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🏙 Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety

LADBS Inspection Guide
for Contractors

Everything you need to know about requesting, scheduling, and tracking LADBS inspections — plus how InspectPilot AI automates the entire process so you never miss the 3 PM deadline again.

Free to start · Full LADBS integration · No credit card required

3 Ways to Request an LADBS Inspection

Contractors can request inspections through iRFIS, 311/AIRS, or let InspectPilot handle it automatically.

💻
Manual

iRFIS Web Portal

Log into ladbs.org, navigate to iRFIS, enter your 15-digit permit number + 7-digit confirmation code, select inspection type, and submit. Available 24/7 but requests after 3 PM count for the next day.

  • Online, no phone call needed
  • Requires permit + confirmation numbers
  • Must submit before 3 PM daily cutoff
📞
Manual

311 / AIRS Phone System

Call 311, select building inspection, and navigate the AIRS IVR system. Enter permit number via keypad, select inspection type, and confirm. Best for when iRFIS is down or for inspection types not available online.

  • Phone-based IVR system
  • 10+ minute average hold time
  • Required for some inspection types
🤖
Automated

InspectPilot AI

Authorize once. InspectPilot submits requests through iRFIS and AIRS on your behalf, before the 3 PM deadline, with instant confirmation. No forms, no phone calls, no missed deadlines.

  • Fully automated iRFIS + AIRS requests
  • Always before the 3 PM cutoff
  • Multi-permit batch submission
Learn about automation →
Key Facts

LADBS Inspection Rules at a Glance

Rule Details
Request Deadline 3:00 PM the business day before desired inspection
Advance Booking Window Up to 3 business days ahead
Required Information 15-digit permit number + 7-digit confirmation number
Online Portal iRFIS at ladbs.org (available 24/7)
Phone System 311 → AIRS IVR (business hours)
Max Inspections per Day Multiple inspections can be requested per permit per day
Results Notification Same day or next business day via LADBS online portal
Re-Inspection After Failure Must complete corrections first, then re-request

Common LADBS Inspection Sequence

A typical residential project follows this inspection order. ADU projects require 10–15 of these inspections.

1

Foundation

Footings, slab, grading

2

Framing

Structural frame, shear walls

3

Rough Plumbing

Water supply, drain lines

4

Rough Electrical

Wiring, panels, circuits

5

Rough Mechanical

HVAC ductwork, venting

6

Insulation

R-value, vapor barriers

7

Drywall

Nailing, fire-rated assemblies

8

Final

All trades, certificate of occupancy

FAQ

LADBS Inspection Questions

How do I request an LADBS inspection?

Through iRFIS (the LADBS online portal) or by calling 311 and using the AIRS IVR phone system. Both require your 15-digit permit number and 7-digit confirmation number. Requests must be in before 3 PM the day before.

What is the 3 PM LADBS deadline?

LADBS requires all inspection requests by 3 PM the business day before the inspection. Requests after 3 PM roll to the following day. You can schedule up to 3 business days in advance.

What is LADBS iRFIS?

iRFIS (Inspection Request and Field Inspection System) is LADBS's online portal for requesting building inspections. It's available 24/7 but the 3 PM cutoff still applies for next-day scheduling.

Can I automate LADBS inspection requests?

Yes. InspectPilot AI automates the entire LADBS inspection process — from iRFIS submission to result tracking to re-inspection scheduling. It submits using your credentials before the 3 PM deadline.

What happens when an LADBS inspection fails?

The inspector issues a correction notice. You must fix the violations, then re-request the inspection. This cycle typically adds 3–7 days. InspectPilot automates the entire correction loop.

How many inspections does an ADU project need?

A typical ADU project in LA requires 10–15 inspections: foundation, framing, rough plumbing/electrical/mechanical, insulation, drywall, and final inspections for each trade.

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