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Data Methodology

How this dataset is collected, cleaned, and kept up to date.

Data Sources

Permit records are sourced from official building department portals across Los Angeles County:

  • LA County Building & Safety (unincorporated areas)
  • City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
  • City of Pasadena Building & Safety
  • City of Beverly Hills Building Division
  • City of Santa Monica Building & Safety Division
  • City of Burbank Building Division
  • Other incorporated cities within LA County

Records are cross-referenced against parcel data to assign geographic coordinates where missing from the source.

Update Frequency

Data is updated periodically as new permit filings and status changes are recorded by each jurisdiction. Because source agencies publish updates on their own schedules, there may be a lag between a real-world status change and its appearance in this dataset.

Permit Types

TypeDescription
New Detached ADUA standalone dwelling unit constructed as a new structure on a parcel with an existing primary residence.
Garage ConversionAn existing attached or detached garage converted into habitable living space.
Attached ADUA new unit added to, or created within, the existing primary dwelling structure.
JADU (Junior ADU)A unit of up to 500 sq ft created within the walls of the existing primary residence, often including an efficiency kitchen.
AdditionAn expansion of an existing structure to create or enlarge an ADU.

Status Definitions

StatusMeaning
FinaledConstruction is complete and all required inspections have passed. The ADU is legally habitable.
IssuedThe permit has been approved and construction is authorised to proceed (or is underway).
Under ReviewThe application has been submitted and is being reviewed by the building department.
DeniedThe permit application was rejected. The applicant may reapply after addressing the deficiencies.
On HoldProcessing has been paused, typically pending additional information from the applicant or a third party.
ExpiredThe permit was issued but the work was not completed or inspected within the required time frame.
WithdrawnThe applicant voluntarily cancelled the permit application before a decision was made.

Date Fields

FieldDescription
Application dateThe date the permit application was submitted to the building department.
Issuance dateThe date the permit was officially approved and issued.
Completion / finaling dateThe date the final inspection was passed and the permit was closed out.
Expiration dateThe date by which work must be completed under the permit, as set by the issuing jurisdiction.

Geographic Coverage

The dataset covers both unincorporated Los Angeles County (administered by LA County Building & Safety) and incorporated cities within LA County that publish permit data through accessible portals. Coverage across cities varies based on data availability and portal accessibility.

Limitations

  • The dataset reflects permit filings. Not all filed permits result in completed construction.
  • Unpermitted ADUs — units built without a permit — are not represented.
  • Address geocoding accuracy varies. Some records may be placed at the parcel centroid rather than the exact structure location.
  • Status information is as of the most recent data update and may not reflect real-time changes.
  • Not all cities within LA County are represented; coverage depends on public data availability.

Questions or corrections?

If you spot an error or have a question about the data, reach out via the LADU contact page.