OUR SERVICES
We offer customized support tailored to your project’s stage, whether you’re still developing your plans or ready to submit for approval. Our team assists with everything from early zoning and code research to complete permit coordination, helping you avoid costly delays and unnecessary revisions.
From answering those first zoning questions to managing paperwork, agency submittals, and follow-ups, we bring clarity, local expertise, and personalized attention to every step of the process. Because The Permit Lab was founded by a former Los Angeles County planner, we understand exactly what reviewers look for — and how to keep your project moving efficiently through each department.
Whether you’re working on a home remodel in Pasadena, an ADU in Glendale or La Canada, or a fire rebuild in the unincorporated foothills of Altadena, The Permit Lab ensures your project is properly guided from concept to approval.
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Expert Guidance from the Start
Efficient permitting begins in the design phase. Our consulting service helps you build your project around the right codes and regulations before plans are submitted—saving time, reducing corrections, and improving your chance of faster approval.
We provide:
Zoning and code review
Agency and department coordination insights
Pre-submittal research
Design-phase feedback for architects and homeowners
Guidance on process, timelines, and next steps
Best for:
Clients in early planning or design
Projects with unclear permitting pathways
Property owners exploring ADUs, remodels, or new builds
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Focused Help to Get Your Plans Approved
If your project is already designed and ready for submittal, we can take it from here. Our permitting service handles the entire submission process on your behalf—so you don’t have to chase down forms, respond to departments, or guess what comes next.
We manage:
Permit application preparation
Plan check submittals
Tracking review status
Responding to corrections
Communication with County and city agencies
Best for:
Clients with completed plans
Architects or contractors needing submittal support
Property owners ready to start the permit process
Not sure where your project fits? Send us a message and we can schedule a call!
How our Pricing Works
At The Permit Lab, we believe clarity should start long before plans are submitted — including how we structure our fees. Because every project is unique, we use a hybrid pricing model that combines transparent flat fees for straightforward permits with flexible hourly billing for complex or evolving projects.
Whether it’s a single-family home remodel in Pasadena, an ADU in unincorporated Los Angeles County, or a fire rebuild in the foothills of Altadena, each project comes with its own set of challenges, review agencies, and approval steps. Our pricing approach adapts to those variables — giving homeowners, architects, and builders a clear, predictable framework for their permit process across the greater Los Angeles area.
Check below to see which type of project and fee structure fits yours: Fixed-Fee, Hourly, or Hybrid.
Fixed-Fee Projects
For most residential permits — like single-family homes, additions, ADUs, pools, and even fire rebuilds — we offer a fixed-fee structure.
This means you’ll know the general cost range early on, with a final quote confirmed after we review your plans, property details, and the specific agencies involved.
The fixed-fee model works best for projects that follow a predictable review path and allows us to provide clear expectations and efficient coordination from start to finish..
Hourly / Deposit Projects
Some projects require a more tailored approach. If your project involves multiple departments, zoning reviews, discretionary approvals, or unique site conditions, we work on an hourly basis with an initial deposit.
This ensures flexibility as the project evolves and keeps you informed through detailed time tracking and regular progress updates.
Examples include zoning research, subdivisions, variance or design review cases, code compliance coordination, and other complex permitting scenarios.
Hybrid Projects
In some cases, projects start simple but include a few discretionary elements — for instance, an ADU in a hillside zone or a remodel in a historic district.
For those, we often combine a base flat fee for the main permit with hourly coordination for the specialized agency reviews. This approach provides both predictability and adaptability.
Partnerships & Ongoing Projects
We also extend preferred pricing to clients who engage our services for a higher volume of permits, recognizing their ongoing partnership and trust in our process. This approach allows us to build long-term relationships with architects, contractors, and developers, offering consistent support and cost benefits for recurring projects.
