodeling, demolition, relocation or removal of any commercial or residential building or structure.
However, there are limited exemptions. Any minor repairs to roof that does not cover more than 10% or 100 square feet (whichever is less) within a 12-month period may not require a permit. For anything beyond minor repairs, including re-roofing projects, permits are mandatory.
Key 2024 Requirements for LA County Roofing Permits
Several important requirements govern roofing permits in LA County for 2024:
Material and Installation Standards
Each package of roofing material shall bear the label of an approved agency having a service for the inspection of material and finished products during manufacture. Each material must be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve a fire retardancy rating of Class A, B, or C per Uniform Building Code Standard 15-2.
When re-roofing a building that is located within a “FBZ”, “MFD”, or “VHFH” fire district, the portion of the roof covering which is re-roofed shall comply as an approved Class A roof covering. This is particularly important for properties in high fire risk areas.
Structural Requirements
Re-roofing with the materials permitted by the e-Permit system shall be done over solid sheathing. If the roof consists of spaced sheathing, the existing roof covering must be removed and minimum CDX or OSB sheathing must be installed using 8d common nails at 6″-6″-12″ o.c.
For existing roof layers, existing layers of roof covering may remain when inspection or other evidence reveals all of the following: The roof structure is sufficient to sustain the weight of the additional dead load of the new roofing, the roof sheathing is solid and structurally sound, roof drains and drainage are sufficient to prevent the accumulation of water, the existing roofing is securely attached to the sheathing.
The 2024 Application Process: EPIC-LA and Digital Solutions
LA County has modernized its permitting process with the EPIC-LA system. EPIC-LA is Los Angeles County’s online system for managing permits and inspections. It helps residents, businesses, and developers oversee their building projects from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Determine Your Permit Type: Click on Apply and search for the type of permit you need.
- Submit Documentation: Upload your plans to EPIC-LA as attachments in Step 3. Wait for your invoice after the County confirms all required documents are available.
- Pay Review Fees: Pay any applicable review fees to begin the plan review process.
- Review Process: The County will review your plans and let you know if changes are needed: If Not Approved: You’ll get an email listing needed corrections to make before resubmitting. If Approved: You’ll get an email about next steps for permit issuance.
Inspection Requirements for 2024
The inspection process has been streamlined but remains thorough. In most cases where an existing solid sheathing can be easily verified, only one inspection is required when the re-roof installation is complete. For those cases when existing solid sheathing cannot be easily verified or where a new solid sheathing is installed, two inspections are required.
Request your first inspection within 12 months of getting your permit. This timeline is crucial for maintaining permit validity and avoiding expiration issues.
Who Can Apply for Permits
A permit can only be issued to a contractor with the appropriate license(s), to the property owner in certain cases or to an authorized agent representing one of these two applicants. This means that while homeowners can obtain permits for their own properties, most roofing work requires a licensed contractor.
Working with Professional Roofing Contractors
Given the complexity of permit requirements and the technical nature of roofing work, partnering with an experienced contractor is essential. When you work with a qualified Roofer LA County, CA, you ensure that your project meets all current requirements and is handled by professionals who understand the local permitting landscape.
Royal Roofing, with nearly 50 years of experience serving Los Angeles County, exemplifies the type of established contractor that can navigate these requirements effectively. Based in Bell Gardens and serving all of Southern California, they understand the intricacies of LA County’s permitting process and maintain the proper licensing and insurance required for permit applications.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Work done without obtaining a required permit is illegal construction. Unpermitted construction can be problematic for a current or future property owner by affecting the resale value, causing additional cost to permit or demolish the unpermitted work, denial of insurance claims, possible civil or criminal prosecution, and uncertainty regarding the safety and quality of the unpermitted construction.
Additionally, re-roofing over existing wood shakes or wood shingles is not allowed and they must be removed prior to the installation of the new roofing material. This requirement can significantly impact project costs and timelines.
Timeline Expectations for 2024
While processing times vary based on project complexity, you should anticipate receiving a building permit within two weeks of submitting an application and all needed documents to the local building department for review. If undertaking a relatively small project, it’s possible to get same-day approval.
Conclusion
Understanding LA County’s 2024 roofing permit requirements is essential for any successful roofing project. From fire safety classifications to structural requirements and the new EPIC-LA digital system, staying compliant protects your investment and ensures your roof meets current safety standards. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a roof replacement or a contractor managing multiple projects, working with experienced professionals and following proper permitting procedures will save time, money, and potential legal complications down the road.
The investment in proper permitting pays dividends in the form of code compliance, insurance coverage, and peace of mind knowing your roofing project meets all current LA County standards.