A reroof needs a permit in every city in Los Angeles County, and the licensed contractor pulls it, not you.
At a glance
- Permit fees usually run one to three percent of the job.
- Unpermitted roof work shows up at sale time and costs more then.
- Most jobs get a sheathing check and a final check.
- Ask for the permit number the day the job starts.
Who issues the permit
If you live inside a city, that city issues it. Los Angeles has its own building department and so do Pasadena, Long Beach, Burbank, Santa Monica and the rest. Unincorporated areas go through Los Angeles County Public Works.
The contractor applies with the license number, the address, the roof area, the material and the product ratings.
What inspectors check
On a tear off the inspector wants to see the bare deck or the new sheathing before it gets covered. That is the nail and sheathing check. They look at nailing pattern, deck condition and any dry rot repairs.
At the final they look at flashing, the edge metal, valley detail, vent installation and the product label. On tile they check the fastening pattern and the ridge detail.
Why unpermitted work costs more
Escrow asks. Appraisers ask. An insurer sorting out a claim asks. Work with no record has to be opened up and inspected after the fact, which can mean removing a section of a finished roof.
A permit also gives you a dated public record that the work happened, which matters when a warranty claim lands years later.
Common questions
Can a homeowner pull a roofing permit
Sometimes on an owner occupied home, but doing so makes you responsible for the work and the workers.
How long is a roof permit good for
Most run six months to a year and can be extended if work has started.
What if my roofer says no permit is needed
Small repairs may not need one. A full reroof always does. Get the answer in writing.