If you’re planning to replace a water heater in your Winnetka 91306 ranch home, repipe a 1960s duplex in Canoga Park 91304, add a bathroom to a hillside house in Sherman Oaks 91423, or upgrade gas lines in San Fernando 91340, one question keeps coming up:
“Do I need a plumbing permit for this in Los Angeles?”
Ignore that question and you risk: failed inspections, fines, insurance claim denials, and major headaches when you sell your property. The good news: you don’t need to become an expert on LADBS (Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety), LA County Public Works, or the EPIC‑LA portal. Hi-Tech Plumbing Services Inc. handles the permit and inspection process for Valley homeowners every day.
This guide explains, in plain language, how plumbing permits work for typical jobs in Winnetka 91306, Canoga Park 91303 & 91304, Sherman Oaks 91403 & 91423, and San Fernando 91340—and what Hi-Tech does to keep you code‑compliant without stress.
Who Issues Plumbing Permits Where You Live?
Most Valley homeowners we serve are in either:
- City of Los Angeles (LADBS jurisdiction) – Winnetka, Canoga Park, Sherman Oaks
- Unincorporated LA County – Some pockets just outside city limits, plus all of San Fernando 91340 (an independent city with its own Public Works)
City of Los Angeles – LADBS
If your property tax bill says “City of Los Angeles,” you’re under LADBS. This includes:
- Winnetka 91306 (south of Roscoe, west of Topanga)
- Canoga Park 91303 & 91304 (entire zip codes)
- Sherman Oaks 91403 & 91423 (east of Van Nuys Blvd, south of Ventura Blvd)
Plumbing permits are handled through LADBS offices (Van Nuys at 6262 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 251, 91401 is closest for most Valley residents) or the online permitting system.
LA County Public Works – For Unincorporated Areas & San Fernando
San Fernando 91340 is an independent city with its own Public Works Department at 117 Macneil St, 91340. Some hillside pockets in Sherman Oaks and Canoga Park fall under LA County Public Works jurisdiction and require permits through the EPIC‑LA portal.
Hi‑Tech confirms your jurisdiction by checking your address before starting any work.
Common Jobs That DO Require a Permit
Here are typical Valley projects that need plumbing permits:
1. Water Heater Replacement
Examples across the Valley:
- Winnetka 91306: Garage water heater on Lurline Ave near Roscoe Blvd
- Canoga Park 91304: Side‑yard heater in a home on Cohasset St near Topanga Canyon Blvd
- Sherman Oaks 91423: Interior closet unit in a condo on Hazeltine Ave near Ventura Blvd
- San Fernando 91340: Basement heater in a bungalow on 4th St near Macneil St
Why it needs a permit:
- Gas and venting safety must meet California Plumbing Code
- Seismic strapping is mandatory in LA
- T&P (temperature & pressure) discharge must terminate properly
Hi‑Tech pulls the required permit, completes installation, and meets LADBS or San Fernando City inspectors on‑site.
2. Full or Partial Repiping
If you’re replacing:
- Galvanized lines in a Winnetka 91306 ranch home north of Victory Blvd
- Old mixed copper/galvanized in a Canoga Park 91304 duplex west of Topanga Canyon Blvd
- Interior hot and cold lines in a Sherman Oaks 91403 hillside home above Valley Vista Blvd
You’ll need a permit because:
- We’re altering the permanent potable water system
- Sizing, materials, and support must meet code
- Inspector must verify pressure tests and workmanship
Our drain line and water line repiping service includes full permit coordination.
3. Sewer Line Replacement or Reroute
Jobs like:
- Trenchless sewer replacement from a Canoga Park 91303 home to the city main in the alley behind Sherman Way
- Replacing a collapsed clay lateral under a Winnetka 91306 driveway off Vanowen St
- Rerouting a hillside Sherman Oaks 91423 sewer line to stabilize against movement
Require:
- Plumbing permit through LADBS or San Fernando City
- Sometimes separate Bureau of Sanitation or Public Works review when tying into public mains
Our trenchless sewer repair service handles all required permits and coordination.
4. Adding Bathrooms or Rough Plumbing in ADUs
Converting a garage to an ADU in:
- Winnetka 91306 (off Saticoy St)
- Canoga Park 91304 (north of Roscoe Blvd)
- Sherman Oaks 91403 (south of the 101 near Sepulveda Blvd)
- San Fernando 91340 (near Truman St)
Always requires:
- Plan check and full plumbing permit
- Fixture counts and drainage sizing per California Plumbing Code
- Often integration with CALGreen water‑saving requirements
What Usually Does NOT Need a Permit
Some minor work—especially repairs in the same location—usually doesn’t require a permit:
- Clearing drain clogs with a snake or hydrojet (hydrojetting services)
- Replacing faucets, showerheads, or angle stops
- Swapping a toilet with a similar new model (unless part of a larger remodel that’s permitted)
Hi‑Tech will tell you straight when a job is “no‑permit” and can be handled quickly.
How Hi‑Tech Handles Permits for You
Valley homeowners rarely have time to:
- Drive to LADBS Van Nuys at 6262 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 251 for over‑the‑counter plan review
- Fight for parking at city offices
- Interpret forms like the LADBS “Application for Plumbing Permit or Plan Check”
- Navigate the EPIC‑LA portal for County pockets
Our turnkey process:
- Jurisdiction check – Confirm if your address is under LADBS, San Fernando City, or LA County
- Scope definition – Clearly define the work (for example, “replace 50 ft of building sewer, add two cleanouts”)
- Permit application – Submit online or in person at the appropriate office
- Inspection coordination – Schedule and meet inspector on site
- Corrections (if any) – Address and close permits properly so your records are clean
You get code‑compliant work and clean inspection history for future refinancing or sale.
Local Permit Tips by Zip Code
Winnetka 91306
- Most water heater replacements can be over‑the‑counter at LADBS Van Nuys
- Sewer work that ties into the city main on Winnetka Ave may need Bureau of Sanitation review
- Gas line work always requires LADBS permit and inspection
Canoga Park 91303 & 91304
- 91303 (east of Topanga Canyon Blvd) typically has older clay mains; replacement often needs both LADBS and Sanitation sign‑off
- 91304 (west of Topanga) has more hillside areas; County pockets require EPIC‑LA permits
- Restaurant grease interceptor installations on Sherman Way need Health Department approval plus LADBS plumbing permit
Sherman Oaks 91403 & 91423
- Condos along Ventura Blvd often have Homeowner Association requirements beyond city permits
- Hillside homes near Mulholland Drive may need additional geological review for excavation
- ADU conversions in 91423 frequently trigger CALGreen low‑flow fixture requirements
San Fernando 91340
- City of San Fernando Public Works at 117 Macneil St handles permits directly (not LADBS)
- Over‑the‑counter permits available Monday‑Thursday mornings
- County pockets near Glenoaks Blvd use EPIC‑LA portal
Cost of Permits in the Valley (2026)
Typical permit fees:
- Water heater replacement: $75‑150 (LADBS)
- Sewer line replacement: $150‑300 (LADBS) + possible County fees
- Full repipe: $250‑500 (LADBS)
- San Fernando City: Comparable rates, payable at City Hall on Macneil St
We include permit costs in our estimates—no surprises.
Why Valley Homeowners Choose Hi‑Tech for Permits
One‑Stop Shop: We handle jurisdiction check, application, inspection, and corrections
Local Knowledge: We know LADBS inspectors by name and understand San Fernando City preferences
Fast Turnaround: Our relationships often expedite approval vs. DIY applications
Clean Records: We ensure permits are properly closed, protecting your property value
Transparent Pricing: All permit fees disclosed upfront
Take Action: Don’t Risk Non‑Compliance
Save our number now: (818) 941‑6741
Free Permit Consultation: Call us to discuss your project. We’ll:
- Confirm your jurisdiction (LADBS, County, or San Fernando City)
- Tell you if permits are required
- Provide a clear scope and cost estimate
- Handle everything from application to final inspection
Valley homeowners: Stay code‑compliant without the stress. Call Hi‑Tech Plumbing Services Inc. today.