LADBS Acronyms & Definitions

With the variety of acronyms and abbreviations used by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), it can be a challenge for those not used to working with the department to make sense of who, what or how permit applications or comments should be processed.  

The city does offer a glossary that lists what each acronym stands for but it doesn’t fully define it for those unfamiliar with the terms, departments, regulations, etc. 

For that, Permit Place is here to help. We’ve worked with the City of LA for more than 30 years expecting all types of permit applications. Below is a list of the common acronyms you’ll encounter and definitions for each. 

• ABTF – Abandoned Building Task Force: A team dedicated to addressing issues related to abandoned buildings in Los Angeles.
• ADA – American with Disabilities Act: Federal law ensuring equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities, affecting building accessibility standards.
• AHC – Affordable Housing Commission: Commission focused on increasing and maintaining affordable housing availability in the city.
• A&I – Alterations and Improvements: Pertains to modifications or enhancements made to existing structures.
• APC – Area Planning Commissions: Local boards that guide planning decisions in various Los Angeles regions.
• APC – Appointment Plan Check: A service for reviewing building plans by appointment to expedite the permitting process.
• APN – Assessor Parcel Number: A unique number assigned to parcels of property for identification purposes.
• BBSC – Board of Building & Safety Commissioners: Governing body overseeing building safety regulations and policies.
• BI – Building Inspector: Officials responsible for inspecting construction sites to ensure compliance with building codes.
• BID – Business Improvement District: Districts where businesses pay extra taxes for services like cleaning and security.
• BMI – Building Mechanical Inspector: Inspectors focusing on the mechanical systems of buildings, ensuring they meet code requirements.
• BMP – Best Management Practices: Strategies and practices to manage environmental impacts of construction and development.
• BTRC – Business Tax Registration Certificate: Certificate required for legally operating a business within Los Angeles.
• CAP – Cost Allocation Plan: Process for distributing costs of shared services or resources.
• CCC – Customer Call Center: Facility or service set up to handle inquiries from the public or customers.
• CCR – California Code of Regulations: Statewide regulations that provide guidelines for construction and building standards.
• CCR – Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (Usually used on Real Estate): Legal documents setting forth limitations and requirements on property use.
• CEB – Code Enforcement Bureau: Division focused on enforcing building and safety codes to maintain public safety.
• C.F. – Council File: Official documents or files related to legislative actions by the city council.
• CNA – Contract Nuisance Abatement: Legal action taken against properties that consistently violate city ordinances.
• CNAP – Citywide Nuisance Abatement Program: A citywide initiative targeting properties that are sources of persistent nuisances.
• C of O – Certificate of Occupancy: A document certifying that a building is in compliance with building codes and ready for occupancy.
• CUP – Conditional Use Permit: Permit allowing land uses not otherwise permitted outright within a specific zone.
• DSCM – Development Services Case Management: A division offering personalized guidance through the city’s development services.
• EB – Engineering Bureau: Bureau responsible for overseeing and ensuring engineering standards are met in public and private construction.
• GAB – General Analysis and Budget Section: Division involved in the analysis and budgeting for the Department of Building and Safety.
• IB – Inspection Bureau: Division focused on the inspection of buildings for compliance with codes and regulations.
• IBC – International Building Code: A comprehensive set of standards for the design and construction of buildings.
• IRC – International Residential Code: A code that sets minimum standards for residential home construction and safety.
• CBC – California Building Code: State-specific building codes that adapt the IBC for California’s unique requirements.
• CRC – California Residential Code: California’s adaptation of the IRC, focusing on residential building safety and efficiency standards.
• LABC – Los Angeles Building Code: Building codes specifically tailored to the City of Los Angeles’ requirements.
• LARC – Los Angeles Residential Code: Residential building codes that apply specifically within Los Angeles.
• LADBS – Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety: City department responsible for overseeing building safety, permitting, and construction regulations.
• MAD – Management Assistance Division: Division within LADBS offering managerial support and assistance.
• NAR – Nuisance Abatement Revocation: Process for revoking permits on properties that fail to correct nuisance conditions.
• NOC – Notice of Compliance: Notification issued when a property complies with a previously cited violation.
• NOPA – Notice of Pending Assessment: A preliminary alert to property owners about pending assessments for code violations.
• NOI – Notice of Intent: Formal notice indicating the intent to undertake certain actions or projects.
• NOID – Notice of Intent to Demolish: Notification of plans to demolish a building, requiring specific approvals.
• OTC – Order to Comply: Official directive to correct violations found during building inspections.
• PACE – Pro-Active Code Enforcement: Initiative aimed at proactively ensuring buildings adhere to code before issues arise.
• PIEIH – Present, Imminent, Extreme, Immediate Hazard: Classification for hazards that present a direct and immediate risk to safety.
• PPRT – Problem Property Resolution Team: A team focused on resolving issues with properties that negatively impact the community.
• REAP – Rent Escrow Account Program: Program that allows tenants to pay reduced rent into an escrow account when landlords fail to maintain buildings.
• RMB – Resource Management Bureau: Bureau responsible for managing and allocating department resources efficiently.
• RSO – Rent Stabilization Ordinance: Local law that protects tenants from excessive rent increases and unjust evictions.
• TEMD – Training & Emergency Management Division: Division focused on preparing building safety personnel for emergencies and enhancing their skills.
• UBC – Uniform Building Code: Previous set of building standards that have been superseded by the IBC in many jurisdictions.
• UFC – Uniform Fire Code: Set of codes aimed at minimizing fire hazards and ensuring building safety.
• UMC – Uniform Mechanical Code (Published by IAPMO): Regulations governing the installation and maintenance of mechanical systems in buildings.
• UPC – Uniform Plumbing Code: Standards for the installation and regulation of plumbing systems to ensure public health and safety.
• VEIP – Vehicle Establishment Inspection Program: Inspection program targeting specific types of establishments for compliance with safety standards.
• WO – Work Order: Documentation issued for various tasks or projects to be completed, especially in construction and maintenance.
• ZI – Zoning Information: Documents providing specific zoning and land use information for properties within Los Angeles.

The array of acronyms and abbreviations used by the LADBS serves as a language of its own, essential for the efficient and compliant execution of building projects in Los Angeles. By demystifying these terms, Permit Place aims to empower developers, contractors, and property owners with the knowledge needed to navigate the city’s building safety landscape confidently.

For further assistance with understanding LADBS terminology or any other aspect of the permitting process in Los Angeles, contact Permit Place. Our expertise in permit expediting and compliance ensures that your projects move forward smoothly, adhering to all municipal regulations and standards.