The Ultimate LABDS Permit Guide for Sherman Oaks, Encino & Studio City Homeowners
- 10 Mar, 2026
- Nagar Builders Team
- New Construction
You’re ready to build your new home in Sherman Oaks—or perhaps nearby in Encino or Studio City—but before a single shovel hits the ground, you’ll have to obtain several permits from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LABDS). This process can be notoriously complex, especially given the Hillside Ordinances and specific zoning codes that affect the San Fernando Valley. But have no fear: Nagar Builders understands these local regulations perfectly. We’ve put together this guide to demystify the steps required to obtain permits for new construction homes, ADUs, and additions throughout Sherman Oaks and the surrounding communities.
Navigating Zoning: BMO, Hillside & Specific Plans in Sherman Oaks & Encino
The first step to building a new construction home is figuring out what type of structure you’re allowed to build within the specific zoning codes of Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Studio City. Much of this 5-mile radius is zoned for single-family residences. It’s important to note that homes located in these zones—whether in the flats of Valley Village or the estates of Encino—can still accommodate an ADU, as these are subject to different state and local requirements.
Before obtaining a permit, you’ll also have to ensure your planned build adheres to numerous overlay zones. For example, if your home is situated ‘South of the Boulevard’ in Sherman Oaks or Studio City, you must ensure it meets the requirements for Los Angeles’s Baseline Hillside Ordinance (BHO). This strictly dictates the size, height, and grading for single-family homes in the area that sit on a designated hillside.
Submit Plans and Apply for Permits
The next step is to let LABDS know about your construction plans and obtain the permits. This process can mostly be completed online through a portal the city has set up. You must submit your plans to the city, which includes everything from the blueprints to the building height calculations and setbacks and dimensions. Additionally, you’ll need to show compliance with other rules such as Title 24.
The approval process for the submissions can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This is why it’s important to work with a builder that clearly understands this process so you don’t run into any unnecessary delays or expenses.
Schedule the Final Approval After Construction
The last thing you’ll need to do before you can settle into your new home is schedule and complete the final inspection from LABDS. This inspection will cover numerous aspects of your new home, including ensuring that the final product matches the submitted plans, confirming all equipment such as electric sources and plumbing are operable, and evaluating the overall structure and safety of the dwelling.
It’s important to note that you can’t legally live in your new home until it passes this final inspection. If your home does not pass for any reason, you’ll be given a detailed explanation of the issue and given a timeframe to correct it.
Permits: The First and Last Step to Your New Home
The permit process can be frustrating and tricky, but it helps ensure that all homes built in Los Angeles are up to code and safe to occupy. Fortunately, Nagar Builders can help you get started and stay with you as you navigate obtaining all the correct permits and approvals for your new home. Contact us today to get started on your project.
Client Testimonials
Thank you Nagar! The entire process was smooth and easy. I called them and they were quick to provide an estimate. Once they explained pricing to me and I agreed, they were ready to work ASAP! I hired them to add an office space to my home. My office went fully remote due to COVID so I wanted to have a full office space where I could concentrate. It was amazing to see the entire construction process, from building the walls, to adding a half bathroom. The finished product is truly impeccable.
Elsa P.
Avi and his team from Nagar builders remodeled our bathroom and kitchen and they did a phenomenal job!!! His team is very skilled, knowledgeable, and clean. Avi was also very professional and he made so many suggestions to us as we weren’t even sure what style and colors we wanted, he pretty much helped us design everything. I wouldn’t hire anyone other than Avi to do any work at my house, I’m very satisfied with his work and professionalism and I highly recommend this company!! Thank you again Avi!
Jessica S.
I’m happy we went with Nagar Builders! They did great work with our project right on schedule and were very courteous. I can’t recommend them more!
B P.
Absolutely happy that I decided to call Nagger builders! They helped me remodel and outdated commercial space. And completely transformed it. They came, gave me a reasonable price quote, we discussed my budget and were able to help me with my project. Micheal is a great communicator, very easy to work with, and I love that he took his time to explain how everything was going to work. they were time efficient, which I appreciated. I extremely recommend their service. They care about their work and they care about their customers satisfaction.
Maria B.
I remodeled my kitchen with new cupboards countertop and appliances! I also put laminate flooring in a family room area and painted throughout! they worked with my budget and I had a wonderful and result! Great communication with The owner Avi! The crew was very professional and thorough! Great job overall! Also the job was completed in less than five weeks! they were always on time at 8 AM! very good experience compared to others I’ve had in the past with other contractors!
Alexandria A.
Truly exceptional remodeling project! From the first meeting to the final touches, the team demonstrated professionalism and expertise. All aspects were handled with precision, ensuring clear communication and timely completion. We are thrilled with the results and would highly recommend Avi’s work to anyone!
Tamar N.
Avi was a pleasure to work with! He fixed a brick wall, laid a concrete driveway, fixed a roof, remediated mold, replaced drywall, installed gutters, he does it all! His work is impeccable and his prices are competitive. It’s a pleasure to work with him!
Sean H.
I hired Nagar Builders to remodel my kitchen. The house I currently live in (in West Hollywood) was passed down to me from my mother. … We added a waterfall counter, tile backsplash, new appliances, and cabinets in a nice warm and inviting blue color. It also felt like they worked fast than estimated so I was able to use my new kitchen earlier than expected! If it weren’t for the pandemic, I would be hosting all the time!
Vanessa R.
We hired Avi from Nagar Builders to help us solve a multitude of issues with our backyard including landscaping with artificial turf, replace our old rotting deck and install vinyl gates, remediate failing stucco wall and foundation, and more. … we are very happy with the look of our backyard now – definitely will bring back Avi for future work!