Trade permits — electrical, mechanical (kitchen hood) and plumbing/gas: Los Angeles restaurant guide

LADBS

What it is

Separate LADBS permits cover electrical work, mechanical work including 'any commercial cooking hood and ventilation system', and plumbing including fuel-gas piping, drainage and grease interceptors.

When a restaurant needs it

Any electrical, HVAC/hood, gas, water or drainage work.

How to apply

The licensed trade contractor pulls the permit — online via PermitLA for simple Express Permit work, or after HVAC/plumbing plan check where required (hoods always need HVAC plan check).

Documents you’ll need

Mechanical (HVAC) plans for the Type I hood and exhaust
Plumbing plans: gas piping, grease interceptor, water heater
Electrical load calculations and panel schedules
Contractor license (C-10, C-20/C-43, C-36)

Fee

Varies — see LADBS Permit Fee Calculator

Processing time

Express permits online same day; plan-checked trade permits follow the building plan check timeline

Renewal

Close out with final inspections

Who files

Pulled by the CSLB-licensed electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors doing the work.

Good to know

Plan check is required for fuel-gas systems with more than 10 outlets and for every commercial kitchen hood and ventilation system; plan for this in the design schedule.

Official source

LADBS — mechanical (HVAC) permits · LADBS — plumbing permits

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