Boiler / pressure vessel permit and annual Certificate of Inspection (LADBS; Cal/OSHA for high-pressure): Los Angeles restaurant guide
LADBS (Pressure Vessel inspection) / Cal/OSHA
What it is
Installing a boiler, steam kettle/cooker or large hot-water storage tank needs an LADBS permit, and LAMC 97.0310 requires LADBS to inspect steam, hot-water and electric boilers, hot-water storage tanks and steam cookers every year and issue a Certificate of Inspection (Operating Permit). Power boilers over 15 psig also need a Cal/OSHA Pressure Vessel Unit permit.
When a restaurant needs it
Installing or replacing a boiler, steam cooker/kettle or large water heater.
How to apply
Your plumbing/mechanical contractor pulls the LADBS permit (plan check for engineered vents and systems 500,000 BTU/h and over), schedules the installation inspection, then keeps the annual LADBS pressure-vessel inspection current; contact Cal/OSHA Pressure Vessel Unit (Southern office (714) 567-7208) for boilers over 15 psig.
Documents you’ll need
- Equipment specifications and ASME data plate
- Plumbing/mechanical permit
- Prior Certificate of Inspection (existing equipment)
Good to know
Small unfired vessels (1-1/2 cu ft or less with safety valves below 150 psi) and refrigeration vessels are exempt from the City inspection; most restaurant water heaters are ordinary plumbing permits, not boilers.
Official source
LAMC 97.0310 — pressure vessels to be inspected annually · Cal/OSHA — Pressure Vessel Unit
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.