Roofing Permits and Inspections in Los Angeles
Understanding requirements, compliance, and the inspection process
All roof replacement projects in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas require building permits and inspections to ensure compliance with local building codes, fire safety regulations, and structural standards. At SoCal Wholesale Roofing, we handle the entire permitting and inspection process on your behalf—ensuring your project meets all requirements without delays or complications.
Why Are Roofing Permits Required?
Safety & Code Compliance
Permits ensure your roof meets current building codes, structural load requirements, fire ratings, and wind resistance standards—protecting your home and family.
Legal Protection
Unpermitted work can result in fines, difficulty selling your home, insurance claim denials, and requirements to remove and redo the work to pass inspection.
Insurance Requirements
Many homeowners insurance policies require proper permits and inspections for roof work. Unpermitted roofs may void your coverage or lead to claim denials.
Property Value & Resale
Permitted work with inspection records increases buyer confidence and protects your home's value. Unpermitted work must be disclosed and can complicate or prevent sales.
What Work Requires a Permit?
✓ Permit Required
- •Complete roof tear-off and replacement
- •Re-roofing (overlay) over existing shingles
- •Replacing more than 25% of roof decking/plywood
- •Changing roof structure or pitch
- •Installing solar panels on existing roof
✗ Generally No Permit Needed
- •Emergency repairs under 10 sq ft
- •Minor flashing repairs
- •Gutter installation or replacement
- •Replacing a few damaged shingles
- •(Always verify with your local building department)
The Roofing Inspection Process
Los Angeles County and most jurisdictions require multiple inspections during a roof replacement project:
Permit Application & Approval
We submit detailed plans, specifications, and contractor credentials to the local building department. Approval typically takes 3-7 business days. We don't start work until permits are issued.
Tear-Off Inspection
After removing the existing roof, the inspector verifies the roof decking/sheathing is in acceptable condition and meets structural requirements. Any damaged decking is repaired before proceeding.
Final Inspection
Once the new roof is installed, the inspector verifies proper installation, code compliance, fire ratings, ventilation, flashing, and overall workmanship. Upon passing, a Certificate of Completion is issued.
California-Specific Requirements
Title 24 Cool Roof Standards
California Title 24 requires certain roofing materials to meet minimum Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) ratings for energy efficiency. Low-slope roofs require higher SRI ratings than steep-slope roofs. Learn more about Title 24 requirements.
Title 31 Fire Safety Requirements
Homes in fire hazard zones (Wildland-Urban Interface areas) must use Class A fire-rated roofing materials and may require additional ignition-resistant construction. We ensure compliance with all fire safety codes.
Wind Resistance Standards
Los Angeles County requires roofing materials to meet minimum wind uplift ratings based on your home's location and exposure. All our installations exceed these minimum requirements.
We Handle Everything
At SoCal Wholesale Roofing, permit and inspection management is included in every project at no additional cost:
- Complete Permit Application: We prepare and submit all required documentation, plans, and specifications
- Permit Fee Payment: All permit costs are included in your project quote
- Inspection Scheduling: We coordinate all required inspections with the building department
- Inspector Communication: Our crew supervisors are present for all inspections to answer questions and address any issues
- Compliance Guarantee: If any corrections are needed, we handle them immediately at no extra cost
- Final Documentation: You receive copies of all permits, inspection reports, and final sign-off for your records
Fully Permitted, Code-Compliant Roof Replacement
Get a professional roof replacement that meets all Los Angeles building codes, passes all inspections, and protects your home's value—all handled by our experienced team.