How to Pull a 400‑Amp+ Service Upgrade Permit with LADBS

Navigate LADBS Plan‑Check & Permitting—Without the Guesswork

Upgrading to a 400‑amp, 600‑amp or 800‑amp service in Los Angeles triggers a full Electrical Plan Check. Our C‑10 team has shepherded dozens of projects through LADBS and LADWP, shaving weeks off approval time. Use this field‑tested roadmap—or let us handle it turnkey.

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Why 400 A Is the Magic Number

LADBS requires an Electrical Plan Check when the total new connected load exceeds 400 amperes or any single piece of service equipment is rated 600 A or more (ladbs.org). Express (over‑the‑counter) permits stop at 399 A (dbs.lacity.gov). That means your upgrade moves from a simple counter visit to a formal submittal with stamped drawings.


Step‑by‑Step 400 A+ Permit Workflow

DayActionResponsible PartyKey Docs / Links
0–2Confirm Load CalculationElectrical engineer or C‑10 contractorNEC 220 calculation worksheet
3–5Pre‑Design Meeting (Optional)Owner + design teamLADBS Plan Check desk (call 3‑1‑1 to schedule)
6–12Prepare Stamped Single‑Line & Site PlanEE, PE, or licensed architect (signature per LEC §93.0206)Electrical Plan Check Correction List PC/ELEC/Corr.Lst.08 (ladbs.org)
13Create EPIC‑LA Account & Upload ApplicationOwner’s repForm PC‑ELEC‑APP.02 Application for Electrical Permit (ladbs.org)
14–21Pay Plan‑Check Fees & Obtain Plan Check NumberOwner/GCFee schedule auto‑calculates in EPIC‑LA
22–35Respond to Correction Cycle #1Design teamTypical corrections: fault‑current calc, grounding size, GRC routing
36–42Approval & RTI (Ready‑To‑Issue) StampLADBS Plan CheckDownload RTI letter in EPIC‑LA
43–45Pull Electrical PermitC‑10 contractorUpload worker’s comp & license, pay issuance fee
46–60Coordinate LADWP Service PlanningContractorLADWP “Service Equipment & Revision Form 480‑02”
Construction PhaseRough & Final InspectionsLADBS inspectorSchedule via 888‑LADBS‑247

Pro tip: EPIC‑LA requires PDFs under 200 MB; layer‑off backgrounds and flatten images before uploading.


Document Toolkit

  1. Application for Electrical Permit (PC‑ELEC‑APP.02) – mandatory checklist for >400 A jobs (ladbs.org)
  2. Electrical Plan Check Correction List (PC/ELEC/Corr.Lst.08) – use it as a self‑check before first submittal (ladbs.org)
  3. Multi‑Building Complexes Plan‑Check Bulletin (IB P/EC 2014‑003) – clarifies scope when meter centers serve multiple buildings (ladbs.org)
  4. Express Permit Exclusion List (IB P/GC 2020‑003) – shows why 400 A pushes you out of OTC permitting (dbs.lacity.gov)
  5. LADWP Service Equipment Revision Form 480‑02 – required once plan check approves.

Download links are embedded throughout this page for one‑click access.


Typical Timeline & Fees

ItemRangeNotes
Plan‑Check Fee$680 – $1,200Based on ampacity and square footage
Permit Issuance$300 – $450Paid after RTI letter
Correction Cycles1–2 roundsAim for zero‑deferral by pre‑checking against Correction List
Total Processing Time4–8 weeksWell‑prepared submittals routinely cut it to 4–5 weeks

Common Pitfalls (and How We Avoid Them)

  1. Missing Fault‑Current Calculation – LADBS rejects if not stamped. We include infinite‑bus calc on Sheet E‑1.
  2. Under‑Sized Bonding Jumpers – 250 kcmil copper minimum for 600 A gear; called out in red on our drawings.
  3. Discrepancy Between LADWP Load Sheet & NEC Calc – We reconcile before submission to avoid dual corrections.
  4. Obsolete Title Block – Use 2023 code cycle reference; old sheets trigger auto‑return.

FAQ


Ready for Stress‑Free Permitting?

Talk to Our Specialists

📞 (323) 467-6661 | ✉️ info@branovercontractors.com


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