What does “Submitted” mean on a building permit?

Your application has been received and is sitting in the intake queue waiting to be picked up. At LADBS this status means fees are paid and the plans are in the review queue — and importantly, the 18-month plan check clock starts here. On Accela portals (San Diego, San Bernardino, South Pasadena), 'Submitted' / 'Application Submitted' / 'Pending' means the application was received and is awaiting triage and city assignment.

What should you do when a permit shows “Submitted”?

Wait for the city to assign your application to a reviewer; there is usually nothing to do at this stage except make sure any outstanding intake fees are paid. The next status is typically 'In Review' / 'Under Review' (plans assigned to a reviewer). If you applied at LADBS, note the 18-month plan check window begins now.