Battery Storage in Los Angeles

electrical + building permit

As of 2026-05-31, residential battery energy storage system (ESS) installations in the City of Los Angeles are governed jointly by LADBS and the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). An LADBS electrical permit is typically required, and LAFD review of the installation is governed by the joint LAFD/LADBS ESS Memo and Checklist plus City of Los Angeles Fire Code (LAFC) Chapter 12 and CFC §1207. When the installation meets all checklist criteria — exterior installation only, ESS unit surfaces at least 3 ft from any building openings (windows, doors, attic vents, dryer vents, kitchen exhausts, underfloor openings), at least 3 ft from the main electrical panel, unobstructed access pathways from opposite directions, and accompanying elevation diagram + site plan — the LADBS electrical application typically does not require additional LAFD plan review. Installations that are interior, in an attached garage, or do not meet checklist clearances require separate LAFD review with additional documentation and typically additional time. Paired PV+ESS systems may route through SolarAPP+ / ePermit-Solar when other eligibility criteria are met. Verify the current LAFD ESS Memo and Checklist (Ver 2.1 or later), clearance, and installation-location rules with LADBS and LAFD before scheduling installation.

Verified 2026-05-31 · Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety · Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety · Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety · Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety · Los Angeles Fire Department