LADBS inspection reports are the official record of whether construction work complies with the approved plans and applicable codes. For property owners, contractors, and buyers conducting due diligence, these reports contain critical information about a building's compliance history. Yet the format can be opaque to anyone who has not worked with them before. Understanding the structure of these reports, the meaning of common result codes, and what to do with the information they contain makes the difference between catching a problem early and discovering it when it becomes expensive.

Where to Find Inspection Reports

LADBS maintains inspection records in its online permit information system, accessible through the department's website. Each permit issued by LADBS has an associated inspection history that shows every inspection requested, the date, the inspector's name, the type of inspection, and the result. Property owners and authorized parties can access these records by searching for the property address or permit number.

For properties involved in real estate transactions, inspection records are a key component of due diligence. Buyers and their representatives should review the complete inspection history for all permits associated with the property. For more, see LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).

Anatomy of an Inspection Record

A typical LADBS inspection record contains several fields:

Permit Number

Every inspection is tied to a specific permit. A single property may have multiple permits covering different scopes of work (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical). Each permit has its own inspection history.

Inspection Type

LADBS uses standardized inspection type codes that identify what stage of work the inspection covers. Common inspection types include:

  • Foundation -- Verifies that footings and foundations are constructed per the approved plans before concrete is poured.
  • Framing -- Inspects structural framing, including connections, hardware, and compliance with the structural plans.
  • Rough electrical / plumbing / mechanical -- Inspects system installations before walls and ceilings are closed.
  • Drywall nailing (lath) -- Verifies proper drywall installation before taping and finishing.
  • Final -- The last inspection, confirming that all work is complete and compliant. A passed final inspection is required before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. — see How to Get a Certificate of Occupancy in Los Angeles

Inspection Result

The result field is the most important element. LADBS uses several result codes:

  • Approved / OK -- The inspection passed. The work complies with the approved plans and applicable codes, and construction may proceed to the next stage.
  • Corrections Required -- The inspector found deficiencies that must be corrected before the inspection can be approved. The specific corrections are noted in the inspector's comments or on a correction notice left at the job site. A re-inspection is required after corrections are made.
  • Not Ready -- The work was not sufficiently complete to be inspected. The inspection must be rescheduled when the work reaches the appropriate stage.
  • No Access -- The inspector could not gain access to the property or the work area. The inspection must be rescheduled.
  • Partial Approval -- Some elements of the inspection passed, but other items require correction or further review.

Inspector Comments

The comments field provides the specific details behind the result. For inspections with corrections required, the comments identify what is deficient: a missing connector at a beam-to-post connection, insufficient clearance around an electrical panel, a plumbing vent that does not terminate properly, or any number of code-specific issues. These comments reference specific code sections and are directed at the contractor or permit holder.

Common Violations and What They Mean

Certain violations appear repeatedly in LADBS inspection reports:

  • Work not per approved plans. The construction deviates from what was shown on the permitted drawings. This requires either revising the work to match the plans or submitting revised plans for approval. — see What Triggers a Stop Work Order in Los Angeles?
  • Missing or incorrect structural hardware. Framing connectors, hold-downs, anchor bolts, and similar hardware must match the structural engineer's specifications.
  • Electrical panel clearance. The National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) and the California Electrical Code require specific clearances in front of and around electrical panels. Insufficient clearance is a frequent inspection failure.
  • Plumbing venting deficiencies. Drain, waste, and vent systems must be properly configured to prevent sewer gas from entering occupied spaces.
  • Insufficient fire separation. Fire-rated walls and ceilings must maintain their rating. Unsealed penetrations, missing fire caulking, and incorrect assembly details are common findings.

What to Do After a Failed Inspection

When an inspection results in corrections required, the permit holder must address each item noted by the inspector. This may involve physical corrections to the construction, submission of additional documentation or engineering calculations, or revision of the approved plans. Once corrections are complete, the permit holder requests a re-inspection. There is no limit to the number of re-inspections, but repeated failures on the same items may prompt additional scrutiny from the department.

Using Inspection Reports for Due Diligence

When evaluating a property for purchase, a complete review of LADBS records can reveal permits that were opened but never finaled, inspections that failed and were never resolved, and work that appears to have been done without permits. These issues can affect property value, insurability, and the ability to obtain financing.

Key Takeaways

LADBS inspection reports document every inspection event for every permit on a property. Understanding the inspection types, result codes, and common violation patterns allows property owners and buyers to assess compliance status, identify outstanding issues, and take appropriate action. Regularly monitoring inspection results during active construction prevents small deficiencies from compounding into costly problems.