You gotta love the driveway ramps in Los Angeles. Some are pristine. Some look like they belong in a Mad Max movie.
As a pedestrian, driveway ramps can be a smooth walk in the park, or a treacherous path to a broken ankle.
For property owners, a broken driveway ramp is a lawsuit in the making. Any portion of your property that is in the public right-of-way could be a liability to you. But the city should take care of it, you say? Ahhh…the city will tell you that you, the property owner, has to repair your driveway ramp.
So, don’t wait for a pedestrian to trip and fall on your crumbling driveway ramp. Pull and A-Permit and get it fixed.
What causes driveway ramp damage in Los Angeles?
The City of Angels has experienced numerous building booms in the last 150 years. If you think about it, if you live in an historic home, your driveway ramp may be over 100 years old. Building methods and codes were different. And concrete has about a 30-50 year lifespan. It’s not at all surprising that your ancient driveway ramp is crumbling to ash – and that it’s too narrow for your modern car.
Own industrial or commercial property? Think about how much traffic that driveway ramp sees every day. All those heavy commercial trucks or the dozens (hundreds?) of cars that drive on your driveway ramp are all contributing to its downfall.
Who is responsible for repairing, replacing or installing a driveway ramp in Los Angeles?
You. The property owner.
Guess who’s not responsible? That’s right. The City of LA.
Guess who is liable for ADA-compliance or if a pedestrian falls on that driveway ramp? Yup. You.
Get your A-Permit. Get if fixed.
Why do I need an A-Permit to install, repair or replace my driveway ramp/approach?
To get the city’s approval, that’s why.
City engineers comb through your application to ensure that the scope of work is correctly noted. City inspectors also will check your work site to ensure that all the work has been completed up to code.
Ultimately, it a pubic safety issue. The city wants uniform driveway ramps that conform to the city’s specifications. That way the city doesn’t end up with a patchwork quilt of driveway ramps.
An A-Permit doesn’t just cover driveway ramps and approaches. It can also cover:
- Sidewalk repair
- Sidewalk installation
- Curb drains
- Curb and gutter repair
- Installation of streetscape fixtures (bicycles racks, speed humps, parklets, parkways landscaping, etc.)
- Street tree wells
- Street resurfacing/repairs for minor excavations
Basically, any project that’s in the way of pedestrians walking down the street needs an A-Permit.
Who can apply for an A-Permit?
Anyone. However, a word to the wise. It is a very detail-oriented process.
You can apply online here or by applying in person with City staff at a District Office.
Most property owners turn to a licensed contractor or experienced permit expeditor to get the job done. Why? Obtaining construction permits in Los Angeles can be a very tortured and laborious process. Even Ph.D. candidates will have difficulty navigating the city’s system. I know, I know. The city will claim that the process is user-friendly. It is, if that user has already been approved for dozens of A-Permits before.
Your best bet is to hire a professional and save yourself the headache.
How much does an A-Permit cost?
That all depends. How big is the project? What kind of construction are you asking to be permitted?
The basic permit fee is $375. However, you will also have to pay for the inspection and the scope of work. The larger the project, the larger the fee. You can find the city’s list of permit fees here.
How long does an A-Permit last?
Your A-Permit will last about six months. The city engineer approving your project will give you a construction start date and an expiration date. If no work has been done within 60 days of the issuance of the permit, it can be voided. Additionally, if you need more time, you can always apply for an extension.
Ready to install your new driveway ramp? Give us a call today for a free estimate to get your A-Permit.
Need Help With Your A-Permit Project?
A-Permit.com handles the entire permit process — from application to BOE inspection.