Driveway Approach Permit Public Works in Los Angeles

Who owns your driveway approach in Los Angeles? Your driveway is on your private property, but the ramp up to it? Is that part of the city sidewalk? Part of your property?

Guess what. If someone trips on your broken driveway approach, it is suddenly all yours. 

So if you want to avoid any potential liability, it’s time to get a public works permit to fix that trip hazard. 

Who is responsible for repairing, replacing or installing a driveway ramp in Los Angeles?

You. If someone trips and falls on your driveway ramp, the city is likely going to point the finger at you. And if you’re waiting for the city to fix it? Well, you may be waiting the rest of your life. The city has a waiting list to fix sidewalks that is literally decades long.

Save yourself the headaches and potential liability. Just fix your driveway ramp.

Do I need a permit to fix my driveway approach in Los Angeles?

If you are fixing your driveway approach, you are going to need an A-Permit that is issued by the Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering. 

And, yes, most Angelinos get a permit to complete that work. 

Why does the city require a permit to fix your driveway ramp? Your driveway ramp is in the public right-of-way. That means it’s accessible to the public. An A-Permit is the city’s way of determining that all the work done in the public right-of-way aligns with requirements set forth by the American with Disabilities Act. The city also wants to ensure that the work:

• Is completed by a properly licensed contractor (general contractors cannot complete cement work for the city)
• Uses the proper materials
• Is properly graded (that means the angles of the ramp are installed so that pedestrians won’t lose their footing while walking on your driveway ramp)
• Follows city guidelines for uniformity in the public right-of-way

Basically, an A-Permit is the stamp of approval by the city’s engineers.

How do I pull an A-Permit for my driveway ramp in Los Angeles?

Much like you should leave the construction of your driveway ramp to the professionals, you should let a professional permit expeditor pull your permit.

The permitting process in Los Angeles can be Kafka-esque on a good day. Basically, you will need to submit the plans for your project, including the Caliornia State Licensing Board number of your contractor and have that plan be approved by the city engineer. 

Are you good at drawing up blueprints for a driveway ramp? Chances are, the answer is no. 

Hiring a permitting service will give you peace of mind and allow yourself to focus on other things, instead of spending hours in front of your computer trying to figure out what the city wants you to turn in. Permit expeditors have turned in hundreds or even thousands of A-Permits. They know what the city expects to see in those blueprints and they work with your contractor to ensure every t is cross and i is dotted. 

Ready to pull that public works A-Permit and fix your driveway ramp? Give us a call today for a free estimate.