This is not complicated. The city wants visibility, not perfection. Your job is to show the work before it disappears. Do this correctly and you glide through like a ghost.

First: know the rule

In Los Angeles (LADBS / LA County), roofing work must be inspected before it is concealed. If it’s covered and they want to see it, you may be forced to rip it open. That’s the only real danger. Everything else is noise.

Now the actual playbook.

Step 1: Finish the “dry-in”

This is the moment you stop and request inspection.

You must have:

  • Old roof removed
  • Roof decking exposed and repaired (replace rotten plywood if needed)
  • Underlayment installed (felt or synthetic)
  • Flashing installed and visible (edges, valleys, penetrations, vents)

DO NOT install shingles yet.

This stage exists for one reason: proof.

Step 2: Go to LADBS inspection request

Use the LADBS portal (the page you showed).

Choose:

  • “Request for Inspection”
  • Enter your 15-digit permit number
  • Select Roofing / Reroof – In Progress or similar wording
  • Choose Virtual Inspection if available (recommended)

Submit.

Step 3: Prepare for virtual inspection

This is where people mess up. Don’t.

Have ready:

  • Fully charged phone or tablet
  • Good daylight
  • Stable internet
  • Ladder access

Before the call, walk the roof yourself and plan the route:

  • Start wide (entire roof view)
  • Then close-ups:
    • Underlayment
    • Flashing
    • Valleys
    • Penetrations
    • Drip edge
    • Any decking repairs

Think like a filmmaker. Smooth. Slow. Confident.

Step 4: During the inspection

Inspector joins by video.

They will ask you to:

  • Pan across roof
  • Zoom into details
  • Hold steady on flashing and edges

Say little. Show everything.

If they say “that’s good,” stop moving.

Do not over-explain. Visibility wins.

If they pass it, you’re cleared to continue.

Step 5: Finish the roof

Now you install:

  • Shingles / tiles
  • Ridge caps
  • Final details

No fear now. The critical layer is already approved.

Step 6: Final inspection (later)

Once finished:

  • Request Final Roofing Inspection
  • Virtual or in-person (either is fine)

This inspection is easy because nothing is hidden anymore.

Common mistakes (do NOT do these):

  • Covering underlayment before inspection
  • Requesting only a final inspection
  • Not showing flashing clearly
  • Rushing the camera
  • Talking too much

Mental frame to keep:

This is not about permission.

This is about documentation.

Show the work.

Pass the gate.

Move forward.

If you want, I can also give you:

  • A checklist you can screenshot
  • A script of exactly what to show on camera
  • Or guidance on what inspectors usually fail roofs for in LA

Just say the word.