Tenant Improvement
Permit Expediting
A Tenant Improvement permit authorizes interior renovations within an existing commercial space. We manage the full TI permit process — from scope review through LADBS approval — for office, retail, restaurant, and medical projects.
TI permits are among the most common — and most misunderstood — commercial building permits. The range of required reviews depends on project scope, occupancy type, and whether the use is changing. A simple office repaint requires no permit. But moving a single partition wall, upgrading electrical panels, or converting a retail space to food service triggers a full plan check cycle. We determine exactly what your project requires and build the permit strategy accordingly.
Project Types We Permit
Office Remodels
Interior renovations for corporate offices, co-working spaces, and professional service suites.
Retail Buildouts
New tenant build-outs for retail spaces including storefronts, showrooms, and franchise locations.
Restaurant Conversions
Converting existing commercial space to food service occupancy — one of the most permit-intensive TI types.
Medical & Dental Offices
Healthcare facility fit-outs with additional requirements for medical gas, plumbing, and OSHPD compliance where applicable.
What We Manage
- 01
Pre-Submittal Scope Review
We determine which permits are required, which agencies must sign off, and whether a change of occupancy or use triggers Planning review.
- 02
Application Preparation
We prepare a complete plan package formatted to LADBS and jurisdiction-specific standards, reducing the chance of corrections at initial intake.
- 03
LADBS Plan Check Coordination
We submit, track progress, and respond to plan check corrections directly — minimizing turnaround time between review cycles.
- 04
Multi-Agency Clearances
We manage concurrent submissions to LAFD, Public Works, Health Department, and City Planning where required, preventing sequential delays.
- 05
Ready-to-Issue & Permit Issuance
We confirm all clearances are in place and fees are ready before your permit issues — so your contractor can break ground on schedule.
Common Questions
What is a Tenant Improvement permit?
A Tenant Improvement (TI) permit authorizes interior renovations within an existing commercial space — without changing the building's structural shell. Common TI projects include office remodels, retail buildouts, restaurant conversions, and medical clinic fit-outs. TI permits are required whenever interior work affects egress, fire life safety systems, structural elements, or mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
What agencies review a Tenant Improvement permit in LA?
Most TI permits in the City of Los Angeles go through LADBS for building plan check. Depending on the project scope, additional clearances may be required from LAFD (fire life safety), Public Works (grease interceptors for restaurants), Health Department (food service facilities), and LA City Planning (change of use or CUP). We identify every required agency at project outset and manage all tracks simultaneously.
How long does a TI permit take in Los Angeles?
Simple interior TI permits can be approved in 3–6 weeks over the counter. More complex projects — especially those involving a change of occupancy (e.g., converting a retail space to a restaurant) — can take 8–16 weeks or longer if Planning approval or a CUP is required. Pre-submittal planning is the most effective way to compress this timeline.
Do I need a permit for an office remodel?
Yes, in most cases. If your office remodel involves moving walls, adding or modifying electrical or mechanical systems, or changing egress, a building permit is required. Even cosmetic remodels may require permits if they affect fire-rated assemblies. We conduct a pre-submittal scope review to determine exactly what permits your project needs.
Ready to permit your tenant improvement?
Tell us about your space and we will map out your permit strategy and timeline.
Check Permit Requirements