Los Angeles roofing permits and rules
Source: California Roofing Help (californiaroofinghelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Roofing permits in Los Angeles
Los Angeles lists re-roofing with Class A or B roof covering weighing less than 6 pounds per square foot (over existing or new solid sheathing) as express permits with no plan check. Class A roof covering is required in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. For residential roof replacement of more than 50 percent of the total roof area, a Cool Roof Product labeled and certified by the Cool Roof Rating Council is required. (source: City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety)
Removing existing roof tiles, applying new underlayment and resetting the tiles is also on the express list, and cool roof compliance is not required for that scope. Applying an approved coating to an existing roof is likewise an express permit. (source: City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety)
Statewide rules that apply here
Roofing contractors are licensed by CSLB in the C-39 Roofing classification. A C-39 contractor installs products and repairs surfaces that seal, waterproof and weatherproof structures, using materials such as asphaltum, pitch, tar, felt, metal roofing systems, shakes, shingles, roof tile, slate and other membrane materials. (source: Contractors State License Board)
The contractor license law does not apply to work under $1,000 in total (labor, materials and everything else) that is casual, minor or inconsequential and does not need a building permit. The exemption is lost if the job is split up to get under $1,000, if the person advertises as a contractor, or if they employ anyone to help (B&P 7048). AB 2622, approved in September 2024, raised this limit from $500 to $1,000, and the section was amended again effective January 1, 2026. (source: California Legislature) (source: California Legislature)
See permits in other cities, doing your own work and checking a license.
Other cities: Los Angeles · San Diego · San Jose · San Francisco · Sacramento · Fresno · Long Beach · Oakland
On this site: Do I need a permit to replace a roof in California? · When does a California roofer need a C-39 license? · Hiring a roofer after a California wildfire or declared disaster · California roof insurance claim deadlines · California roofing contract and payment rules · How to check a California roofer and complain · Can I reroof my own house in California? · Roofing permit costs in California cities · Cool roof and fire-zone roofing rules in California cities · Where to complain about a California roofer · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS): Express Permits (No Plan Check Required), P/GI 2026-003, revised 06-10-2026 (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB): C-39 Roofing Contractor classification (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 7048 (minor work exemption) (checked November 2, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Assembly Bill 2622 (2024), Chapter 240: Contractors: exemptions (checked November 2, 2026)
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