Getting Blueprints from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
Obtaining copies of blueprints from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) involves specific procedures and requirements to ensure compliance with legal and professional standards.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you through the process:
Availability
LADBS maintains records for various building types; however, blueprints for single-family dwellings and commercial buildings under three stories constructed before 1978 are generally unavailable.
Required Documentation
To request copies of blueprints, you must provide the following information.
Authorization from the Current Property Owner:
- A signed letter on official letterhead authorizing the release of the plans.
- A copy of the current owner’s grant deed to verify ownership.
Authorization from the Licensed Professional(s):
- A signed letter from the architect and/or engineer whose stamp appears on the plans, granting permission to release the documents. If the original professional is unavailable, a successor’s authorization may be required.
- All authorization letters must be dated and are valid for 30 days from the date of signing. Only documents with original or authenticated signatures will be accepted.
Submission Process
Complete the Records Research Request Form and submit it along with the required documentation through one of the following methods:
- By Email: Send the completed form and supporting documents to [email protected].
- By Appointment: Schedule an in-person appointment at one of the following LADBS offices:
- Metro Office: 201 N. Figueroa St., 1st Floor, Room 110, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Van Nuys Office: 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., 2nd Floor, Room 251, Van Nuys, CA 91401
- Appointments can be scheduled through the LADBS appointment system.
Processing Time
Please allow 5-7 working days for processing emailed research requests. Requests resulting in a high volume of documents may take longer to process.
Fees
The charge for copying public records maintained on paper is $1.00 per request (file or media type) and $0.10 per page for pages 8.5×14 inches or less, and $1.00 per page for pages of 11×17 inches.
Additional Considerations
If the architect or engineer is deceased or cannot be located, LADBS still requires an attempt to obtain authorization, as they may have a successor. Ensure all submitted documents are clear and legible to facilitate processing.
For further assistance or inquiries, contact the LADBS Custodian of Records at (213) 482-6770 or via email at [email protected].
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the process of obtaining blueprint copies from LADBS efficiently and in compliance with all necessary regulations.
