Someone could host a podcast about the permitting process in Los Angeles. Will your permit be approved or not? What minutiae did you forget this time? Which link did you forget to click?
As any property owner perusing Reddit or Facebook can tell you, the Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering is not to be trifled with. It is almost impossible for a layperson to successfully complete all the steps necessary to pull a Class-A Permit.
That’s why most property owners reach out for assistance. They call the unsung heroes of the permitting process – the permit expeditor.
What is a Class-A Permit and why do I need it in Los Angeles?
A Class-A Permit is the city’s approval of any project in the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way includes:
- Sidewalks
- Driveway Approaches/Ramps
- Curbs and gutters
- Streets
- Corner ramps
If your construction project lands in any area where pedestrians could be walking, you need to get an A-Permit from the city’s Bureau of Engineering before you can start work. An A-Permit covers a wide array of projects including:
- Sidewalk repair
- Installing a new sidewalk
- Installing a new driveway
- Curb and gutter repairs
- Curb drains
- Street resurfacing
- Installing street features such as bike racks, speed bumps, parkways, landscaping, parklets, etc.
- Street tree wells
How much does an A-Permit cost?
The price starts at $375. But…if a city tree is causing your sidewalk damage, you’re going to ned another permit from the Department of Urban Forestry. Also, with your A-Permit, you pay for the scope of work. The bigger the project, the higher the fee. Add to that the inspections, which you also pay for.
You can find the city’s list of permit fees here.
How can I apply for a Class-A Permit in Los Angeles?
The city has created a portal for property owners to apply for an A-Permit. You will need an Angeleno account to sign in. To get the permit, you will have to submit plans of your scope of work for the city engineer to approve.
In reality, anyone can apply for an A-Permit. What does this mean for you? It means that you don’t have to get involved in this process. Your licensed contractor could pull that permit. Or, better yet, a permit expeditor could do that work for you.
Should I hire a permit expeditor to pull my A-Permit in Los Angeles?
Yes.
When it comes to saving time and frustration, it just makes sense to hire a permit expeditor to assist you with pulling your A-Permit.
Think of a permit expeditor as holding a Ph.D in the Los Angeles permitting process. They have basically written a doctoral thesis on the process.
All kidding aside, permit expeditors have pulled thousands of permits. They can accomplish in three days what would probably take you six months.
Ready to get some assistance with that A-Permit? Call us today for a free estimate.
Need Help With Your A-Permit Project?
A-Permit.com handles the entire permit process — from application to BOE inspection.