The purpose of the A-Permit is to allow minor street construction in the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way generally consists of street easements that contain City streets, lanes, alleys, parkways, and sidewalks. The public right-of-way also includes public easements and unimproved streets. Construction within the public right-of-way is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering (BOE).
Minor street construction consists of new driveway installation and repair, sidewalk installation and repair, curb and gutter repair, and installation of streetscape fixtures and street tree wells. It also includes installation of curb drains and street repairs for minor excavations in or near the street. It is further limited to work that will not alter an established flowline of a gutter or alter the existing grade of a sidewalk or street.
The A-Permit is the City's process of confirming that minor street construction meets City design and material specifications and that construction work is properly inspected. The A-Permit process verifies both the City and applicant receive a quality construction product.
There are currently no requirements on who can apply for an A-Permit, but generally it is the property owner(s) or their representative. Proof of ownership is not required to apply for an A-Permit. A-Permit applications can only be started or received via the online system or by an applicant coming into a District Office and applying for the permit with City staff.
One common type of minor street construction that requires an A-Permit is work to repair sidewalk damage caused by street tree roots. Applicants for this type of sidewalk repair are often homeowners and property owners adjacent to the damaged sidewalk. An A-Permit for repair of sidewalk damage due to tree roots does not require the applicant to pay a permit fee and is considered a 'No Fee' permit. The District Offices of BOE requires a picture of the damaged area so they may waive the fees.
To prevent future street tree root damage, tree roots must be trimmed or the tree must be replaced. Tree root trimming may damage the tree if not done properly. Prior to trimming street tree roots, a Street Tree permit issued by the Bureau of Street Services is required. The A-Permit must be obtained prior to requesting the Street Tree permit.
A-Permits shall include only the repair, construction or reconstruction of curbs, sidewalks, driveway approaches or gutters and work appurtenant to the repair, construction or reconstruction of curbs, sidewalks, driveway approaches, gutters, or work within a public easement. In the opinion of the City Engineer, the work is generally limited in scope, of simple design and the standard permit fees will, with reasonable certainty, compensate and reimburse the City for the costs of inspection and supervision (per LAMC 62.106).
The most common elements of work covered under A-Permits include: new driveway installations, driveway repair, sidewalk installation, sidewalk repair, curb and gutter repair, installation of streetscape fixtures (bicycle racks, speed humps, parklets, parkway landscaping, etc.), street tree wells, curb drains, and street resurfacing/repairs for minor excavations.
The A-Permit will be issued for minor street construction once the applicant provides all of the necessary information and complies with A-Permit requirements. All A-Permit construction work shall be performed in accordance with the latest edition of the 'Greenbook', Standard Specifications for construction. If the proposed work in the right-of-way will alter the established flowline of a gutter or alter the existing grade of a sidewalk or street, a 'B' Permit will be required instead.
Key laws and regulations governing A-Permits include: LAMC 62.104 (Repairs to Sidewalks, Driveway Approaches), LAMC 62.105 (Permits Required), LAMC 62.106 (Permit Classification), LAMC 62.107 (Work Requirements), LAMC 62.108 (Application Contents), LAMC 62.109 (Class 'A' Permit Fees), LAMC 62.114 (Permit Duration & Expiration), LAMC 62.117 (Removal of Debris), and LAMC 62.118 (Exemptions). Additional references include the City Standard Plans S-400 Series, the Brownbook, and the Caltrans ADA Compliance Handbook.
A-Permit.com handles the entire A-Permit process for property owners throughout Los Angeles — from application submission to final BOE inspection. Whether you need driveway work, sidewalk repair, curb and gutter restoration, or streetscape fixture installation, we ensure all work meets City specifications and passes inspection. Contact us for a free estimate.
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