4 - Standard & Associated Fees - A-Permits

PERMIT APPLICATION FEE

The permit application fee plus any inspection fee or testing fee (if required) are due at the time of permit issuance.

Standard Fees, at a minimum, are reviewed on an annual basis.   The most current version of the City’s Standard Fee List is located at the BOE website under Permits (https://engineering.lacity.gov/permits).  A-Permit fees are also listed as part of LAMC 61.16 - Summary of Fees for the Bureau of Engineering.

INSPECTION FEES

After the A-Permit is issued and before start of any work, a request for inspection by the Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA) must be made.  Inspection fees are charged to pay for construction inspection work conducted by the BCA. 

As applicant can be charged Special Inspection fees per LAMC 62.109(c).

Inspection Fees, at a minimum, are reviewed on an annual basis.   he most current version of the City’s Standard Fee List is located at the BOE website under Permits (https://engineering.lacity.gov/permits).  Inspection fees are also listed as part of LAMC 61.16 - Summary of Fees for the Bureau of Engineering.

STREET DAMAGE RESTORATION FEE (SDRF)

If the A-Permit is required for resurfacing, you may also then be required to pay Street Damage Restoration Fees (SDRF). Per LAMC 62.06, BOE shall collect surcharge to calculate the fee.  The SDRF amount can be calculated using the SDRF Fee Calculator located on the internet in the Technical Info Center, Tools and References of BOE’s home page (https://engpermitmanual.lacity.org/other-boe-permitsprocesses/technical-procedures/manual-calculation-sdrf ).  The actual cost determination shall include, but not be limited to, all direct and indirect labor costs, retirement and overhead costs, costs for plan checking and engineering services, project inspection costs, and the costs of testing materials.  

The Street Damage Restoration Fee was created in 1998 per LA Charter and Administrative Code Section 5.121.6 and LAMC 62.06.

ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZED FEES

In addition, where BCA determines that a project requires more inspections than are funded by the fee imposed, BCA shall charge and collect Special Inspection Charges pursuant to the provisions of LAMC 62.05(a)(1)(cc).  The provisions of LAMC Section 61.14 – Special Engineering Fees and LAMC Section 61.15 – Actual Cost Special Engineering Services shall also apply to fees imposed pursuant to the provisions of the Standard Permit Fee.

Testing Fees

In addition to the fees imposed in Subsections (a) and (b) of this Section, the Bureau of Engineering shall charge and collect from an applicant for issuance of a Class "A" permit all of the following fees, where applicable:

• Fills.  A fee for each maximum density test conducted, one test required for each location; a fee for each relative compaction test conducted, one test required for each three foot layer of fill 50 feet long.
• Concrete.  A fee for each concrete cylinder with a minimum of two cylinders required for each 28 day test.  The Bureau of Engineering may require testing of additional cylinders (per cylinder charge) when the Bureau of Engineering or the Bureau of Contract Administration determines that additional testing is necessary.

APPLYING FOR FEE PROVISIONS

Fee Provisions have been established for use in determining whether or not a fee can be waived (Amended by Ord. No. 184179, Eff. 5/5/16.).

1. Except for applications subject to provisions of LAMC 62.109(e)2 (#2 below) and LAMC 62.109(e)3 (#3 below), the provisions of this section apply to all A-Permit applications within the public easement. 
2. The provisions do not apply to an application for issuance of an A-Permit to repair damage caused by forces beyond the property owner's control, including but not limited to damage caused by a subsidence, pavement failure, earthquake, or trees located in a public right-of-way, although the applicable fees and charges shall be imposed for all other work authorized by the same permit which is not required to be performed because of such conditions.  For this Subdivision to apply, an applicant must state on the application what work is exempt from the fees imposed by this Section, and the cause of the underlying damage.
3. The provisions do not apply to an application by a property owner for issuance of an A-Permit to repair or reconstruct sidewalk adjoining the property owner's property.  (Amended by Ord. No. 184179, Eff. 5/5/16.)

In the case of items #2 and #3 above, an applicant must state on the application what work is exempt from the fees and the cause of the underlying damage (only applicable to #2). 

For example, sidewalk damage caused by street tree roots is a common minor street construction A-Permit.  Elements of this permit include:

1. This is considered a “No Fee” permit 

• A photo of the damaged area is required in order for BOE to apply this fee provision (replaced waive the fees with apply this fee provision).

2. Tree roots must be trimmed or the tree must be replaced to prevent future street tree root damage (tree root trimming should be done properly or the tree can be damaged, recommend consulting an arborist).
3. Prior to trimming street tree roots, a Street Tree permit issued by the Bureau of Street Services is required. An A-Permit must be obtained prior to requesting the Street Tree Permit from the Bureau of Street Services.

FEE WAIVERS OR SUBSIDIES

Please see the "Permit Fee Exemptions" section under Other BOE Permits/Processes, Purpose &Definitions