What to Know Before Submitting Your Construction Plans to the City: A Builder’s Checklist
Submitting your construction project to the city is a critical milestone in any construction or development timeline. But missing even one step in the pre-submittal process can set your project back weeks—or even months. At AVICA Construction & Development, we’ve helped clients across Los Angeles and Southern California streamline this process by doing the homework before heading to City Hall.
Here’s what every property owner, developer, or investor should know before submitting construction plans to the city:
1. Confirm Your Zoning and Land Use Designation
Why it matters: Submitting construction plans that don’t align with your zoning will be rejected instantly.
Example: AVICA recently saved a client 6–8 weeks of redesign by verifying their R1-zoned property couldn’t support the four-unit layout they wanted. Instead, we redesigned an ADU + JADU solution that passed review on the first round.
2. Order a Preliminary Title Report
Why it matters: Easements, liens, or CC&Rs can limit what you can build.
Tip: Always review encumbrances with your architect and general contractor to avoid submitting construction plans that violate title restrictions.
3. Conduct a Thorough Site Survey
Why it matters: Sloped lots, setbacks, and inaccurate lot lines lead to plan check corrections.
Real Delay Avoided: One AVICA client nearly submitted construction plans without realizing a retaining wall was encroaching on a neighbor’s property. A $950 site survey saved thousands in redesign fees and months in legal delays.
4. Hold a Pre-Submittal Meeting (If Offered)
Why it matters: Many planning departments offer pre-submittal consultations that flag issues early.
Pro Tip: AVICA schedules these for clients in cities like Pasadena, Los Angeles, and Glendale to get ahead of possible rejections.
5. Confirm Permits Needed Beyond Building Department
Why it matters: Some projects require reviews by Fire, Public Works, Health, or Environmental agencies.
Example: In a recent restaurant buildout, AVICA, one of the leading Los Angeles permit expeditors, coordinated with the Health Department before submitting construction plans to avoid a 45-day delay caused by missing kitchen layout approvals.
6. Have All Consultant Drawings Ready
Include:
- Civil engineering plans
- Structural calculations
- Title 24 energy compliance reports
- Soils reports (if needed)
Delay Avoided: We prevented a 3-week resubmittal for a client in Montebello by ensuring the civil engineer’s utility plan was uploaded with the initial submission.
7. Understand SB9, SB10, and Local Housing Ordinances
Why it matters: These can affect density, setbacks, and parking.
Pro Insight: AVICA has leveraged SB9 to split lots for clients looking to maximize infill development without rezoning.
8. Double-Check Application Completeness
Checklist:
- Application forms signed
- Digital and hard copies of plans
- Required fees
- Owner authorization letters (for tenant-led builds)
9. Budget Time for Plan Check Turnarounds
Typical timelines:
- Minor remodel: 4–6 weeks
- New home or ADU: 8–12 weeks
- Commercial project: 12–16 weeks
Avoidable Delay: A client in Santa Monica experienced only 6 weeks of turnaround time after we submitted a fully complete package with no corrections requested.
10. Have a GC or Permit Expediter Review Before You Submit
Why it matters: Fresh eyes can catch costly oversights.
AVICA Advantage: We offer permit expediting and plan review services to catch errors before the city does—often shaving weeks off approval timelines.
Don’t Submit Blind—Build Smart with AVICA
Before you walk into the building department (or upload to their portal), make sure your ducks are in a row. At AVICA Construction & Development, we help clients—from homeowners to investors—submit right the first time. Our experience with local municipalities, entitlement codes, and expediting gives your project the edge it needs to move fast and build smart.
📞 Ready to move your project forward without costly delays? Schedule a free consultation with AVICA, a leading construction company today!
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