Bureau of Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions

Obtaining a Public Works Permit

WHEN DO I NEED TO GET A PERMIT?

Section 62.105 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) requires permits to be obtained for construction in any property, street or other right of way owned by, to be owned by, or under the control of the City. Such improvements may include, but are not limited to sidewalks, curbs, gutters, pavement, grading, sewers, storm drains, bridges, retaining walls, trees and tree wells, culverts, traffic signals, and street lights.

WHEN DO I NEED AN "A" PERMIT?

An "A" Permit (LAMC 62.106.a) is issued only for the repair, construction or reconstruction of curbs, sidewalks, driveway approaches or gutters, and work appurtenant to the foregoing, or work within a public easement, where the work contemplated is limited in extent and can be constructed to match existing grades without a survey or engineered plans. "A" Permits are often issued in conjunction with sewer permits which require excavation in a public street. Driveways and sidewalks involving the relocation of water meter and gas valve boxes, street light and traffic signal conduit and pull boxes and parking meters, require coordination with the appropriate agencies.

To obtain an "A" permit, please contact your local District Office.

WHEN DO I NEED A "B" PERMIT?

A "B" Permit (LAMC 62.106.b) is issued for extensive public works improvements including the widening of streets and alleys, the changing of existing street grade, construction of bridges, retaining walls, and the installation of sewer, storm drains, street lighting, and traffic signals. Construction plans are usually required which must be signed by a California licensed Civil and/or Electrical and/or Traffic Engineer.

A "B" Permit may be issued for either design or construction, or a single permit can be issued for both design and construction. These permits cover plan check engineering, installation of traffic control devices, inspection, testing during construction, and maintenance of street trees.

"B" Permits are most frequently issued for public works improvements adjacent to land being developed. In these instances, the extent and type of improvements depend on conditions imposed by the Council, City Engineer, Department of City Planning, or some other jurisdictional body in accordance with the Municipal Code, City Charter, State Law, or City Ordinance.

To obtain a "B" permit, please contact your local District Office.

WHEN DO I NEED AN “EXCAVATION” PERMIT?

Construction projects which will require public Right-of-Ways to be trenched or excavated must obtain a permit at the appropriate District Office. Electrolier and pull box relocations, monitoring wells, soil borings, potholes drilling in public Right-of-Ways also need to obtain an excavation permit.

Information about the location of underground utilities, as well as construction standards, are obtained at the District Office permit counter. Additionally, excavation and shoring plans are approved and permits needed to commence work immediately adjacent to public Right-of-Ways are issued at this counter. Should special insurance or bonds be required to be posted in connection with the project, these transactions may also be handled at the permit counter.

To obtain an Excavation permit, please contact your local District Office.

WHEN DO I NEED A REVOCABLE PERMIT?

The purpose of the Revocable Permit or “R” Permit (LAMC 62.118.2) is to grant conditional encroachment of the public right-of-way. The “R” Permit review process ensures that encroachments are checked for compliance with the City’s specifications for design, use, material, and inspection. The approval of a Revocable Permit is dependent on the nature of the encroachment and the completion of certain conditions. If retaining walls, other structures, excavation, or other complex construction is part of your project, additional permits may be required.

To obtain a Revocable permit , please contact your local District Office.

WHEN DO I NEED A SEWER PERMIT?

Sewer Permits are issued to private individuals or contractors to connect to an existing house connection sewer or to facilitate the construction of a house connection sewer.

There are two types of sewer connection:
1. Property Line Connection: (requires Building & Safety inspection)
This may be a new connection or reconnection to a house connection sewer located at the property line.

2. Main Line Connection: (requires Public Works inspection)
This type of connection is required when the house connection sewer extending to the property line does not exist. To extend a sewer line from the property line to the City's main sewer, a bonded sewer contractor must perform the work.

To obtain a Sewer permit, please complete the online application or contact your local District Office.