Why You Should Engage a Building and Zoning Code Expert Early in the Design Process
Why Building and Zoning Code Consulting at the Start of a Project Can Save Time, Money, and Headaches
In the fast-paced world of construction and development, time is money—and nowhere is that more true than in Los Angeles County. With dozens of overlapping codes, local amendments, and agency-specific workflows, getting a permit approved isn’t just about submitting paperwork. It’s about strategy. And that strategy should begin well before the first plan is drawn.
Imagine a homeowner in Altadena who designs a new ADU with an architect, only to find out months later that their project doesn’t meet hillside grading restrictions under LA County's Title 22. Revisions are needed, consultants re-engaged, and plan check resets. That kind of delay could have been avoided with early input from a zoning and code expert.
What Is Zoning and Code Consulting?
Zoning and code consultants help property owners, architects, and developers understand what can and can’t be built on a specific parcel—before permits are submitted. While architects focus on aesthetics and layout, and expediters handle paperwork logistics, a consultant’s role is to interpret regulations and anticipate red flags.
This includes:
Reviewing local zoning, building, and fire codes
Identifying overlays, easements, or use restrictions
Coordinating with agencies early to understand requirements
Flagging elements that may require variances or special approvals
The goal is to help the team design within the regulatory envelope—avoiding surprises during plan check.
Early Code Review = Fewer Revisions Later
Too often, permitting issues arise after design is complete. Architects, homeowners, or developers submit beautifully thought-out plans—only to find out a key element doesn’t comply with zoning, fire access, egress, or energy requirements. This results in:
Costly redesigns
Costly redesigns
Missed project milestones
Extended plan check cycles
Additional fees for consultants and engineers
Let’s say a homeowner in Pasadena wants to convert an existing attic into a second story addition for their single-family home. The idea seems straightforward—there’s already a roof, the structure is in place, and they assume the extra square footage won’t be a problem. But during plan check, it turns out the proposed addition exceeds the maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) allowed by zoning for their lot size and slope category. Now, the project requires major change (redesign or permitting strategy), adding months to the timeline and thousands in added design and permitting fees. If that FAR limitation had been identified early—during the initial code review—they could have adjusted the scope or pursued another entitlement path to make the addition possible. Catching it late means going backward.
By engaging a code-savvy consultant during site planning, massing, and layout, your design process becomes smarter and more efficient. You build confidence knowing that your project aligns with local requirements from the beginning.
Every Jurisdiction Is Different in LA County
One of the most misunderstood aspects of working in LA County is just how different each jurisdiction operates—even when they’re geographically adjacent.
Take Pasadena and unincorporated East Pasadena, for example. While they share the same topography and even some overlapping infrastructure, their planning departments—and their rules—are fundamentally different.
Pasadena has its own zoning code, a robust design review process, and a detailed Cultural Resources inventory. It operates on a digitized permit platform (Energov), has its own fire department review process, and often involves historic preservation overlays.
Unincorporated LA County (like East Pasadena or Altadena) is governed by Title 22 and the County’s Regional Planning Department. Reviews here might also involve Public Works, Fire, and Environmental divisions, often requiring separate coordination. The permit intake is done through EPIC-LA, with distinct timelines and workflows.
Even basic terms like “lot coverage,” “setbacks,” or “height” may be calculated differently across jurisdictions. This can be confusing—even for experienced professionals. A knowledgeable code consultant can help translate between these systems, making sure your design choices won’t trigger last-minute redlines or appeals.
Code Strategy Is Design Strategy
Our founder, Carolina Santoro, is both an architect and urban planner. That means we don’t just understand permitting—we understand design intent, site constraints, and project goals. When you bring in The Permit Lab early, we work as part of your team to:
Provide zoning and code feasibility analysis
Flag regulatory red flags before you commit to a concept
Coordinate with your architect, civil engineer, and other consultants
Help you understand what’s “by right” and what may require special approvals
Prepare you for timelines and documentation requirements upfront
This integrated approach leads to smarter, faster design development—and less rework down the road.
Common Mistakes When Permitting Is an Afterthought
When zoning and code consulting is skipped or delayed, here are some common pitfalls we see:
Setback assumptions based on zoning maps only: These often ignore contextual overlays or flag lots, which can shift setbacks significantly.
Misinterpretation of “by right” allowances: Many think ADUs or additions are always permitted by state law, but slope, easements, and fire access can limit feasibility.
Failure to coordinate across agencies: A plan approved by Planning may be denied by Public Works or Fire without early communication.
Redesigns caused by overlooked constraints: Like grading thresholds that kick in additional reports or delays.
Each of these can derail a project—even when the design is otherwise excellent.
Who Benefits from Early Code Consulting?
We’ve worked with everyone from small-scale homeowners to large institutional developers, and the one constant is this: early code strategy adds clarity.
If you’re an architect, it means fewer redesigns and faster approvals.
If you’re a developer, it helps you evaluate land feasibility before purchase.
If you’re a contractor, it lets you plan your build with confidence.
If you’re a homeowner / property owner, it gives you clarity on what’s allowed—and what to expect.
And if you’re a real estate professional, it helps avoid surprises tied to zoning or prior unpermitted work.
If permitting is left until the end, you’re reacting. If we’re brought in from the beginning, we can help you plan ahead.
Contact The Permit Lab today to schedule a free consultation and bring permitting strategy into your design process—right from the start.