Sidewalks – the bane of existence for any property owner in Los Angeles. You think the city will handle them, but it’s really on you to keep them in tip-top shape.
And to do that, the city is going to require that you get a Class A Permit.
Why do I need to replace my sidewalk in Los Angeles?
Is your ramp tilted enough that any teenage skater and hit an olly off of it? Then it’s time to replace your sidewalk.
Believe it or not, your sidewalk is a trip hazard lawsuit waiting to happen. You will think the city will pay for that lawsuit (and they might), but you are also on the line if any pedestrian trips and falls on the sidewalk in front of your property.
Are you building a new development (housing, apartments, shopping, etc.)? The city is going to make you replace or install new sidewalks in front of that property. Not only that, in order to get your Certificate of Occupancy, you MUST repair those sidewalks. The city won’t let you get your certificate until that is done.
And what do you need to obtain to repair, replace or install those sidewalks? A Class-A Permit.
Why do I need an A-Permit to fix my sidewalk?
Because the city said so.
A Class-A Permit is required by the Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering (BOE). It allows minor street construction in the public right of way.
What is a public right-of-way, you may ask? Those are street easements that contain:
- City streets and lanes
- Alleys
- Parkways
- Sidewalks
- Public easements and unimproved streets
A city engineer will review your plans for your A-Permit to ensure that you are following all code regulations for construction and material used. Imagine if everyone in Los Angeles was allowed to construct whatever kind of sidewalks they wanted? This process ensures that our sidewalks are uniformly constructed, no matter who installs them.
Can I pull a Class-A Permit for my project in Los Angeles?
Yes, you can. But do you want to?
The city has an entire 6-page document to enumerate all the steps in obtaining that Class-A permit. Are you ready to slog through it? Do you really want to spend the hours (days?) needed to decipher the bureaucratic language in the permit application?
Most people hire an expert permit expeditor or public works permit consultant. These are highly trained people who have been pulling city permits for years. They know exactly what city engineers are looking for in blueprints and can ensure that all the t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted in your application process.
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.
Ready to get that A-Permit? While anyone can apply for an A-Permit, you can easily avoid the headaches by hiring a professional. Call us today for a free estimate and let the experienced Pros get you that A-Permit.
Need Help With Your A-Permit Project?
A-Permit.com handles the entire permit process — from application to BOE inspection.