A step-by-step guide to requesting construction inspections through LADBS iRFIS (online) and 311/AIRS (phone). Covers the 3 PM deadline, required information, and how to automate the entire process.
Before you can request any LADBS inspection, make sure you have these two numbers ready. Without them, neither iRFIS nor 311 will process your request.
Every LADBS inspection request requires two pieces of data:
15-digit number — found on your building permit document7-digit number — issued when the permit was approved
All LADBS inspection requests must be submitted by 3:00 PM the business day before your desired inspection date. Requests after 3 PM roll to the next business day. You can schedule up to 3 business days in advance. There are no exceptions.
iRFIS (Inspection Request and Field Inspection System) is LADBS's online portal. It's available 24/7, but the 3 PM cutoff still applies for next-day scheduling.
Navigate to ladbs.org and find the iRFIS inspection request portal. You may need to create an account or log in if you haven't already.
Type your full 15-digit permit number into the permit field. Double-check every digit — a single typo will either reject the request or submit it for the wrong permit.
24016-10000-12345 Type the 7-digit confirmation number that was issued when your permit was approved. This is different from the permit number.
Choose the correct inspection from the dropdown: foundation, framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical, rough mechanical, insulation, drywall, or final. Selecting the wrong type will result in the wrong inspector showing up.
Select the date within the 3-business-day advance window. Remember: if it's after 3 PM, tomorrow's slot is no longer available — your earliest option is the day after tomorrow.
Click submit. LADBS will issue a confirmation number for this request. Save it — you'll need it if there's any dispute about whether the request was made.
For inspections not available on iRFIS, or when the portal is down, you can request by phone through the AIRS (Automated Inspection Request System) at 311.
Dial 311 from any phone in Los Angeles. Select the building inspection option from the automated menu. Average hold time is 10+ minutes during peak hours (morning).
The automated system will ask you to enter your permit number using the phone keypad (15 digits), then your confirmation number (7 digits). Listen carefully to the prompts.
Follow the IVR prompts to select your inspection type and preferred date. Confirm the details when prompted. The system will provide a confirmation number — write it down.
Instead of navigating iRFIS forms or waiting on hold at 311, InspectPilot AI submits inspection requests on your behalf — through iRFIS and AIRS — before the 3 PM deadline. You authorize once, and every future request is handled automatically with instant confirmation. Get early access →
Once the inspector visits your site, you'll receive results (usually same day or next business day) through the LADBS portal.
Great — you can proceed to the next construction phase and schedule the next inspection. InspectPilot automatically queues the next inspection based on your project sequence.
The inspector issues a correction notice listing what needs to be fixed. Complete the corrections, then request a re-inspection. This cycle typically adds 3–7 days. InspectPilot automates the entire correction loop — from notice capture to trade alerts to re-scheduling.
Go to ladbs.org, enter your 15-digit permit number and 7-digit confirmation number, select the inspection type, choose your date, and submit. Must be done before 3 PM for next-day inspection.
Both are on your building permit document from LADBS. They're also available on the LADBS permit lookup portal. If you've lost the confirmation number, contact LADBS directly.
Your request rolls to the next business day. The inspection is scheduled one day later than intended. On tight timelines, this cascades into trade conflicts and added costs.
Yes. Call 311, select building inspection, and use the AIRS system. Enter your permit and confirmation numbers via keypad, select the inspection type, and confirm. Hold time averages 10+ minutes.
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