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Committee backs citywide self-certification to speed simple permits
Summary
The Planning and Land Use Committee unanimously instructed staff to report options for a citywide self-certification (professional certification) program to expedite permits for residential, commercial and mixed-use projects, citing long permit times and examples used successfully elsewhere.
The Planning and Land Use Committee unanimously adopted a motion instructing the Department of Building and Safety and the City Planning Department to report back with options for a citywide self-certification (professional certification) program to expedite permits for residential, commercial and mixed-use development.
Sponsor Councilmember Nithya Raman described the approach as a commonly used tool that allows licensed architects and engineers to certify compliance for straightforward projects; that certification shifts some plan-check responsibility to professionals while preserving city oversight through random inspections and enforcement. Committee members and staff said the city already uses a narrower version of this approach for tenant improvements created during the COVID period and noted the existence of comparable programs in other jurisdictions, including Long Beach.
Public comment included support from residents and building-industry representatives. Jennifer Torres, planning deputy for Councilmember Bob Yaroslavsky, told the committee her office strongly supports a citywide program and emphasized that licensed professionals would remain accountable and random inspections would maintain quality control. Supporters argued the measure could reduce the plan-check workload for projects such as one- and two-family dwellings, which account for a large share of plan checks.
Why it matters: committee members said Los Angeles has some of the longest building timelines in California; committee testimony cited average single-family timelines from entitlement through construction exceeding 800 days. Proponents argued self-certification could allow City staff to focus on complex projects and speed rebuilding in neighborhoods with urgent housing needs.
Action taken: the committee approved the motion to direct staff to prepare options for a citywide self-certification program; the roll call recorded five ayes.
Ending: Staff were asked to return with program options and safeguards such as eligibility criteria, enforcement and removal from the program for professionals who fail to comply.
