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LAFD Fire/Life Safety Plan Review & Inspection: Los Angeles restaurant guide

LAFD — Fire Development Services

What it is

LAFD fire protection engineers review new construction, change-of-use and remodel projects for fire alarm, exiting, sprinklers and other fire/life-safety systems, then inspect before sign-off.

When a restaurant needs it

New construction, change of use, and remodels that LADBS routes to LAFD (most restaurant build-outs, especially assembly occupancies).

How to apply

Submit plans with the LAFD Application for Plan Check through inspect.lafd.org (or by appointment at Metro, West LA or Van Nuys); request LAFD inspections when work is ready.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Plan review: the greater of 0.111% of project valuation or $1,137; inspections and re-inspections $379/hour
Processing time
Varies (an expedite request form is available)
Renewal
One-time per project
Who files
Submitted by the architect/engineer or fire-protection contractor of record.

Good to know

LADBS will not finalize your permit or issue a CofO until LAFD signs off — book LAFD inspections early in the final weeks.

Official source

LAFD — fire/life safety plan review · LAFD — plan check & inspection fees

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.