Curb drains. You never think about them until you realize – you really needed it to be in working order.
Los Angeles has some of the most beautiful weather in the world. It’s why Midwestern snow birds moved here. It’s why movie makers flocked here in the early 1900s. It’s what put LA on the map.
If you’ve lived here long enough (especially in an El Niño year), you know that when it finally does rain, it comes down…hard. That’s usually when Angelinos realize (a little too late) that their curb drain is broken.
If you are a property developer, be prepared. The city will require you to install curb drains.
Don’t wait for the next El Niño storm. Get your curb drain repaired or installed ASAP.
Why do I need a curb drain in Los Angeles?
Water.
If water created the Grand Canyon, imagine what it can do to your property.
- Broken foundations
- Erosion
- Flooding
- Pooling water
Not only that, but imagine you have flooding on your sidewalk and someone slips and falls on it? Guess who’s going to be held responsible. That would be the property owner.
Curb drains not only save your physical property, but also keep water away from pedestrians walking around it.
Who is responsible for installing curb drains in Los Angeles?
That would be the property owner. If you are repairing, replacing or installing a sidewalk, that is the perfect time to replace or install a new curb drain.
If you are a home-owner, you can install the traditional round curb drain. You’ve probably seen them embedded in curbs for years.
If you are a commercial property owner (you’re putting up a new apartment building, or you own a strip mall, for example), the city is going to require you to install a Curb-o-Let. A Curb--o-Let is a rectangular-shaped curb drain. Its unusual rectangular shape is the source of its strength. Curb-o-Lets are far more sturdy than a traditional round drain and can hold up to the increased traffic that commercial properties see.
Why do I need an A-Permit to install curb drains?
An A-Permit is the city’s stamp of approval on your project.
An A-Permit is required by the Los Angeles Department of Public Works for any minor street construction in the public right of way. This includes:
- Curb drains
- Curb and gutter repair
- Sidewalk installation
- Sidewalk repair
- New driveway installations
- Driveway 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 gets in the way of pedestrians walking down the street will need an A-Permit.
Who can apply for an A-Permit?
You. A licensed contractor. An expert permit expeditor. Your neighbor. Basically, anyone can file for an A-Permit for work being done on your property.
The city doesn’t have any requirements on who can apply for an A-Permit. Usually, it’s the property owner, their contractor or permit expeditor who pulls the permit. No proof of ownership is required.
How can I apply for an A-Permit?
You can apply online here or by applying in person with City staff at a District Office. If you choose to apply online you will have to:
- Create an account on the City’s system
- Type the address and choose the correct address that will be populated in the system. (and cross your fingers that your address is found because if it is not, there are an additional 10 steps to complete)
- Answer questions regarding the work requested
Once your application has been submitted, you cannot revise it. You have to wait for a department engineer to review your case.
Seems easy, right? Not so fast.
Is your curb drain going to connect to the city’s storm drain system? Then you need a Storm Drain Connection Permit (SD-Permit or S-Permit). This is a permit that is issued over the counter in about 30 minutes (provided you have all your documentation in order).
But wait! There’s more! Is your connection going to be in the public right-of-way? Then a Bonded Sewer Contractor will have to get the permit and carry all the appropriate licenses, insurance and bonds.
AND! The city requires a special inspection (with special inspection fees) for these kinds of connections.
If this seems like a system that would give Franza Kafka a run for his money, it is.
Most property owners hire a licensed contractor or permit expeditor. Professional permit expeditors and licensed contractors have likely pulled thousands of permits during their career. They are the masters at the permitting process. You can always make your life a little easier by hiring one of these professionals to get your A-Permit completed in a timely manner.
How much does an A-Permit cost?
The price varies depending on what you are fixing, as an A-Permit covers a wide array of construction.
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.
Additionally, if your project requires an S- or SD-Permit, that will be an additional fee, with additional inspection fees attached.
How long does an A-Permit last?
Usually about six months. An A-Permit is valid from the construction start date specified on the approved permit until the stated expiration date.
An A-Permit can also be expired or voided if:
- The project has not begun within six months.
- The project is not being prosecuted diligently
- If no work has been done 60 days after the date construction began.
The city does allow you to apply for an extension, if you show cause.
Ready to get your A-Permit to fix your curb drain? Give us a call today!
Need Help With Your A-Permit Project?
A-Permit.com handles the entire permit process — from application to BOE inspection.