Apply for Class A Permit for Public Works Services in Los Angeles

So many permits…so little time. If it seems like construction in Los Angeles is bound up by permits, you wouldn’t be wrong. 

A building permit is the city’s stamp of approval of your construction project. It shows that your project meets building codes and conforms to other city plans and specifications. 

Applying for a Class A permit for public works services could be just the first step in your construction project. 

Why do I need a public works building permit in Los Angeles?

A permit from the Los Angeles Department of Public Works allows construction in the public’s right of way. We’re talking sidewalks, driveway ramps, street corners, etc. Basically, anywhere a pedestrian would walk, that’s the public’s right-of-way.

But why do you need a permit to do construction there? Imagine, if you will, if each property owner fixed their sidewalk in the style that they wanted. You would likely end up with some lop-sided, uneven pavement that did not conform to any plan. 

The city has a plan for how public spaces need to be constructed to ensure continuity in construction. That’s why you need a permit. To make sure your project adheres to the city’s plan our sidewalks don’t look like they belong to Broken Barbie.

When do I need a Class A Permit for public works services in Los Angeles?

A Class-A permit covers construction on:

• Curbs
• Sidewalks
• driveway approaches
• Gutters
• Work within a public easement

The permit is needed because the city engineer needs to ensure that your work will match existing grades and materials. 

Did you just finish construction on an ADU or new apartment complex and are looking to get your Certificate of Occupancy? You need to make sure you have that A-Permit work completed, or you aren’t getting it. 

How do I apply for Class A permit public works services in Los Angeles? 

Hire a permit expeditor. Sure, you can apply online or in person with the Department of Public Works, but it’s easier to use a permit expeditor. They understand all the ins and outs of the permitting process. Not only that, but you will likely need other permits, depending on your scope of work. 

These types of projects will need permits to be pulled from other city offices:

• Tree root pruning
• Connecting to the city sewer system
• Relocating water meters and gas valve boxes
• Moving street lights, traffic signals and parking meters

What other permits might I need in Los Angeles?

You may find that your project is more complex than you originally thought. For example, if you driveway ramp has a water meter in it, you will need to relocate it and pull the appropriate permit for that work. 

When do I need a Class B Permit? 

You need a B permit when you are doing extensive public works projects. This could be:

• Constructing retaining walls
• Installing sewer, storm drains or street lighting and traffic signals
• Widening a street or alley
• Changing the grade of the existing street

Usually B permits are pulled for public works improvements next to new development. 

When do I need a sewer permit in Los Angeles? 

You need a sewer permit when you are connecting to an existing house sewer connection or you are installing a new house sewer connection. This could be on your property line. That would require an inspection by Building and Safety. If you are connecting the city’s main line, your project will need to be inspected by the Department of Public Works. 

As you can probably tell by now, there are a plethora of permits out there in Los Angeles. Working with a permit expeditor will ensure that your public works permit is pulled quickly and easily. Call today for a free estimate of our services.