What it costs, what's permitted, and what to ask before you hire.
Last verified: 2026-05-31 · Well-sourced
Panel / electrical
Verify your panel capacity with an electrician
Permit likelihood
Confirm with your building department
Permit snapshot
electrical permit
As of 2026-05-31, residential electrical service panel upgrades in the City of Los Angeles require an electrical permit from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), typically filed by a C-10 licensed electrical contractor registered with LADBS. Service-panel replacements at the existing service location within defined ampacity limits (typically up to 400 A residential) and with no structural modification typically qualify for an LADBS Express Permit issued online via PermitLA. Upgrades that increase ampacity, relocate the service mast, or require structural work route through ePlanLA plan check, and service modifications must be coordinated with LADWP (the municipal utility) under their service connection / re-energization process. Verify current Express Permit ampacity limits and LADWP coordination steps with LADBS and LADWP before scheduling the upgrade.