Understanding the Los Angeles Planning Fee Schedule for 2025
An up-to-date guide for developers, homeowners, and city planning consultants
Planning to file an application with Los Angeles City Planning in 2025? Whether you’re developing housing, remodeling a commercial site, or applying for a zone change, it’s important to know what the current planning fees are—and how they’ve changed this year.
This article breaks down the updated Los Angeles Planning Fee Schedule for 2025, including recent inflation adjustments, linkage fees, appeal costs, and special programs that can save applicants thousands of dollars.
2025 Planning Fee Adjustment Timeline
+3.5% CPI Increase
+3.4% CPI Increase
Annual Fee Adjustments Based on Inflation
City Planning fees in Los Angeles are adjusted twice a year using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U). These fee hikes apply across most planning services under Chapters 1 and 1A of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.
Key CPI Increases in 2025:
January 27, 2025: +3.5% adjustment
July 1, 2025: +3.4% adjustment
These changes impact application types such as conditional use permits, site plan reviews, and zone changes. The full adjusted fees are available in Article 15 of the Zoning Code and are enforced by LADCP as of each effective date.
Updated Affordable Housing Linkage Fees (AHLF)
The Affordable Housing Linkage Fee (AHLF) helps fund affordable housing development throughout LA. It applies to new residential and commercial construction.
2025 Linkage Fee Rates (effective July 1, 2025):
| Development Type | Fee per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Residential (6+ units) | $10.32 – $23.20 |
| Residential (2–5 units) | $1.28 – $23.20 |
| Single-family homes | $10.32 – $23.20 |
| Hotels & commercial uses | $3.86 – $6.44 |
The exact rate depends on your location’s market area (low, mid, or high), defined by the Department of City Planning. Developers can check their zone and market area on the City Planning website.
Specific Plan Fees: Central City West Case
For commercial developments in the Central City West Specific Plan (CCWSP) area, the required housing fee continues to rise annually:
2025 Rate: $17.11 per sq. ft
Adjustment Method: Based on the ENR Building Cost Index (Los Angeles)
Effective Dates: January 1 – December 31, 2025
Applicants in the CCWSP area should factor this fee into project budgets early, especially if pursuing entitlements that increase FAR (floor area ratio).
Application & Appeal Fees
Fee increases also apply to discretionary applications and appeals. Below are some of the most common fixed planning fees in 2025:
| Action Type | 2025 Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| First-level appeal (by applicant) | $16,586 |
| Second-level appeal | $12,153 |
| Appeal (by a third party) | $166 |
| Street dedication appeal | $1,674 |
These costs apply per application. The higher fees typically reflect internal costs for legal review, public hearings, and staff time.
Cost-Saving Opportunities in 2025
While many fees are increasing, the City of Los Angeles has introduced incentives and subsidies to reduce costs for small businesses and housing developers.
Al Fresco Permit Fee Subsidy
The Al Fresco Program continues to support outdoor dining in the Coastal Zone. In 2025, restaurants applying for a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) can receive up to $10,000 in reimbursements.
JEDI Zones Permit Support
In designated Jobs and Economic Development Incentive (JEDI) zones, qualifying businesses may also receive up to $10,000 in permit subsidies—a major help for small businesses or neighborhood-serving retail.
Need Help Navigating Planning Fees?
Our land use experts at JDJ Consulting Group can help you understand the 2025 Planning Fee Schedule, avoid hidden costs, and unlock subsidy programs.
Call (818) 233‑0750 for a ConsultationSummary Table of Key LA Planning Fees in 2025
| Fee Category | Effective Date | Rate or Change |
|---|---|---|
| General Planning Fees | Jan 27 & Jul 1, 2025 | +3.5% and +3.4% (CPI-U adjustments) |
| AHLF – Residential (6+ units) | July 1, 2025 | $10.32 – $23.20/sq ft |
| AHLF – Commercial uses | July 1, 2025 | $3.86 – $6.44/sq ft |
| Central City West Housing Fee | Jan–Dec 2025 | $17.11/sq ft |
| Applicant’s first-level appeal | All year | $16,586 |
| Non-applicant appeal | All year | $166 |
| CDP Fee Subsidy (Al Fresco) | All year | Up to $10,000 |
| JEDI Zone Permit Subsidy | All year | Up to $10,000 |
Here are a few ways to stay ahead of planning fee changes in 2025:
Use the Fee Estimator Tool: The City offers a live fee estimator based on location and project type.
Apply before increases: Consider submitting your application before January 27 or July 1 to avoid CPI-driven hikes.
Consult City Planning staff: For larger projects or complex zones (like CCWSP), schedule a consultation to review fee impacts in advance.
Check for subsidies: If your project is in a JEDI zone or the Coastal Zone, explore available funding offsets.
Final Thoughts
Planning fees in Los Angeles continue to rise incrementally, but not without purpose. The updates reflect inflation, administrative costs, and growing investment in housing and local services.
By staying informed about the 2025 fee schedule, developers and homeowners can budget more accurately, avoid delays, and take advantage of incentive programs that may reduce out-of-pocket costs.
For help navigating LA’s planning process, it’s always a good idea to work with an experienced land use consultant or planner familiar with city regulations.
Sources:
2025 LA Planning Fee Estimator
Estimate your Affordable Housing Linkage Fee (AHLF) for new development
Frequently Asked Questions About the Los Angeles Planning Fee Schedule 2025
1. What is the Los Angeles Planning Fee Schedule?
The Los Angeles Planning Fee Schedule is a city-regulated cost structure for development-related applications, such as zoning approvals, conditional use permits, and site plan reviews. It is updated twice a year based on inflation.
Set by the Los Angeles Department of City Planning
Applies to applications under Chapters 1 and 1A of the Zoning Code
Updated every January and July based on CPI
2. When do LA planning fees change in 2025?
In 2025, the City of Los Angeles applied two Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments that changed fee amounts:
January 27, 2025: +3.5% CPI adjustment
July 1, 2025: +3.4% CPI adjustment
Applies to most land use and entitlement fees
3. How much does an entitlement application cost in 2025?
The cost varies by project type, but most discretionary applications—like conditional use permits or zone changes—now include the following appeal costs:
First-level appeal (by applicant): $16,586
Second-level appeal: $12,153
Third-party appeal: $166
4. What is the Affordable Housing Linkage Fee (AHLF) in 2025?
The AHLF funds affordable housing in LA and applies to most new residential and commercial projects. As of July 1, 2025:
Residential (6+ units): $10.32 – $23.20/sq ft
Residential (2–5 units): $1.28 – $23.20/sq ft
Hotels & commercial uses: $3.86 – $6.44/sq ft
5. Do linkage fees vary by neighborhood?
Yes, AHLF fees depend on your location’s market area—categorized as low, medium, or high—by the Department of City Planning.
High-market areas pay the most per square foot
Use LA’s AHLF map to check your project’s fee zone
Applies citywide except for exempted projects
6. What are the planning fees in the Central City West Specific Plan area?
In 2025, the Central City West Specific Plan (CCWSP) imposes a special housing fee on commercial development.
$17.11 per square foot (effective Jan–Dec 2025)
Adjusted yearly using the ENR Building Cost Index
Applies in addition to regular AHLF fees
7. Can I reduce permit fees through subsidies?
Yes, LA offers two key subsidy programs in 2025 that can lower your permit-related expenses.
Al Fresco Program: Up to $10,000 for outdoor dining permits in Coastal Zones
JEDI Zone Program: Up to $10,000 for permit relief in underserved business areas
8. What is the Al Fresco Coastal Permit Fee subsidy?
The Al Fresco initiative helps restaurants build permanent outdoor dining. In 2025, those in Coastal Zones can get CDP permit costs reimbursed.
Coastal Development Permit (CDP) eligible
Up to $10,000 in fee relief
Must meet design and location guidelines
9. How can I estimate my 2025 planning application fees?
The City of Los Angeles provides an online fee estimator tool where you input your location and project type.
Estimates total entitlement or permit cost
Reflects 2025 CPI updates and linkage fee rates
Available on LA City Planning’s website
10. Are planning fees refundable if my application is denied?
Generally, no. Planning fees cover administrative processing and are non-refundable, even if the application is denied or withdrawn.
Appeals may offer partial refunds in rare cases
Always consult with Planning before filing
Consider pre-application meetings to avoid issues
11. Who pays the linkage fee—the owner or the developer?
The project applicant is typically responsible, but whether it’s paid by the owner, developer, or builder depends on contract terms.
Paid before building permit issuance
May be included in project pro forma
Must be paid in full unless exempt or reduced
12. What strategies can help reduce LA planning fees in 2025?
Applicants can use smart timing and available programs to reduce total planning costs.
Submit applications before CPI increases (Jan 27 or Jul 1)
Apply for JEDI or Al Fresco subsidies
Avoid triggering discretionary entitlements when possible
Get professional guidance for complex projects
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