Los Angeles sidewalks need help and the city is enlisting the help of property owners, whether you like it or not.
The city has over 11,000 miles of sidewalk and not nearly enough manpower to maintain it. That’s why you, as a property owner, may find yourself with a citation to fix your sidewalk. Or, maybe you’re a developer and the city is requiring you to replace or install sidewalk. Or, even worse, you’ve been slapped with a trip and fall lawsuit.
Whatever the reason is, as a property owner, you will need to get a Class A Permit for your sidewalk repair.
What is a Class A Permit for Sidewalk Repair in Los Angeles?
A class A permit for sidewalk repair is issued by the Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering. It is the city’s approval of your project.
A Class A permit covers a wide range of minor construction that is done in the pubic right-of-way. This includes any construction completed on:
- City streets and lanes
- Alleys
- Parkways
- Sidewalks
- Public easements and unimproved streets
Why do I need a Class A Permit for Sidewalk Repair in Los Angeles?
Can you imagine a city where anyone with a sidewalk got to design it however they wanted? Chaos.
A city engineer approves a Class A Permit when your plans show that your project will use the approved construction methods and materials necessary to ensure continuity in the public’s right-of-way. In other words, your sidewalk is going to match all the other sidewalks in the city, so that pedestrians can travel freely without any trip hazards.
A city tree damaged my sidewalk. What do I do?
You still have to replace that sidewalk. And you’ll have to get an extra permit.
You will have to prune the roots of the city tree, which requires a permit from the Urban Forestry department, as well as your Class-A permit to construct your sidewalk.
On the plus side, however, you will not need to pay a permit fee for an A-Permit, if a city tree damages your sidewalk. You will need to submit a picture of the damaged area, so the city can waive your fee.
How can I get a Class A Permit for sidewalk repair in Los Angeles?
Hire a permit expeditor. Sure, you can go to the Bureau of Engineering’s website and try to figure out how to submit your plans. Honestly, though, the easiest way to get that permit is to have a permit expeditor pull it for you.
Anyone can apply for a Class A permit for sidewalk repair. The property owner doesn’t have to do it. However, there are several hoops you need to jump to get that permit.
That’s why most people just hire the permit expeditor. An experience permit expeditor knows exactly what kind of information the city engineers are looking for and can pull your permit in as little as three days.
So, ready to hire a permit expeditor to get that Class A permit to fix your sidewalk? Give us a call 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.