Recent content by Inspector Parker

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    Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety

    Just wanted to update everyone that LADBS has a new website that has been completely revamped and seems much easier to use. As for the permitting process like Raffi was explaining, that has gotten much better in the last year and a half as the offices began to open back up to the public. You...
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    Gifts to permitting staff

    Sorry I missed this one. It's a market value of anything as well as the actual cash or gift card amount. So yes, if you were to be given sport event tickets the market value would go toward that $500.
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    LADBS rolling out new website

    Yeah the .gov makes a lot more sense. Also, I agree with you on the new design. Looks a lot easier to navigate and should help people to get through the permitting process a lot easier.
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    LADBS rolling out new website

    LADBS has changed it's website from LADBS.org to https://dbs.lacity.gov/.
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    Gifts to permitting staff

    Our department allows for $500 a year to be accepted by any inspector. It must be reported to your supervisor, but they will let you keep it. Any food items we just share amongst everyone so it doesn't count towards that $500.
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    Applying for a fence permit

    Yeah, in LA you can go 8ft high on a lot that is at least 50ft wide.
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    Applying for a fence permit

    Not sure where you are located, but Los Angeles City does not require a permit for vinyl, wood, or metal fences. Only block walls over 42" require a permit. So I would check with your local Building department to clarify what they require.
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    Over-the-counter Permits

    LA City also offers E-permits you can file online, pay and have your permit within an hour assuming no plans are required.
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    Over-the-counter Permits

    Current list of OTC permits in LA City
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    Inspectors: How in depth do you go?

    Life safety is my main focus. I'd say 99% of the time I set them off to make sure they work and are interlinked. There is an exception I will just visually check them if there is a small child sleeping in the house. It rarely happens but as a parent I get it and I wouldn't startle the baby...
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    Common misconceptions of new homeowners.

    I agree with that as well, a lot of devious communication with homeowners to either save a buck or make their job easier to get away with sub-par work. And also you are correct, there is nothing in place to go after the contractor or tradesman, it all falls on the homeowner. When I get those...
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    Common misconceptions of new homeowners.

    In my line of work as a Code Enforcement Inspector for the City of LA, I have come across many different excuses and lies as to why someone didn't get there permits but, the one that I get a lot that is actually true is from new homeowners that are unaware of the proper processes in doing...
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    Is a permit needed if you are changing from rug to wood floors?

    Everyone above is correct. In the City of LA you do not need a permit for cosmetic changes. Flooring falls under that category.
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    Renter suspects lack of permits at poorly maintained Pinellas County apartment

    Yes, I would definitely suggest seeking legal aid in this circumstance.
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    Renter suspects lack of permits at poorly maintained Pinellas County apartment

    In Los Angeles I deal with this all the time. The code enforcement aspect is how you would deal with the landlord getting in trouble, and being made to bring the building up to code. I can't speak on how they do things in Florida, but in LA renters have a lot of safety nets to not get put out...
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