NEW VIRTUAL INSPECTION PROGRAM The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)

Virtual Inspection | LADBS.

NEW VIRTUAL INSPECTION PROGRAM The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) implemented the Virtual Inspection (VI) Program to provide LADBS customers and inspection staff with an innovative way to achieve timely inspections through real-time video streaming from construction sites. The VI Program is anticipated to reduce wait times, improve efficiency, and promote the health and safety of LADBS customers and staff, consistent with the Mayor’s Safer-at-Home Order. VI is an alternative to the traditional on-site inspection. This new method, made possible by technology, will improve customer service with a more convenient and timely process. Items that qualify for Virtual Inspections Smoke/CO Detectors Residential Photovoltaic Systems Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers Water Heater, Electrical Panel, and HVAC Replacements Temp Power Pole (CTS) Residential Solar Water Heating Systems Patios/Decks Demolitions and Sewer Caps Reroofing Window Replacements Minor Pad Footings Masonry Walls Plumbing fixtures replacement Re-Inspections of Corrections Applicants must have a valid building permit to request a virtual inspection. Some of the equipment required for virtual inspection are smartphone or tablet with a webcam, level, flashlight, and tape measure. A good internet connection is also required. LADBS is looking forward to working with contractors and inspectors to expand and improve the VI program as much as possible. LADBS has successfully conducted over 350 virtual inspections to date. For more information regarding the Virtual Inspection Program or to request a virtual inspection, please click here.   The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) has modified its procedures and implemented new practices to provide our customers with the best possible service during these challenging times, while safeguarding the health and safety of both LADBS customers and staff members. In March 2020, LADBS established designated “Drop-Off/Pick-Up” areas for new submittal and verification plans. To further improve this process and facilitate quicker resolution and improve the efficiency of the plan check process, LADBS implemented new submittal and verification procedures effective Monday, September 21, 2020. For more information regarding the new procedures, please click here. Chief Inspector Devin Myrick Appointed New Racial Equity Officer In accordance with Mayor Eric Garcetti's Executive Directive No. 27 on Racial Equity in City Government, Devin Myrick has been designated as the LADBS Racial Equity Officer. Devin will take the lead in developing the LADBS Racial Equity Action Plan, which will include a review of all LADBS functions and a list of LADBS specific equity indicators to provide inclusive work environments that promote fairness and equal participation at all levels. Devin will also represent LADBS in the Citywide Racial Equity Task Force. The task force will work on strategies to support the City's ongoing efforts to ensure fairness, diversity, equal opportunity, and transparency in City government. Devin started with the City in August 2002 as an Assistant Construction Inspector with the Bureau of Contract Administration. He was promoted to Building Mechanical Inspector (BMI), Senior BMI, and Principal Inspector. Devin has worked in the Metro and West LA Regions and trained Residential and Code Enforcement staff on the Zoning, Green, Residential, Building, Plumbing and Energy codes. Devin is currently a Chief Inspector in the LADBS Residential Division.    All ADU plans NOW accepted in ePlan! LADBS customers are now able to submit plans for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) online using ePlanLA. This includes new ADUs, remodels, and conversions. For more information regarding ADUs, please visit our webpage at ladbs.org/ADU.   New Permits for Temporary Drive-In Movie Theaters Last August, LADBS and Los Angeles City Planning (LACP) worked together to address Temporary Drive-in Theaters. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted LA communities and businesses. Due to the current health guidelines, including social distancing, movie theaters are severely impacted. LADBS and LACP established standards and guidelines for 90-day use permits to be issued for temporary drive-in movie theaters. Property owners need to complete an acknowledgement and declaration of operational conditions. Plans must show compliance with fire and life safety requirements. Applicants who remain in good standing with the 90-day use permits may apply for a one-year term through LACP. The outdoor drive-in movie theater option will help ensure business continuity for theater operators and assist with the City’s restoration process. Yearplemented the Virtual Inspection (VI) Program to provide LADBS customers and inspection staff with an innovative way to achieve timely inspections through real-time video streaming from construction sites. The VI Program is anticipated to reduce wait times, improve efficiency, and promote the health and safety of LADBS customers and staff, consistent with the Mayor’s Safer-at-Home Order. VI is an alternative to the traditional on-site inspection. This new method, made possible by technology, will improve customer service with a more convenient and timely process. Items that qualify for Virtual Inspections Smoke/CO Detectors Residential Photovoltaic Systems Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers Water Heater, Electrical Panel, and HVAC Replacements Temp Power Pole (CTS) Residential Solar Water Heating Systems Patios/Decks Demolitions and Sewer Caps Reroofing Window Replacements Minor Pad Footings Masonry Walls Plumbing fixtures replacement Re-Inspections of Corrections Applicants must have a valid building permit to request a virtual inspection. Some of the equipment required for virtual inspection are smartphone or tablet with a webcam, level, flashlight, and tape measure. A good internet connection is also required. LADBS is looking forward to working with contractors and inspectors to expand and improve the VI program as much as possible. LADBS has successfully conducted over 350 virtual inspections to date. For more information regarding the Virtual Inspection Program or to request a virtual inspection, please click here.   The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) has modified its procedures and implemented new practices to provide our customers with the best possible service during these challenging times, while safeguarding the health and safety of both LADBS customers and staff members. In March 2020, LADBS established designated “Drop-Off/Pick-Up” areas for new submittal and verification plans. To further improve this process and facilitate quicker resolution and improve the efficiency of the plan check process, LADBS implemented new submittal and verification procedures effective Monday, September 21, 2020. For more information regarding the new procedures, please click here.

Chief Inspector Devin Myrick Appointed New Racial Equity Officer

In accordance with Mayor Eric Garcetti's Executive Directive No. 27 on Racial Equity in City Government, Devin Myrick has been designated as the LADBS Racial Equity Officer. Devin will take the lead in developing the LADBS Racial Equity Action Plan, which will include a review of all LADBS functions and a list of LADBS specific equity indicators to provide inclusive work environments that promote fairness and equal participation at all levels. Devin will also represent LADBS in the Citywide Racial Equity Task Force. The task force will work on strategies to support the City's ongoing efforts to ensure fairness, diversity, equal opportunity, and transparency in City government.

Devin started with the City in August 2002 as an Assistant Construction Inspector with the Bureau of Contract Administration. He was promoted to Building Mechanical Inspector (BMI), Senior BMI, and Principal Inspector. Devin has worked in the Metro and West LA Regions and trained Residential and Code Enforcement staff on the Zoning, Green, Residential, Building, Plumbing and Energy codes. Devin is currently a Chief Inspector in the LADBS Residential Division. 

 

All ADU plans NOW accepted in ePlan!

LADBS customers are now able to submit plans for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) online using ePlanLA. This includes new ADUs, remodels, and conversions. For more information regarding ADUs, please visit our webpage at ladbs.org/ADU.

 

New Permits for Temporary Drive-In Movie Theaters

Last August, LADBS and Los Angeles City Planning (LACP) worked together to address Temporary Drive-in Theaters. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted LA communities and businesses. Due to the current health guidelines, including social distancing, movie theaters are severely impacted. LADBS and LACP established standards and guidelines for 90-day use permits to be issued for temporary drive-in movie theaters. Property owners need to complete an acknowledgement and declaration of operational conditions. Plans must show compliance with fire and life safety requirements. Applicants who remain in good standing with the 90-day use permits may apply for a one-year term through LACP. The outdoor drive-in movie theater option will help ensure business continuity for theater operators and assist with the City’s restoration process.

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