Independent planning guide: WaterDepartmentGuide.org is not operated by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Los Angeles County or the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning. This page explains publicly available planning, zoning and permit services. Fees, office locations, hours and procedures can change, so verify consequential permit or filing information with LA County Planning before acting.
Los Angeles County Planning Department: Phone, Address, Hours, Zoning & Permit Help
2026 LA County Regional Planning guide
Find Your Zoning, File a Permit or Speak With an LA County Planner
The official agency is the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, commonly branded as LA County Planning. Its main public phone number is 213-974-6411 and general email is info@planning.lacounty.gov.
The department handles planning and zoning for unincorporated Los Angeles County—areas outside the County’s 88 incorporated cities.
Its listed headquarters/mailing address is 320 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, but the current locations page states that the Downtown Headquarters public counter is closed. Use an open field office or virtual counseling for walk-in/planner assistance.
Start here
Los Angeles County Planning Department Quick Facts
Unincorporated LA County
LA County Planning serves communities and territory that are not incorporated into one of Los Angeles County’s cities.
EPIC-LA
Submit planning applications, check case status, see payments due and access public case documents.
Z-NET
Search zoning information by property address, Assessor’s Parcel Number or map location.
If the property is inside the City of Los Angeles or another incorporated city, LA County Regional Planning may not be your planning agency.
Most important check
Is LA County Planning Actually Your Planning Department?
Los Angeles County contains 88 incorporated cities plus unincorporated communities. The County Department of Regional Planning handles land-use planning for the unincorporated areas.
Use LA County Planning When
- The parcel is in unincorporated Los Angeles County.
- Z-NET returns County zoning for the property.
- Your application/case has an LA County RPAP or RPPL number.
- Your project is being processed through LA County EPIC-LA.
Contact a City Instead When
- The parcel is within an incorporated city.
- Z-NET masks the area in white as city territory.
- Your property is governed by that city’s planning/zoning department.
- A city—not the County—is processing your development permit.
Fast jurisdiction check
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1
Open LA County’s zoning lookup
Start with Z-NET or the County’s jurisdiction lookup rather than assuming the mailing city determines jurisdiction.
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2
Search the exact property
Use the street address or 10-digit Assessor’s Parcel Number/AIN.
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3
Check whether County zoning appears
If the parcel is within County jurisdiction, the map will provide zoning and related overlays.
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4
If the area is masked out, find the city
LA County Planning specifically warns that white/masked areas in Z-NET indicate a city jurisdiction.
Use the County’s own tool before filing a planning application.
Call the right team
Los Angeles County Planning Phone Numbers & Emails
| Need | Phone / Email | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| General planning | 213-974-6411 info@planning.lacounty.gov |
Zoning, planning, applications and general guidance |
| Zoning Enforcement | 213-974-6453 213-974-6483 zoningenforcement@planning.lacounty.gov |
Suspected zoning violations and enforcement cases |
| Current Planning | 213-893-7026 cp@planning.lacounty.gov |
Development review and current planning functions |
| Land Use Regulation | 213-974-6431 lur@planning.lacounty.gov |
Land-use regulation functions |
| GIS | 213-974-8275 gis@planning.lacounty.gov |
Mapping and GIS-related questions |
| Public Records | pra@planning.lacounty.gov | California Public Records Act requests |
| EPIC-LA Technical Help | epiclahelp@lacounty.gov | Portal registration and technical problems |
| Language Access | 213-974-6411 LanguageAccess@planning.lacounty.gov |
Interpretation and translated planning materials |
| ADA Coordinator | 213-974-6488 TDD: 213-617-2292 |
Accessibility accommodations |
| Disaster Recovery | 213-974-6411 recovery@planning.lacounty.gov |
Eaton/Palisades-related planning and rebuild assistance |
Before you drive
LA County Planning Office Locations & Hours
Although 320 W. Temple Street remains the department’s official listed address and mailing address, do not assume the downtown counter is available for walk-in service.
| Field Office | Address | Current Listed Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Altadena One-Stop | 464 W Woodbury Road, Suite 210 Altadena, CA 91001 |
Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Antelope Valley | 335A East Avenue K-6 Lancaster, CA 93535 |
Monday–Friday 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Sign in before 10:30 a.m. |
| Calabasas / Malibu | 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250 Calabasas, CA 91302 |
Monday–Thursday 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Sign in before 10:30 a.m. |
| East Los Angeles | 4801 E Third Street Los Angeles, CA 90022 |
Monday–Thursday 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Sign in before 10:30 a.m. |
| La Puente One-Stop | 16005 E Central Avenue La Puente, CA 91744 |
Monday–Thursday 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Sign in before 10:30 a.m. |
| San Gabriel Valley | 125 S Baldwin Avenue Arcadia, CA 91007 |
Monday–Thursday 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Sign in before 10:30 a.m. |
| Santa Clarita | 23757 Valencia Boulevard Valencia, CA 91355 |
Monday–Thursday 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Sign in before 10:30 a.m. |
| Southwest | 1320 W Imperial Highway Los Angeles, CA 90044 |
Monday–Thursday 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Sign in before 10:30 a.m. |
LA County Planning currently lists general EPIC-LA planning help hours as Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.. Field-office counter hours differ, so check the specific location before visiting.
Use the official Locations page immediately before an in-person visit.
Property lookup
How to Find LA County Zoning With Z-NET
Z-NET is one of the fastest ways to determine both property zoning and whether LA County Regional Planning is the correct planning agency.
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1
Open Z-NET
Use the official County mapping page instead of relying on a commercial real-estate zoning label.
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2
Search by address or parcel
You can search an address or a 10-digit parcel number without dashes.
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3
Review the zoning result
Record the zone and any relevant planning overlays or special districts shown for the parcel.
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4
Watch for city territory
If the map area is masked white, LA County Planning says you are looking at a property within a city.
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5
Ask a planner what the zoning allows
A zoning code by itself does not answer every setback, use, parking, overlay or permit question.
Z-NET
Best for a quick zoning result and basic jurisdiction check.
GIS-NET Public
Offers more advanced spatial tools, layers, queries, reports and map-export functions.
Planner Counseling
Best when you need to know whether a proposed use or design can actually be approved.
Search zoning by address, APN/AIN or map location.
Project approval
What Planning Permits Does LA County Handle?
LA County Planning separates applications into several broad planning pathways. The correct application depends on zoning, the proposed land use, project design and whether public discretion is required.
Referrals & Letters
- Business-license referrals
- Zoning verification letters
- Yard-sale registrations
- Agency zoning confirmations
By-Right Reviews
These can be approved when a proposal satisfies all applicable objective zoning and design requirements.
Public-Hearing Permits
These involve judgment about whether a project is appropriate for its location and can include project conditions.
Conditional Use Permit
Used for land uses that require discretionary approval under the zoning code.
Variance
Used for qualifying requests to deviate from specific development standards when required legal findings can be made.
Subdivisions
Land divisions can involve Planning, Public Works, Fire, Parks and Recreation, Public Health and a public-hearing process.
If the project includes grading, construction, utilities, fire review, septic or other technical work, additional County departments can require separate approvals before work starts.
Review permit categories and counseling options before filing.
EPIC-LA
How to File an LA County Planning Application
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1
Confirm LA County has jurisdiction
Use Z-NET or the County jurisdiction tool before preparing a County application.
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2
Identify the likely planning approval
Review permit guidance or discuss the project with a planner before choosing forms.
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3
Prepare the required documents
Use the applicable checklist. Missing plans, owner acknowledgment or project documents can delay intake.
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4
Register for EPIC-LA
Registration is required to submit applications, pay online and use certain case functions.
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5
Submit the Base Application
The initial Base Application receives an RPAP number.
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6
Wait for the correct permit conversion
LA County reviews the Base Application and converts it to the appropriate planning application, which receives an RPPL number.
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7
Pay the invoice
After the permit type is established, the County sends an invoice number and EPIC-LA payment path.
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8
Track review requirements
Watch EPIC-LA for assigned planner information, requested corrections, payments and public documents.
LA County Planning states that subdivision applications are not accepted through ordinary in-person filing.
Check the current online and in-person filing requirements.
Case lookup
How to Check an LA County Planning Application Status
EPIC-LA can be used to check application status, identify the assigned planner, see payments due and access related public documents.
Project Number
Often formatted similar to PRJ2026-001234.
RPAP Number
The initial Base Application identifier before conversion.
RPPL Number
The accepted planning application/plan identifier.
Property
Search using a partial address or Assessor’s Parcel Number/AIN.
What to check after opening the case
- Current application status
- Assigned case planner
- Outstanding fees
- Public case documents
- Related permit numbers
- Project location
- Application type
- Recent case activity
Search by project number, plan number, address or APN.
Effective March 1, 2026
Selected 2026 LA County Planning Fees
LA County Planning published revised zoning and environmental fees effective March 1, 2026. Some applications also include referral costs, deposits or charges from other County departments.
| Selected Planning Service | 2026 Revised Fee |
|---|---|
| Zoning Verification Letter | $548 |
| Zoning Conformance Review — Ministerial | $849 |
| Yard Sale Registration | $224 |
| Special Event Permit — without public hearing | $1,343 |
| Special Event Permit — with public hearing | $2,911 |
| Variance | $15,873 |
| Zone Change | $22,736 |
| Zoning Enforcement Order — Noncompliance | $1,707 |
| Noncompliance penalty if qualifying fee remains unpaid after required period | $4,268 |
| Environmental Assessment — Initial Review | $600 |
Projects can trigger concurrent application fees, environmental review, Fire/Public Works/Public Health/Parks referrals, deposits and other development-impact charges.
How application fees are paid
Online
After the Base Application is converted to the correct planning case, the applicant receives an invoice number and EPIC-LA payment link.
In Person
Most application fees can be paid at qualifying field offices during counter hours. The County accepts checks and credit cards for applicable in-person transactions.
By Mail
Make checks payable to County of Los Angeles and include the invoice and RPPL case number.
LA County Planning, 320 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Always verify the exact project fee immediately before filing.
Get project-specific help
How to Speak With an LA County Planner
Phone / Email
Call 213-974-6411 or email info@planning.lacounty.gov.
Virtual Counseling
Schedule a virtual planning/zoning discussion when you need to show plans, share your screen or review property-specific questions.
Pre-Application Counseling
Formal multi-department counseling can be useful for complicated development and subdivisions and may be required in certain special areas.
Have these ready before speaking with a planner
- Property address
- Assessor’s Parcel Number / AIN
- Existing land use
- Proposed project/use
- Basic dimensions
- Draft site plan if available
- Known zoning designation
- Existing case number if applicable
Choose the counseling type that best matches your project or case.
Zoning complaints
How to Report an LA County Zoning Violation
LA County Planning’s Zoning Enforcement section enforces Title 22 zoning rules on private property in unincorporated Los Angeles County.
Information to include in a complaint
- Exact property address
- Cross streets
- APN if known
- Description of suspected violation
- Where on the property it occurs
- Any safety concern
- Photos/details if available
- Your contact information if you want updates
LA County Planning states that anyone may report a suspected zoning violation and complaint-source information remains confidential.
Phone
Call Zoning Enforcement at 213-974-6453 or 213-974-6483.
211 LA County
Dial 211 or call 800-339-6993. Community Resource Advisors are available 24/7.
The Works App
The County’s mobile application can be used to submit certain property-related complaints with descriptions and photos.
Use the County instructions for current enforcement contacts.
Documents and files
How to Request LA County Planning Public Records
LA County Planning accepts requests for department records and documents under the California Public Records Act.
Before sending a records request
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1
Check EPIC-LA first
Public documents associated with planning cases may already be available through the case record.
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2
Check GIS and map resources
The department provides public GIS layers and map catalog resources online.
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3
Identify the record precisely
Include project/case number, property address, APN, date range or document type when known.
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4
Email the PRA request
Send the request to pra@planning.lacounty.gov.
LA County Planning states that it will generally tell you within 10 days whether responsive records are held, although additional time can sometimes be required.
Review access methods, response process and possible copy fees.
Public process
Planning Hearings, Notices & Applications Filed
Regional Planning Commission
The five-member commission advises on planning policy and conducts public hearings on qualifying planning matters.
Hearing Officer
Hearing Officers can conduct hearings and issue decisions on certain smaller-scale cases and zoning-enforcement matters.
Case Notices
The County publishes recent planning applications filed and hearing notices by planning area.
Use the Countywide and planning-area “Applications Filed” reports, then use the listed project or RPPL number in EPIC-LA to review available case material.
Search current Countywide and local planning-area activity.
2026 fire-recovery help
Eaton & Palisades Fire Planning / Rebuild Assistance
LA County Planning maintains a dedicated Disaster Recovery program with current information for properties impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
Disaster Rebuilds
Special procedures can apply to qualifying repairs and reconstruction after a declared disaster.
Temporary Housing
The County’s Disaster Recovery Ordinance provides pathways for certain temporary housing and accessory structures.
Pre-Approved Plans
Qualifying fire-rebuild homeowners may be able to use County-reviewed standard residential or ADU designs.
The County currently directs disaster-recovery applicants to dedicated recovery and One-Stop resources rather than the ordinary virtual-counseling workflow.
Current rebuild procedures, fire resources, fee assistance and standard plans.
Accessibility
Language Access & ADA Help
Language Assistance
LA County Planning can provide language assistance for phone calls, virtual counseling, planning documents and qualifying public-hearing services.
Phone: 213-974-6411
ADA Assistance
ADA Coordinator: 213-974-6488
TDD: 213-617-2292
Ask for accommodations as early as possible when participating in planning services or public processes.
Interpretation, translation and language-access complaint information.
Important 2026 warning
LA County Planning Phishing & Payment Warning
Official Regional Planning correspondence should come from a @planning.lacounty.gov address or donotreply@lacounty.gov. The department says it will not request personally identifiable information by email or ask for payment through wire transfer.
Before paying a planning invoice
- Confirm the case or invoice in EPIC-LA
- Check the sender’s government email domain
- Verify unexpected instructions by calling 213-974-6411
- Never wire money based only on an unsolicited email
- Do not send sensitive personal data to an unverified sender
- Use official County payment instructions
Avoid the wrong counter
Regional Planning vs. Building & Safety vs. City Planning
| Agency / Function | Typical Questions |
|---|---|
| LA County Regional Planning | Zoning, allowed land uses, planning permits, conditional uses, variances, subdivisions, development standards and zoning enforcement in unincorporated County areas. |
| LA County Building & Safety / Public Works | Building permits, plan checks, grading, inspections and technical construction requirements where County Public Works has jurisdiction. |
| City Planning Department | Planning/zoning for property located inside an incorporated city. |
| County Fire Department | Fire-related project review, access, fire code and certain protected-tree/project referral functions. |
| County Public Health | Environmental health and certain project reviews involving private water/sewage or other health considerations. |
Main listed address
Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning Address
LA County Planning
320 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-974-6411
Email: info@planning.lacounty.gov
Important: The department’s current location directory lists the Downtown Headquarters public counter as closed.
Use an Open Field Office
For in-person counseling or filing, choose one of the currently open County field offices and verify its hours immediately before traveling.
Most morning counter locations close at 11 a.m. and require customers to sign in before 10:30 a.m.
Common searches
Los Angeles County Planning Department FAQs
What is the Los Angeles County Planning Department phone number?
What is the Los Angeles County Planning Department address?
What are LA County Planning’s hours?
Does LA County Planning handle property inside the City of Los Angeles?
How do I find the zoning for a property in unincorporated Los Angeles County?
How do I file a planning permit application in Los Angeles County?
How can I check my LA County Planning application status?
How much are LA County Planning fees in 2026?
How do I report a zoning violation in unincorporated LA County?
How do I request Los Angeles County Planning public records?
Verify before acting
Official LA County Planning Resources
LA County Planning
Main Department of Regional Planning website.
Office Locations
Current field-office addresses, hours and closure notices.
Zoning Lookup
Find County zoning and confirm jurisdiction.
EPIC-LA
Applications, case status, documents and reports.
Planning Fees
Current zoning, environmental and application fee schedules.
Planner Counseling
Virtual and other project counseling options.
Zoning Enforcement
Violation reporting and enforcement-case guidance.
Public Records
Department records and California PRA requests.
Disaster Recovery
Fire rebuilds, temporary housing and recovery planning.