September is right around the corner, which means the 2027 renewal cycle is almost here! To help make this year’s renewal process a smooth one, DCR has released guidance outlining exactly what licensees need to do in order to meet the 2027 renewal milestone – hiring a licensed architect or engineer – and to prepare for 2028. Read on for detailed instructions, watch the recording of DCR’s webinar discussing this milestone, and also read the reference guide DCR’s Road to Operating Permit & 2027 Renewal Requirements. 

What to Submit During the 2027 Renewal Cycle

The 2027 renewal cycle will take place from September 1, 2026, until November 2, 2026. During this period, licensees must submit LIC-4025-FORM and attest to one of the following: 

1. I’ve retained a licensed architect or engineer to prepare my building plans; you will then also provide the name of the architect or engineer and their license number. Example: [Architect Name] [C 12345]
2. I’ve obtained a building permit application number from LADBS; this option is only applicable for licensees that have already initiated the plan check process with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
3. I’ve NOT obtained a building permit application # from LADBS or retained a licensed architect or engineer; this option is for licensees wishing to claim a one-time hardship exemption.*

*If you are experiencing a hardship preventing you from meeting this year’s milestone requirement, DCR will grant a one-time hardship extension. However, please keep in mind that it will not push back any of the future renewal milestones. It is meant to give you extra time for this specific requirement and to indicate where you are in the process today. 

Finding a Licensed Architect or Engineer

When looking for an architect or engineer, you can reference the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) website to find actively licensed engineers and architects in the Los Angeles area. Please note that there will be thousands listed, so you should expect to do additional research, whether that be through Google Search, referrals, or online reviews. However, when navigating the DCA website, you can use the Advanced Filters to narrow the search results. 

1. Under ‘Board or Bureau,’ select either:
   1. Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists > Select Civil Engineer or Structural Engineer
   2. Architects Board, California > Select Architect 
2. Filter your search by City or County
3. Ensure ‘License Status’ is set to Active

Looking Ahead & Preparing for the 2028 Renewal Cycle

Hiring a licensed architect or engineer is not simply a requirement for the 2027 Renewal Cycle, it is a necessary step for future milestones. Specifically, without an architect or engineer to draft your site plans, you will not be able to obtain the LADBS Clearance Summary Worksheet that is required for the 2028 Renewal Cycle. To ensure you stay on track with renewal milestones, here’s what you can do now. 

While searching for an architect or engineer, you can also separately start the process of obtaining LADBS historical records, including building permits, plot plans, and the most recent Certificate of Occupancy for the building where the commercial cannabis activities will occur. Records may be obtained via the LADBS online records system, or by submitting a Records Research Request Form to LADBS. Whoever you end up hiring will ultimately need these documents to accurately draw up your plans.