05 - Right-of-Way Applications

Revised on 09-04-2024

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Offers to Dedicate Public Easement

Offers to dedicate public easements can be for streets, alleys, walks, sanitary sewers, storm drains, and slopes. The easements can be voluntary, including private streets or required as conditions of a Building Permit, Zone Change, ZA Case, LACFCD, or State agreement. Outside of voluntary dedications, City Planning decides what dedication is required.  Many times required improvements will also be a condition of the dedication. All of these easement dedications require a report to the City Council and/or Public Works Committee.

Determining Private Street Versus Private Driveway

BOE shall utilize NavigateLA in order to determine whether a subject property is considered a private street or a private driveway (neither are part of the public right of way).  This determination may play a role in street naming, subdivisions, and "B" Permit work.  The following are the definitions for Private Street and Private Driveway.

  • Private Street:  Per LAMC 18.01 - Definitions, a "Private street” shall mean, except as otherwise provided in this article, a parcel of land not dedicated as a public street over which a private easement for road purposes has been granted to the owners of property contiguous or adjacent thereto which intersects or connects with a public street, or another private street, and the instrument creating same has been duly recorded or filed in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, and which has been determined by the Director to be adequate for the access and for the purposes defined in this article. 

    If an Applicant wishes to establish or connect to a private street, an application shall be submitted to City Planning and BOE would only be responsible for the naming of such street and confirming the street complies with City standards once City Planning has made their determination.  If an Applicant wishes to remove the private street easement, a "Quitclaim" application would be required through BOE (see below for Quitclaim instructions).
     
  • Access Driveways (aka Private Driveways):     Per LAMC 12.21.A.4(h), an access driveway shall be provided and maintained between each automobile parking space or area and a street, or alley, or a private street or easement approved in accordance with the provisions of Article 8 of this chapter. Such access driveway shall be located entirely on the lot which it serves. However, an access driveway need not be located entirely on the same lot as the dwelling and parking space it serves if the driveway lot and dwelling existed on September 6, 1961, and additions and alterations may be made to such dwelling, and accessory buildings may be added on such lot, if no additional dwelling units or guest rooms are created.  

    If an Applicant wishes to remove/establish/connect to a private driveway, an application shall be submitted to LADBS and BOE would only be responsible for the naming of such driveway.  EASIS Screen Shot for Public Roadways

The following are the instructions for identifying if an easement is a private street or private driveway.

  1. Open NavigateLA and search for the subject location
  2. Click on the centerline
    1. Private driveways and private streets are both shown as either a pink, gold, or yellow/orange centerline. 
  3. Click on the "Street No." in the pop up (the top line item) which will show the Engineering Automated Street Inventory System (EASIS) screen
    1. Look at the "Street Type" for one of the following:
      1. Street Type of "1-Private Roadway Names" is a private driveway
      2. Street Type of "2-Private Street Names" is a private street

Dedication Application Process

The process starts with the Developer visiting any of BOE's four public counters (Central, West LA, Valley, Harbor) and working with BOE staff to submit an application through the Highway Dedication Tracking System.  The Developer will also be required to submit proper payment at the time the application is submitted.  R-3 Ordinance dedication clearances for building permits are obtained from the appropriate District Office. Neither the Survey Division nor the Land Development Group is responsible for this type of clearance. 

The investigation and report processing fee is required under LAAC Section 7.3 - Dedication of Land - Investigation and Processing Fee, LAMC 11.12 - Summary of Fees for Bureau of Engineering Services Provided Pursuant to the Provisions of This Chapter, and LAMC 61.03 - Surcharge for Equipment and Training.  This fee is non-refundable. Checks submitted shall be made payable to the “City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering”.  BOE staff should make sure there is a phone number on the check (process to be reviewed by SC and Accounting). BOE staff would take to the cashier a complete dedication package, application and fee.  Payment is then processed and receipt provided.  BOE staff will provide the Applicant with a copy of the receipt attached to their application.  Ultimately, this receipt will also be uploaded to the Highway Dedication Tracking System. The dedication is processed by various Departments within BOE per the 12.37 Highway Dedication Processing Procedure in this manual.

Applicants will be required to submit the following information with their application:

  1. Two (2) copies of a current title report that is less than six months old. These are used to determine the exact legal description of the land involved and the fee owner. The title report must show the property vested in the person(s) who will be signing the dedication documents. No “Property Profiles” will be accepted. A copy of the partnership agreement or certificate is necessary for all LLC, Partnership or Corporations to verify the proper signatories.   Deeds, Subdivision Reports, or Property Profiles are not acceptable.
  2. All dedications for easement should be in one package; Street, Sewer. Storm Drain, Street Lighting, etc. The District Office or Division should be contacted for the necessary dedications.
  3. Copy of Building Permit or Clearance Summary Worksheet, LADOT Case, Planning Determination Letter, City Engineer Report to Planning, DIR, CPC, Zoning (ZA) determination or any other information obtained from the District Offices showing what is required.
  4. Notarized Letter of Intent (included in the Applicant’s handout) signed by the property owner
  5. A site plan  showing the existing and proposed property lines

The following items must be checked and reviewed before accepting an application package:

  1. Applications must be filled out completely
  2. All supplementary items listed above must be submitted. An incomplete application package will delay the dedication processing
  3. Original signatures are required on all documents
  4. Any information needed or to be verified regarding location, Council District, etc. can be found on NavigateLA.
  5. Refer offers for utility easements to the Department of Water and Power, Land Section

Dedication Investigation and Report

Voluntary Dedication of Easements over Private Property

After the Dedication Application has been received, referral letters are sent to the appropriate District  Engineer and other City Departments depending on the type of easement being offered for dedication. If the request is for acceptance of sewer, storm drain or slope easements, the referral need not be sent to City Planning. Offers to dedicate streets, alleys, sidewalks, walkways and pedestrian malls require approval of City Planning pursuant to Section 556 of the City Charter. The Resolution with “Description Approval” stamp is transmitted in duplicate to City Planning. The Planning Department referral letter must contain the Categorical Exemption (usually Article III, Class 5 sections are used). 

City Planning has 50 days to respond to BOE's inquiry for their recommendations. The inquiry letter to the Planning Department should not be sent until the area to dedicate has been determined. Whenever possible all other referral letters or documentation should be sent to the Planning Department along with the inquiry letter to expedite the project. If the Planning Department does not respond within 50 days, the following wording will be used in place of the recommendation of the Director of Planning:

  • “The Council may consider this matter without a report from the Department of City Planning pursuant LAMC 15(E), since the Planning Department did not respond within the 50 day (accurate) time limit of LAMC 15(D).”  A Council report is then prepared for the consideration of the City Council and/or Public Works Committee. Use the project location  in Recommendation “A” as this will be used in the Council Calendar and Journals. This report contains all of the recommendations and conditions, which must be completed prior to the easement deeds are prepared and recorded by the Real Estate Group. The petitioner is notified by the City Clerk’s Office of the time and location of the Public Works Committee or City Council meeting on the matter, If there is no objection to the Conditions in the report and it is determined there is no need for a Public Works Committee hearing, it is treated as a routine matter and is referred to the full Council for adoption of the City Engineer’s Report under the “Accelerated Review Process”.

After the City Council adopts the City Engineer’s Report, it is sent to BOE's Real Estate Group for processing and recordation of the documents. Once the documents are returned from the County Recorder to the Real Estate Group, a clearance letter to the appropriate District Office or Department of Transportation will be issued.

Dedications for City Planning (APC, CPC, DIR) and Zoning Administrator (ZA) Cases

If improvements are required as a condition of the dedication, the appropriate District Office should be contacted for "B" Permit and Improvement Bond processing. The District Office must clear the improvement requirements by letter to the Land Development Group before a clearance letter can be issued to City Planning.  The Zone Change or Zoning Administrator (ZA) Letter of Determination may include conditions for approval.  The Applicant will be required to meet these "conditions of approval" by submitting the correct documents in order for LGD staff to issuance a clearance letter.

The legal description for any dedication required by the subject action is prepared by the Survey Division. It is then sent to the Real Estate Division for the preparation of easement deeds, consents, etc. Once the dedication is confirmed by the Real Estate Division and the District office issues a clearance memo, LGD staff will issues the final Clearance Letter to City Planning.

Dedication Document Processing

Dedication is not complete until the documents are recorded. The Real Estate Division, unless otherwise instructed, will send the necessary documents by to the address on the fee payment check for execution of the Irrevocable Offer to Dedicate (IOD). If the applicants wishes to save mailing time, they can request the Real Estate Division contact them by telephone to pick up the documents in person at the Real Estate Division office located at:

  • 1149 South Broadway, Suite 610
    Los Angeles, CA 90015
    (213) 485-5447

To expedite some dedications an “Irrevocable Offer to Dedicate” instrument will be prepared. However, no clearances will be issued for a required dedication until the document obtaining the dedication is signed and returned to the Real Estate Division for recordation. 

When the Real Estate Division furnishes a copy of the recorded resolution, LGD will note the recording data on the Highway Dedication Tracking System.

Accelerated Review Process

On June 26, 1990, City Council approved an “Accelerated Review Process (CF 83-1075-S1)" for the handling of routine administrative items. Each of the matters is ministerial and routine. In virtually every case the matter has been agreed to, or requested by, private individuals and result in an overall benefit to the City. In most instances, these actions are mandated by previously related Council Actions as conditions of those actions (i.e. zone changes, tract or parcel map approvals or street vacations). The nine matters in the opinion of the Chairman or Acting Chairman of the Public Works Committee to have no significant impact on land use, are not controversial in nature, and have no financial impact to the City and can be directed to the full Council without Committee Review are as follows:

  1. Future Street Acceptances
  2. Quitclaim of Easements 
  3. Dedication of Easements (Survey has primarily responsibility and LGD is responsible for the Resolution of Acceptance)
  4. Release of Restrictions (Access) (Termination of Covenant Agreement(LGD )?)
  5. Request for Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Gregg to confirm(LGD))
  6. Brass Plaques in the San Pedro Sports Walk (Gregg to confirm(LGD))
  7. Resolutions to Vacate and Ordinances required due to prior Council Action (Ordinance?)
  8. Communications from the Los Angeles Flood Control District (Plans/Specifications) (Gregg to confirm(LGD))
  9. Initiate Requested Street Vacations Proceedings (per CF 01-1459-S1 - Initiate Requested Street Vacations Proceedings)

The Council Report shall be prepared in a manner consistent with LGD report procedures per the "Accelerate Review Process Board Report and Cover Sheet" sample included under the section "Checklists and Sample Documents within the Land Development Manual". The cover sheet is attached to the original Council Report copy for transmittal from the LGD to the City Clerk via the NovusAgenda system.

If an item otherwise eligible under this policy is considered controversial by any interested party, the item would then be automatically directed through the full Committee review process.

Acceptance of Future Streets, Alleys or Walks as Public Streets, Alleys or Walks

 The City Engineer can accept future streets/alleys created by a subdivision prior to its 25 year expiration date or created by an Irrevocable Offer to Dedicate in lieu of going before the City Council. LGD can't process the Acceptance if there is language in the recorded Irrevocable Offer to Dedicate that states the dedication shall remain as a future street/alley. The acceptance of future streets, etc. as public streets, etc. requires a resolution that is signed by the City Engineer.  Key factors in the acceptance of future streets are as follows: 

  1. Resolution required
  2. Set aside by Tract or “Irrevocable Offer to Dedicate”
  3. Improvements are guaranteed or existing
  4. One foot wide future street easement (“blocker”) are accepted when proper development of adjoining property guaranteed 
  5. May be in conjunction with an Offer to Dedicate 
  6. 25-year limitation for any future dedications (Note: Dedication can be accepted if dedicated area on an older map is owned by the City) 
    1. Affects those set aside by tract
    2. LGD Right-of-Way reviews tract maps for “future dedications
    3. May be subject to quiet title action under Section 771.020 of the Code of Civil Procedures after 25 years
    4. City cannot accept after 25 years if it meets the criteria for relinquishment
    5. No improvements if City initiated
  7. Rejection of Future Streets, etc.
    1. Must be provision of “Irrevocable Offer”
    2. Resolution of rejection

 

Relinquishment of Rights in Future Streets, Alleys or Walks

The relinquishment of rights in future streets, alley and walks can be accomplished using a report to the Board of Public Works.

History and Background

In order to anticipate the ultimate needs for adequate access. Proper traffic circulation and the future orderly developments of the City, certain areas are designated on tract maps as future streets, alleys and walks. These are offered for some future dedication to the City and are not automatically accepted as public street. However, notwithstanding the non-acceptance, or rejection, they may still be accepted any time during the next 25 years as designation as a future street. Thereafter, Code of Civil Procedure, Section 748.5 specifies that title may be quieted, if the offer of the land subject hereto has not been accepted or used by the public and has been sold to a third person.

In the case of “Paris vs. County of Santa Clara 270CA 2nd 691”, the Court held that passage of 25 years without formal acceptance, together with the requisite nonuse and sale, caused a conclusive presumption to exist that the dedication has been forever non-accepted or rejected. An acceptance by the County after the 25-year period, and constructing street improvements, constituted an inverse condemnation. Therefore, the case stands for a rule that after 25 years the City loses all legal right to use the future street under certain circumstances. 

Although street vacation proceedings are still being used by the to clear the title of the future streets that have been dedicated by map over 25 years ago, a more expedient alternative was created to relieve the owner of the future street encumbrance and to clear the cloud title to the land. Under C.F. No. 73-2735 adopted on September 6, 1973, the City Council authorized the Board of Public Works to investigate requests for formal relinquishment of rights to future street dedication and if it finds that the area has been sold to a third person and has not been for street or alley purposes, then it is permitted to authorize execution of the necessary documents to acknowledge the rejection of the offer. In so doing, the Board is not giving any City property, as the City has already lost its therein, and the Board is merely acknowledging this fact so as to satisfy the title insurers. 

Code of Civil Procedures (Applicable Sections)

The following sections of Article 2 of the Code of Civil Procedures (Land Dedicated for Public Improvements) are used in the determination relinquishment requests:

  1. Section 771.010 - Proposed dedication; conclusive presumption on  of non-acceptance; required conditions.  If a proposal is heretofore or hereafter made to dedicate real property for public improvement, there is a conclusive presumption that the proposed dedication was not accepted if all the following conditions are satisfied:
    1. The proposal was made by filing a map only. 
    2. No acceptance of the dedication was made and recorded within 25 years after the map was filed.
    3. The real property was not used for the purpose for which the dedication was proposed within 25 years after the map was filed. 
    4. The real property was sold to a third person after the map was filed and used as if free of the dedication.
  2. Section 771.020 – Action to clear title; law governing; judgement.
    1. An action is authorized to clear title to real property of a proposal to dedicate the property for public improvement if there is a conclusive presumption pursuant to Section 771.010 that the proposed dedication was not accepted.
    2. The action shall be pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 760.010) and shall have the following features: 
      1. The public entity to which the dedication was proposed shall be named as defendant.
      2. The judgement in the action shall clear the title of the proposed dedication and remove the cloud created by the proposed dedication.

Processing Procedures

After the 25-year period has elapsed on the future street alley or walk dedication outlined in "Relinquishment of Rights in Future Streets, Alleys or Walks , History and Background" above, the Land Development Group will make a complete investigation of requests for future street, alley or walk vacations, quiet title actions or relinquishments initiated by either a private or public entity, in order to determine if the provisions of Section 748.5 of the Code of Civil Procedures applies.

The following procedures shall be used to process a request for relinquishment of rights in a future dedication. This procedure can also be found in the Relinquishment Application Packet.

  1. The petitioner must submit a request letter or application (See Figure D 632) to:
     Ted Allen, City Engineer
    Bureau of Engineering
     Attention: Land Development Group
     201 North Figueroa Street, Suite 200
     Los Angeles, CA 90012
  2. The petitioner must submit the following:
    1. Map showing the future street, alley or walk to be relinquished or the legal description of the area
    2. Copy of the Tract or Parcel Map which dedicated the future easement
    3. Copy of Grant Deed or Title Report showing current owner. If the property has been sold within six months a new Title Report will be required.
    4. Telephone number of where petitioner can be reached during the day
  3. The Land Development Group will then set up a file with assemble card, backing sheet, district map, documents, etc. and log the project into the computer tracking system
  4.  The ownership of the property is investigated and if the property is Owned by the City or the original developer it is referred to the Street Vacation Section
  5. The following criteria is used to determine if a report can be written to the Board requesting authorization of the relinquishment the future street, alley or walk rights:
    1. Was the dedication made by the tract over 25 years ago?
    2. The acceptance as public was not endorsed on the map
    3. The area has never been used or improved as public
    4.  The property has been sold to a third party i.e., anyone other than the developer or the City
  6. An investigation and report processing fee is required per LAAC Sections 19.155 - Summary of Bureau of Engineering Fess and Charges, LAAC 7.41.1 - Payments of Fees for Future Easement Relinquishments, and 61.03 of the Administrative Code. This fee is non-refundable. The check should be made payable to the “City of Los Angeles”. The petitioner’s cancelled check is their receipt. 7.
  7. LGD now writes the Board Report to clear the encumbrance over the property to be sent to the Board with two copies of each transmittal. The involved property should be investigated to determine if it is subject to quiet title action under Section 771.010 of the Code of Civil Procedures. If the property meets all of the requirements, the future street, alley or walk will be relinquished subject to Section 771.020 of the Code of Civil Procedures. Property which cannot be relinquished will be subject to vacation proceedings and the petitioner will be notified by a letter from LGD.
  8. After the Board of Public Works adopts the City Engineer’s Report, it is sent with documents to the Real Estate Group for processing after payment of Document Processing fees (See STANDARD FEES, CHARGES AND DEPOSITS).
  9. The Real Estate Group after collecting the required recording fees which are set forth by the County Recorder of Los Angeles County.  The Real Estate Group will then record the document and furnish the Land Development Group with a copy of the recorded document. The recording date should be noted on the file card and in the computer tracking system.  The relinquishment which clears a future street, alley or walk encumbrance does not affect any other encumbrances over the property. Separate action must be taken to clear any other easements.

Dedication of City-Owned Land for Public Street, Alley, Walk, Storm Drain and Sanitary Sewer Purposes 

The dedication of City-owned land to be used for public street, alley, walk, storm drain or sanitary sewer purposes requires a Public Works Committee and Ordinance. The land was usually obtained when the City acquired fee interest by Grant Deed, Tax Deed etc. or the Board of Public Works acquired jurisdiction from another City department. The property in question can also come from the sale of City-owned land, City projects or “leftover parcels”.

The Survey Division processes City owned land dedications. The steps in this type of dedication process is as follows:

  1. Petitioners, if a petitioner request, shall send a request letter to:
    City Engineer
    Bureau of Engineering
    Attention: Survey Division
    201 North Figueroa Street, Suite 1100
    Los Angeles, CA 90012
  2. The petitioners must furnish a sketch and/or description identifying the  easement to be dedicated
  3. Survey Division sets up a file which includes assemble card, orange backing sheet, district map, documents, etc. and logs the project into the computer tracking system
  4. Survey Division then prepares a draft Ordinance authorizing the  dedication
  5. Survey Division then sends a referral to the appropriate District Office for comments and recommendations. If the request is for other than sewer, storm drain or slope easement, send a memo together with a draft of the ordinance duplicate to the Department Of City Planning for report per the City Charter
  6. The draft ordinance is also sent in duplicate to the City Attorney for approval as to form and legality along with any Planning Action if applicable
  7. Survey Division writes a report to the City Council Public Works Committee. Use the location of the project (as stated in the letter from Petitioner to the City Engineer) in Recommendation 1 as this will be used in the Council Calendar and Journals. Use ACCELERATED REVIEW PROCESS - C for non-controversial reports.
  8. After the City Council adopts the City Engineer’s Report and Ordinance, the Ordinance is sent to the Daily Journal for publication
  9. When the Ordinance is published, clip it from the Daily Journal and attach it to the back of the file card and note the Ordinance Number and publication date on the card. Also enter this information into the computer tracking system
  10. If this dedication involves the naming of the street, notify the owners, occupants and concerned agencies.

Quitclaims and Releases

Quitclaim of Sanitary Sewer, Drainage, or Slope Easement

The quitclaiming of City easements requires the writing of a Public Works Committee Report and an Ordinance authorizing the Quitclaim. City easements are usually quitclaimed when they are no longer needed or if they are still needed, can be quitclaimed if a replacement easement and/or facilities are provided. These quitclaims are for single purpose easements (Sewer, Storm Drain or Slope) and not to be used for Public Utility Easements. 

The Quitclaim Deed is issued to the record owners after all requirements are met. The Quitclaim of equestrian or open space easements requires approval by City Planning.  The Quitclaim Application form can be used to complete this process. The steps involved in the Quitclaim process are as follows:

  1. Completed Application:  Applicant submits an application (hard copy only) that is provided to them from LGD staff.  It is important to note that Department of Water and Power easements (marked as a Public Utility Easement (PUE) are quitclaimed by the Department of Water and Power, Land Section.  Application should be addressed to:
    Ted Allen, City Engineer
    Bureau of Engineering
    Attention: Land Development Group
    201 North Figueroa Street, Suite 290
    Los Angeles, CA 90012
    1. Legal description
    2. Sketch of the involved easement
    3. One (1) copy of the document which dedicated the  easement
    4. Two (2) copies of a current title report, must be less than six months old. The title report is used to determine the exact legal description of the land involved and the fee owner. A “Property Profile” or "Deed" is not acceptable.
    5. Investigation and report processing fee as is required under LAAC 7.40 - Fees Charged for the Quitclaiming of City's Interest in Real Property, Payment of Fees and LAMC 61.03 - Authority and Procedure, Surcharge for Equipment and Training. These fees are non-refundable.
  2. LGD sends referral letters to the appropriate District Office and other City Departments depending on the type of easement being quitclaimed. The department of City Planning is not involved with sewer, storm drain or slope easements.
  3. LGD preparation of Draft Ordinance and Report based on comments received
    1. Draft Ordinance is prepared and sent to the City Attorney for approval and signature (email and hard copy)
      1. Once signed by the City Attorney an originally signed Ordinance is picked up by LGD staff 
    2. A Quitclaim Engineering Report is prepared for City Council’s consideration. The report contains all the recommendations which must be completed prior to the quitclaim deed being prepared and recorded by the Real Estate Group. The report shall be signed by the Division Engineer (or their representative) .
  4. LGD staff to upload applicable documents to NovusAgenda (in searchable PDF format)
    1. Signed ordinance
    2. Signed Quitclaim Engineering Report
    3. Application
    4. LGD exhibit(s)
  5. City Clerk’s Office notifies the applicant of the time and place of the Public Works Committee or City Council Meeting on the matter. If there are no objections to the requirements in the report, it is treated as a routine matter and is referred to the whole Council for adoption  under the “Accelerated Review Process”. 
  6. After Council adoption of the item, the Ordinance is forwarded to the Mayor for signature which will become effective 30 days later. 
  7. LGD staff to send the final Ordinance and Council Action to BOE Real Estate for recordation.  The Applicant is responsible for coordinating the payment of the required recording fees set forth by the LA County Recorder with the Real Estate Division. 

A minimum of six months is required to complete the investigation and hearing by Council. If the request requires completion of requirements, it may take longer. There is no way to expedite these projects as they require a thorough investigation.

Each project is given a title by street name and subject and is entered in the computer tracking system. The street name is that upon which the property fronts. A Right-of-Way Number is assigned to each project upon receipt of the investigation fee. This number is used primarily by the Real Estate Group for processing of documents for recordation. All requests from the public should be refer to the project title and not the Right-of Way Number.

Release of Vehicular Access Restrictions

The release of a vehicular access restriction requires the writing of a Public Works Committee Report. These restrictions are usually imposed by a Parcel Map or Tract Map (Resolution or other document) for traffic considerations. They can be partially or entirely released. Any release of vehicular access restrictions requires the approval of LADOT. The release will require an ordinance and recordation of a Release of Restriction Instrument (See Figure D 652 - Missing Figure(LGD)). The report and draft ordinance are prepared by LGD and an appropriate fees are charged per LAAC _____ (where can this charge be found in the code?) and LAMC 61.03 - Authority and Procedure, Surcharge for Equipment and Training.

The steps involved in the release of a vehicular access restriction imposed by Parcel or Tract Map or other City Council action are as follows:

  1. Petitioner sends a voluntary request letter to:
    Ted Allen, City Engineer
    Bureau of Engineering
    Attention: Land Development Group
    201 North Figueroa Street, Suite 200
    Los Angeles, CA 90012
  2. Petitioner furnishes sketch and/or description identifying the area over  which release is necessary
  3. Land Development Group (LGD) sets up a file which includes assemble card, backing sheet, district map, documents, etc. and logs  the project into the computer tracking system 
  4. LGD sends a referral to the appropriate District Office and the  Department of Transportation for comment and recommendations. No  Department of City Planning approval is required for this release.  
  5. LGD writes and sends and draft of the Ordinance and Release Document to the City Attorney for approval as to form and legality
  6. LGD now writes a report to the City Council for approval of the  release. Use the location of the project in Recommendation 1 as this  will be used in the Council Calendar and Journals. Use  ACCELERATED REVIEW PROCESS – D unless the release is controversial
  7. After the City Council adopts the City Engineer’s Report, the Council File should be sent to the Real Estate Group for processing documents After the petitioner pays Document Processing Fees per LAMC ___
  8. The Real Estate Group will record the document and furnish the Land Development Group with a copy of the recorded document. The recording date should be noted on the file card and in the computer tracking system.

Release of Covenants and Agreements, Waivers of Damage, and Other Agreements

These types of releases are processed in a similar manner as vehicular access restriction releases as outlined in the Release of Vehicular Access Restrictions above. The only difference is that Waivers of Damages can be released using only a report to the Board of Public Works. The release of Covenants and Agreements and other agreements still require a report to the Public Works Committee of the City Council. The process and application can be viewed in the Release/Modification of Covenant and Agreement/Waiver of Damages Application Packet. The processing steps are as follows:

  1. Petitioner sends a voluntary request letter to:
    City Engineer
    Bureau of Engineering
    Attention: Land Development Group
    201 North Figueroa Street, Suite 200
    Los Angeles, CA 90012
  2. Petition furnishes document information to LGD (a copy of the recorded  document is preferred) including a current title report and a map of the area
  3. LGD sets up file including assemble card, backing sheet, district map, Documents, etc. and logs the project into the computer tracking system
  4. LGD send a referral to the appropriate District Office and the other City Departments for comment and recommendations.
  5. LGD prepares a “Release of Agreement” document 
  6. LGD writes a report (in the following order) to the Public Works Committee, City Council, and sometimes the Board of Public Works.  Some agreements such as “Waiver of Damages only require Board Action. 
  7. After the receiving the Board or Council Action, LGD logs the result into the computer tracking system and closes the file. 

Transfer of Jurisdiction

County System Highway Project

A Public Works Committee report is required when the Los Angeles County Road Department requests the right to perform street work on a roadway that is under both County and City jurisdiction. The procedure for processing these requests was established on July 3, 1972, under C.F. No. 72-1654. The steps involved in this process are as follows:

  1. The County Board of Supervisors adopts a resolution requesting temporary jurisdiction to perform street work in the City of Los Angeles
  2. LGD will then receive a request letter together with the County Resolution from the County of Los Angeles
  3. LGD will set up a file including assemble card, orange backing sheet, District Map, documents, etc. and logs the project into the computer tracking system
  4. LGD sends a referral to the appropriate District Office, Department of Transportation and the Bureau of Street Services for comments and recommendations
  5. LGD now writes the City Resolution recommending acceptance of the temporary jurisdiction request and write a report transmitting the City Resolution to the Public Works Committee of the City Council.  Recommendation 1 should refer to the project type and street limits as this is used in the Council Calendar and Journals. Recommendation 2 should state the report should be reviewed by the Councilperson of the District and the Inter Governmental Relations Committee
  6. After the City Council adopts the City Engineer’s Report, the Council Action is sent to the County Board of Supervisors
  7. After the project is completed, the County relinquishes the jurisdiction back to the City

Transfer within City Departments

The transfer of City-owned property between City departments for street, alley, walk, sewer, storm drain or slope purposes require a report directly to the Public Works Committee or a report to the Board of Public Works with a recommendation that it be transmitted to the Public Works Committee. This will depend on the method the other department uses for the transfer of jurisdiction.  The steps in the process are as follows:

  1. A request is made by another City Department or a private developer that property owned by the City of Los Angeles under the jurisdiction of a department other than Public Works be transferred to the jurisdiction  of the Board of Public Works for public street, alley, walk, sanitary sewer, storm drain, slope or other purposes. In some cases Board of Public Works may request other departments to transfer jurisdiction to the Board of Public Works.
  2. The legal description is generally prepared LGD, if requested, or LGD will verify the correctness of a legal description submitted by the other department. This legal description is prepared before the other department submits the action by their Board for BOE consideration.
  3. The other City department’s commissioners adopt a Resolution transferring their jurisdiction to the Board of Public Works. 
  4. LGD Sets up a file including assemble card, backing sheet, District Map, documents, etc. and logs the project into the computer tracking system.
  5. LGD send referrals to the appropriate District Office and the Department of City Planning (for street, alley or walk) for comments and recommendations. Sometime improvements are required before jurisdiction over an acquired property is accepted. If the offer is only for the dedication of sewer, storm drain or slope easements, the referral does not have to be sent to City Planning for report. 
  6. The City Planning referral memo must contain the Categorical Exemption from the CEQA of 1970. Article VII Class 5 is most often used. If the Department of City Planning does not respond within 50 days, the following will be used in place of the recommendation of the Director of Planning:
    “The Council may consider this matter without a report from the Department of City Planning pursuant to Section 15(E) of the Municipal Code, because the Department of City Planning did not respond within the 50-day time limit of Section 15(D) of the Code” 
  7. LGD prepares a City-land dedication Ordinance and sends it to the City Attorney in duplicate for approval as to form and legality. If the transfer of jurisdiction is for street, alley, walk or other dedication which requires a City Planning Report, a copy of the Planning Action should also be transmitted to the City Attorney. 
  8. LGD prepares a report to the Board of Public Works with instructions for the Board to transmit the report to the City Council for adoption of the Ordinance after the Board Action. Recommendation No. 2 should read: “A copy of this report, together with transmittals to be transmitted to the Public Works Committee (directly to Council if using accelerated procedures) with the following recommendations:_______”. (Use recommendations form City-land Dedication Report)
  9. The dedication of the property and transfer of jurisdiction is complete after the report is adopted by the City Council and the Ordinance is published in the Daily Journal
  10. LGD should complete the status card and enter the dates and information in the computer tracking system. (See Acceptance of Future Streets, Alleys or Walks as Public Streets, Alleys or Walks Section above)) 

Redesignation of Rights of Way

The redesignations of rights of ways are only done in conjunction with subdivisions with approval from City Planning and LADOT.  Alley to street redesignations is done by Ordinance as part of the Final Map package. 

Pedestrian Malls

In order to establish a pedestrian mall the City must comply with the provisions of the Pedestrian Mall Act of 1960, which is a part of the California Streets and Highways Code (CSHC). The steps that the City must perform to establish a pedestrian mall are as follows (If the City will be levying assessments or making any capital improvements in connection with the pedestrian mall, the additional provisions will apply):

  1. LGD must prepare a Resolution of Intention (CSHC Sec. 11200) that needs to be adopted by the City Council. The Resolution must contain the following:
    1. Statement that public interest and convenience require the establishment of a  pedestrian mall and that vehicular traffic will not be unduly inconvenienced
    2. General description of the city streets which are proposed to be established as a pedestrian mall
    3. General description of the mall intersections
    4. General description of the intersecting streets
    5. Statement that the City Council proposes to adopt an ordinance prohibiting, whole or in part, vehicular traffic on the pedestrian mall
    6. General statement of the source or sources of moneys to be used to pay damages, if any allowed or awarded to any property owner
    7. Day, hour and place for the hearing by the City Council of protests and objections to the establishment of the proposed pedestrian mall and a statement that any persons having any objection to the establishment of the proposed pedestrian mall may file a written protest with City Clerk at any time not later than the time of the hearing
    8. Statement that any person having any interest in any real property which might suffer legal damage by reason of the establishment of the proposed pedestrian mall may file a written claim of damages with the City Clerk at any time not later than the time of the hearing; that such written claim must describe the real property as to which the claim is made, must state the exact nature of the claimant’s interest, must state the nature of
      the claimed damage and must state the amount of damages claimed; that failure to file such written claim within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver of any claim for damages or compensation and shall operate as a bar to any subsequent action seeking to prevent the establishment of the pedestrian mall or to recover damages on account of such establishment; and that the filling of such a claim shall operate as a bar in any
      subsequent action to the recovery of any damages or compensation in excess of the amount stated in such claim.
  2. Per CSHC Section 11301, LGD must post a Notice of Intention. Copies of a resolution headed “Notice of Intention to Establish a Pedestrian Mall” in letters at least one-half inch in height must be posted not more than 300 feet apart as follows:
    1. On all City streets proposed to be established as a pedestrian mall
    2. On all intersecting Streets
    3. Not less than 90 days prior to the hearing
  3. Per CSHC Section 11302.5, LGD must record a copy of the Resolution  of Intention in the office of the County Recorder. The copy must be  recorded not less than 90 days prior to the public hearing.
  4. Per CSHC Section 11302, LGD must mail out copies of the Resolution of Intention. A copy of the Resolution of Intention must be mailed, not less than 45 days prior to the hearing, to each person having an interest in any parcels of land abutting upon any portion of the pedestrian mall or any portion of any intersecting street. 
  5. LGD needs to arrange for a public hearing to be held. If the majority of the landowners who have frontage on the proposed pedestrian mall have made written objection to the establishment of the proposed pedestrian mall, the City Council must terminate the proceedings for establishment per CSHC Section 11306.
  6. Per CSHC Section 11600, an ordinance establishing the mall must be adopted. This ordinance can not be adopted until moneys have been provided for payment of all claims, if any, allowed for payment of all damages and compensation, if any, awarded in any legal action. LGD will prepare the draft ordinance, which must be reviewed by the City Attorney for form and legality. The ordinance must contain the following:
    1. General description of the pedestrian mall and a statement the pedestrian mall is finally established. The mall as finally established must be substantially the same as described in the Resolution of Intention.
    2. Rules and regulations prohibiting vehicular traffic on the pedestrian mall subject to such exceptions as the ordinance may provide. Such rules and regulations and such exceptions must be substantially in accordance with the statements in the Resolution of Intention.
    3. Additional rules and regulations that the City Council determines pertaining to the interpretation, operation and enforcement of the rules and regulations referred to above, and otherwise pertaining to the use, operation, maintenance and control of the pedestrian mall.
    4. Provisions that the City Council determines pertaining to the  operative date or dates of such rules or regulations. 

Voluntary Dedications

The voluntary offer to dedicate easements including street, alley, walk, sanitary sewer, storm drain, slope, etc. is processed by the Survey Division. The processing steps for this procedure are as follows: 

  1. Petitioner submits voluntary offer letter or application to:
    • City Engineer
      Bureau of Engineering
      Attention: Survey Division
      201 North Figueroa Street, Suite 1100
      Los Angeles, CA 90012
  2. Sketch and/or description identifying the area to be dedicated. Refer offers for utility easements to the Department of Water and Power.
  3. Two (2) copies of a recent title report or title insurance policy
  4. Survey Division collects the investigation and report processing fees per LAMC ___ as required under LAAC Section 7.2. The petitioner should make the check payable to the “City of Los Angeles”. Collect a second check fee which is required for processing documents for recordation to effectuate the dedication. Fee can be waived on request by other governmental agencies. 
  5. Provide a receipt to the payer of the check that includes:
    1. Job title
    2. Type of easement
    3. Right-of Way No. (assign from blue “Dedication” binder). No R/W number is assigned to requests on which fees are waived.
  6. Attach check to receipt (white and green copies) and leave at the front desk. Make two copies of the receipt together with the check for the hard file and for the Real Estate Group. Attach second check processing fee together with two copies of the title policy and place it in the Real Estate Group “pick-up” box. 
  7. Survey Division sets up a file including assemble card, backing sheet, district map, documents, etc. and logs the project into the computer tracking system
  8. Survey Division sends referrals to the appropriate District Office and the Department of City Planning for comments and recommendations.  If the offer is for the dedication of sewer, storm drain or slope easements, the referral doesn’t have to be sent to City Planning for report (See the City Charter).
  9. The City Planning referral memo must contain the Categorical Exemption from the CEQA of 1970. Article VII Class 5( ) is most often used. If the Department of City Planning does not respond within 50 days, the following will be used in place of the recommendation of the Director of Planning:
    “The Council may consider this matter without a report from the Department of City Planning pursuant to Section 15(E) of the Municipal Code, because the Department of City Planning did not respond within the 50-day time limit of Section 15(D) of the Code” 
  10. If the offer is necessary for a Building Permit, a future easement can be obtained and acceptance of future easement can be sent to Council. (See D 620 for procedures on acceptances of Future Dedications.) 
  11. Survey Division writes a report to the Public Works Committee for authorization to accept the dedication. Use the location of the project in Recommendation “1” as this will be used in the Council Calendars and Journals. 
  12. Even after the Public Works Committee and the City Council adopt the City Engineer’s report, the dedication is not complete until the Easement Deed is recorded.
  13. Send the Council File to the Real Estate Group for processing  documents
  14. The Real Estate Group now requests a legal description of the easement to be acquired from the Survey Division
  15. When the required conditions, if any, in the report are completed, the Real Estate Group records the easement deed with the County Recorder. This completes the Dedication
  16. If the Real Estate Group furnishes a copy of the recorded easement deed, Survey Division should note recording data on the file card and enter the information into the computer tracking system. 

Public and Private Street/Driveway Naming Procedures 

Basic Street Naming Situations

Naming of New Streets in Areas which are Being Dedicated on Subdivision Maps

Prior to recordation all street names (including common access and private driveways) are subject to approval by the City Engineer. Generally, a subdivider/developer submits names for use on new streets. If the developer so desires, names can be selected by the City Engineer. The City Engineer maintains a list of suitable names that can be used. Streets in continuous alignment with existing street names take the existing street name. This is the only method for naming a street which does not require and Ordinance adopted by the City Council.  If the street name is not chosen and approved prior to recordation, the Applicant may be required to submit a Street Naming application and pay all the applicable fees.

To verify street name availability, LGD staff to perform the following:

  1. Login to NavigateLA
  2. Click the "View Links" button
  3. Select "Official Street Names" from the list.  A new screen will appear called "Engineering Automated Street Inventory System" (EASIS)
  4. Click "Run Query on Street Names" and a new window will appear
  5. Enter the street name in the "Search By Street Name" field
  6. Click "Search"

If a name appears, it can't typically be re-used.  See the following section called "Street Naming Policy" for requirements for street naming.

Street Naming Policy

In April 1967, the County Street Naming Committee, of which the City of Los Angeles is a member, adopted following guidelines on Street Naming which are used by the entire County of LA when possible:

  1. Historic names or names referring to applicable geographic features should be used when possible
  2. Names of existing streets should be used on new streets which are continuous alignment with, or are continuations of existing streets
  3. Duplicated names within the County should not be used for new street names
  4. Streets shall not be named for any commercial organization or in a manner to honor any living person.  City Council may override this requirement.
    1. Compound names are discouraged, i.e. Monika Smith, Armenia Amazing.  City Council may override this requirement. 
  5. Use of suffixes as part of the record name (shown on NavigateLA, the District Map, and in the Official List of City Streets) should be applied as follows:
    1. Drive (may be used)
    2. Place (may be used)
    3. Circle (may be used)
    4. Lane (may be used)
    5. Way (may be used)
    6. Boulevard (should NOT be used)
    7. Street (should NOT be used)
      1. Informational Purposed Only:  East and West thoroughfares are designated as "Streets"
      2. Informational Purposed Only:  Northwest/Southeast thoroughfares are designated as“Streets”
    8. Avenue (should NOT be used)
      1. Informational Purposed Only:  North and South thoroughfares are designated as “Avenues”
      2. Informational Purposed Only:  Northeast/Southwest thoroughfares are designated as “Avenues”
  6. Use of prefixes (North, South, East or West) should NOT be used as part of the record name, if possible. Use of these prefixes affects mail delivery.
  7. Streets adjacent to the Caltrans right-of-way or other permanent division (other than a divided highway) such as a channel or railway, should have two different names on the two sides of such permanent division. 
  8. The maximum length of a street name should be 16 letters including any spaces between words. 
  9. Alleys, walks and other substandard public ways shall not be named
  10. Names of streets shall be easy to pronounce or spell and should be distinctive to prevent confusion. Avoid using a name that sounds like another name
  11. No obscenities, in any language, shall be used
  12. Private street names shall conform with the same guidelines as public streets

Naming of Streets in Areas Acquired by Instrument for Which No Name Has Been Officially Established

The naming of previously established streets which have no official name requires an Ordinance adopted by the City Council. Many streets are the extensions of existing streets, thus the name is just continued by practice. These streets are usually “posted” and “known as” streets. A check of recent documentation is required to determine name is to be used. If a duplication of an existing street is found then a new name is assigned to the street. When an entirely new street is created, a new name can be assigned. Plans and Profiles of the street are use in determining the alignment and how the street was improved.

Street Name Changes

Public Street Name Change Background

LAAC Division 19, Chapter 1, Section 19.1 - Council to Determine Necessity  delineates the procedures for changing the names of public streets. The City Council, on their own, may determine that it is in the public interest, necessity or convenience to change the name of any public street to avoid duplication or for any other good and sufficient reason. Generally this action is in the form of a motion, which is presented by a Councilperson instructing the City Engineer to initiate street name change proceedings for a given street.

Per LAAC Division 19, Chapter 1, Section 19.6 - Petition for Change, street name changes can also be initiated by a petition which is submitted by the owners of the property which abuts a street. This petition must be signed by a majority (51%+) of property owners on the street. Each person signing must give the legal address of the property for which they are signing. Each petition should state the reason for the street name change and may give one or more names which are satisfactory to the petitioners. 

Private Street Name Change Background

On February 6, 1984, under Council File No. 82-0835 - Proposed Procedures to Name Private Streets (Ordinance 158,691), the City Council adopted an Ordinance authorizing the City Engineer to approve and change private street names (LAMC 18.03 - Procedures and LAMC 18.09 - Private Street Names).  Private street names can be shown on the maps of subdivisions by which they are created.   Private street names can also be created through City Council authority.

Relinquishments and Street Names in Conjunction with Caltrans Construction

The names of those altered, relocated, or new streets which are constructed in conjunction with the construction of freeways are established upon relinquishment by Caltrans.  Upon notification from the Relinquishment Coordinator of the Street and Stormwater Division, LGD initiates proceedings to establish the names on those public streets which are being created by Caltrans requiring a name.  LGD will also investigate any house numbers affected by the proposed name. Generally, the established name is used.

This name proposed also requires the adoption of an Ordinance by City Council. The concerned agencies are notified of the name establishment upon publication of the Ordinance.

Street Name Change Processing for Public Streets (City Council Initiated)

  1. Adopted Motion from City Council is received by LGD instructing the City Engineer to initiate street name change proceedings
  2. LGD to create a file to include the following:
    1.  Map exhibit 
    2. List of mailing address of all persons abutting or other affected entities of the subject street name change
    3. Status Card (should be done electronically and printed)
    4. Open a work order via the City's Work Order System link available through the BOE Intranet.  There is no actual fee collected.
    5. Issue a right-of-way number.  Currently, numbers are generated from an Excel spreadsheet on the Q Drive and are used for tracking purposes only.
    6. Create a MapNote in NavigateLA which should include all pertinent information, i.e., council file number, limits of the name change, the proposed name, right-of-way number, etc.)
    7. Enter the Name Change Request into the LGD database (confirm the proposed name is per the "Street Naming Policy" guidelines in this manual)
  3. Field investigation
    1. Identification of the unit name/numbers abutting the subject street.  For example, number of units in a multi-family or units in a commercial property 
  4. Draft an "Interdepartmental Correspondence" memo for the proposed street name change and send to the applicable District Office, LA Fire, LADOT,  City Planning, LAPD, and affected Council Offices for their comment and recommendation. (Sample Interdepartmental Correspondence for Private Street Name Change).  Other items to be included with the Interdepartmental Correspondence include:
    1. Map exhibit
    2. Copy of the adopted City Council motion
  5. Draft a "Notice of Proposed Street Name Change" Letter (LAAC 19.2-Notice of Proposed Street Name Change)  to send to the record owners or occupants of real property abutting or affected by such public street name change and/or their private engineer.  In addition, LGD shall notify affected utilities and other affected municipalities of the subject street name change (Sample Residential Notice for Public Street Name Change).  Other items to be included with the Notice of Proposed Street Name Change Letter are:
    1. Map exhibit
    2. Copy of the adopted City Council motion
  6. LGD staff to wait the required 30-days in order to receive any comments to the proposed street name change.  LGD should notify the Council Office as soon as possible if any significant objections received within the required 30-days.
  7. LGD staff to prepare a Draft Council Report in BOE's standard format (Sample Approval Recommendation Report)
    1. Map exhibit
    2. Any comments received (both supporting and opposed) 
    3. Copy of the adopted City Council motion
  8. LGD staff to prepare a City Attorney Review package which includes the following:
    1. Draft Ordinance
    2. Draft Council Report
  9. If the City Attorney denies the ordinance LGD shall inform the Council Office as soon as possible
  10. LGD staff will prepare a finalized Council Report upon approval of the Draft Ordinance from the City Attorney.  The Council Report and Draft Ordinance shall be sent to the City Clerk via uploading to NovusAgenda.  
  11. City Clerk to schedule the name change request for Council Committee and Council consideration
  12. Ordinance will be effective 30-days after Council approval and Mayor signature
  13. City Clerk will handle the publication requirements of the new ordinance per LAAC 19.3 - Publication of Ordinance Effecting Change
  14. LGD staff to send a letter and the Approved Ordinance to all abutting property owners, affected utilities, affected municipalities, any departments rendering emergency service, and the Postmaster
  15. LGD shall update all City Maps and Records to reflect the new name
  16. LGD  to close the work order (no fee collected)

Street Name Change Processing for Public Streets (Petition Initiated)

Application for Public Street Name Change/Establishment

  1. LGD staff to receive an Application/Petition from an abutting property owner (Allowable per LAMC 19.6 - Petition for Change)
    1. This application must be signed by a majority of the abutting property owners or their duly authorized agents (51%)
  2. Collection of appropriate fees per LAAC 19.6.1 - Petition Processing Fee prior to starting work on the application.  This fee is based on BOE actual costs and the current  (January 2020) estimated deposit of $5,000 is required with the application.
  3. LGD to create a file to include the following:
    1. Map exhibit 
    2. List of mailing address of all persons abutting or other affected entities of the subject street name change
    3. Status Card (should be done electronically and printed)
    4. Open a work order via the City's Work Order System link available through the BOE Intranet.  There is no actual fee collected.
    5. Issue a right-of-way number.  Currently, numbers are generated from an Excel spreadsheet on the Q Drive and are used for tracking purposes only.
    6. Create a MapNote in NavigateLA which should include all pertinent information, i.e., council file number, limits of the name change, the proposed name, right-of-way number, etc.)
    7. Enter the Name Change Request into the LGD database (confirm the proposed name is per the "Street Naming Policy" guidelines in this manual)
  4. Field investigation
    1. Identification of the unit name/numbers abutting the subject street.  For example, number of units in a multi-family or units in a commercial property 
  5. Draft an "Applicant Referral Letter" for the proposed street name change" to send to the Private Engineer and/or Applicant for their comment and recommendation. (Sample Applicant Referral Letter for Public Street Name Change - Petition Initiated).  Other items to be included with the Referral Letter are:
    1. Map exhibit
    2. Application/Petition submitted
  6. Draft an "Interdepartmental Correspondence" memo for the proposed street name change and send to the applicable District Office, LA Fire, LADOT,  City Planning, LAPD, and affected Council Offices for their comment and recommendation. (Sample Interdepartmental Correspondence for Private Street Name Change).  Other items to be included with the Interdepartmental Correspondence include:
    1. Map exhibit
    2. Application/Petition submitted 
  7. LGD staff to wait the required 30-days in order to receive any comments to the proposed street name change.  
  8. LGD staff to evaluate all comments received and determine the merits of the application based on the the name changing procedures.  Currently, if there is significant support from property owners  in favor of the name change (generally 66%), LGD will consider recommendation of the name change.  The purpose for this is to prevent a small group of property owners dictating the desires of the majority of property owners.  The Division Manager will take all issues into consideration when rendering a final LGD decision.
  9. LGD staff to prepare a Draft Council Report in BOE's standard format (Sample Approval Recommendation Report and Sample Denial Recommendation Report Format)
    1. Map exhibit
    2. Any comments received (both supporting and opposed) 
    3. Copy of the Application/Petition submitted
  10. LGD staff to prepare a City Attorney Review package which includes (LGD would not prepare a City Attorney Review package if there is a recommendation of denial):
    1. Draft Ordinance
    2. Draft Council Report
  11. LGD  to confirm if there is a balance owed on the application.  If there is a deficit, LGD staff shall request additional monies to cover the remaining processing (LAMC 19.6.1 - Petition Processing Fee), (Applicant has 20-days to pay any outstanding balance)
  12. LGD staff to prepare a finalized Council Report upon approval of the Draft Ordinance from the City Attorney.  The Council Report and Draft Ordinance shall be sent to the City Clerk via uploading to NovusAgenda.  
  13. City Clerk to schedule the name change request for Council Committee and Council consideration
  14. If approved, the Ordinance will be effective 30-days after Council approval and Mayor signature
  15. City Clerk will handle the publication requirements of the new ordinance per LAAC 19.3 - Publication of Ordinance Effecting Change
  16. LGD staff to send a letter and the Approved Ordinance to all abutting property owners, affected utilities, affected municipalities, any departments rendering emergency service, and the Postmaster
  17. LGD shall update all City Maps and Records to reflect the new name
  18. LGD  to close the work order in the on-line system

Street Name Changes Processing for Private Streets (Private or Council Initiation)

The renaming of private streets in generally initiated as a result of the private street requiring an LADOT traffic signal.  If the name change is initiated by a property owner as a means to rename a private driveway that may access multiple properties, the Applicant will be required to obtain a majority of support for the name change.  These procedures only apply in the event no Private Street Map is required per LAMC 18.03 - Procedure.  Application for Public Street Name Change/Establishment

  1. Adopted Motion from City Council is received by LGD instructing the City Engineer to initiate street name change proceedings OR LGD staff to receive a signed Application from a property owner or private engineer acting on their behalf
    1. If an Application is submitted, it shall be signed by a majority of the owners of properties abutting the private street or that portion of the street to be named or renamed, including the names and addresses of owners of record of property abutting the private street or that portion of the street to be named or renamed
  2. If an Application is received (not a Council Motion) collection of appropriate fees per LAAC 18.09(G)2 - Private Street Names (Ordinance 184,054) and LAMC 61.03 - Surcharge for Equipment and Training is required.
  3. LGD to create a file to include the following:
    1.  Map (drawn to scale) including (LGD would prepare this map if the action was initiated by Council):
      1. Delineating the location, extent, width, and alignment of the private street
      2. Approximate location and frontage dimensions of said parcels on said street
      3. Location of existing public streets which it may ingress or egress
      4. Identity of the maker of the map
    2. List of mailing address of all persons abutting or other affected entities of the subject street name change, if appropriate
    3. Status Card (should be done electronically and printed)
    4. Issue a right-of-way number.  At this time, numbers are generated from an Excel spreadsheet on the Q Drive and are used for tracking purposes only.
    5. Create a MapNote on NavigateLA which should include all pertinent information, i.e., council file number, limits of the name change, the proposed name, right-of-way number, etc.)
    6. Enter the Name Change Request into the LGD database (confirm the proposed name is per the "Street Naming Policy" guidelines in this manual)
  4. Field investigation
    1. Identification of the unit name/numbers abutting the subject street.  For example, number of units in a multi-family or units in a commercial property, when applicable
  5. Draft a "Notice of Proposed Street Name Change" Letter (only if a Council Motion) (LAAC 18.09.9E) 2 - Private Street Names)  to send to the record owners or occupants of real property abutting or affected by such public street name change and/or their private engineer.  In addition, BOE shall notify affected utilities and other affected municipalities of the subject street name change (Sample Residential Notice for Public Street Name Change).  Items to be included with the letter include:
    1. Map exhibit
    2. Copy of the adopted City Council motion 
  6. Draft a "Private Street Name Change Letter to Private Engineer" (LAAC 19.2-Notice of Proposed Street Name Change)  to send to the record owners, occupants, and/or private engineer of real property abutting or affected by such public street name change.  In addition, BOE shall notify affected utilities and other affected municipalities of the subject street name change.  Items to be included with the letter are:
    1. Map exhibit
    2. Copy of the adopted City Council motion
  7. Draft a "Interdepartmental Correspondence for Private Street Name Change" to send to the appropriate BOE District for the comments and recommendation.  Items to be included with the letter are:
    1. Map exhibit
    2. Copy of the adopted City Council motion
  8. LGD staff to wait 30-days in order to receive any objections to the proposed street name change (if a Council Motion)
  9. LGD staff to evaluate all comments received and determine the merits of the application based on the the name changing procedures (only if a Council Motion).  Currently, if there is at least 75% in favor of the names change from property owners, LGD will consider recommendation of the name change.  The purpose for this is to prevent a small group of property owners dictating the desires of the majority of property owners.  The Division Manager will take all issues into consideration when rendering a final BOE decision.
  10. LGD staff will prepare a Council Report (Sample Report) and Draft Ordinance.  Any objections received will be referenced in the Council Report. The Council Report and Draft Ordinance will be sent to the City Attorney for approval of form and legality.  LGD staff to review the deposit paid and confirm any deficit or funds needed to complete the process.
    1. City Attorney Approves the Ordinance:  LGD staff to send the signed ordinance and Council Report to the City Clerk via uploading to NovusAgenda.
    2. City Attorney Denies the Ordinance:  LGD to prepare a Revised Council Report describing the denial of the City Attorney.  this would be sent to the City Clerk via uploading to NovusAgenda.
  11. The City Clerk will handle the publications requirements of the new ordinance per LAAC 19.3 - Publication of Ordinance Effecting Change
  12. City Clerk to schedule the name change request for Council Committee and Council consideration
  13. Ordinance will be effective 30-days after the Mayor signs
  14. LGD staff to send a letter and the Approved Ordinance to all abutting property owners, affected utilities, affected municipalities, any departments rendering emergency services, mapping services???, and the Postmaster
  15. LGD GIS Section shall update all City Maps and Records to reflect the new name
  16. Update NavigateLA MapNotes with any new information (keep?-Cross-references entered into the computer data base and Street History and old name updated in the computer data base)

Limited Access Area Names

A limited Access Area is described as a large describable area such as a condominium lot which has one main entrance. Limited Access Areas names are not street names and are used for mail delivery only. These names can only be Terrance or Lane. The use of Street, Avenue, Way, Place, etc. are not allowed. 

One address is assigned to the condominium with each unit given a unit number and Limited Access Area name. Names for these areas are approved by the Land Development Group; however, Limited Access Areas are under the jurisdiction of the house numbering sections of the District Offices. These names must meet the criteria set forth for use as street names.

Honorary Street Name Change

Although very rare, City Council can put forth a motion to change the name of a street and not take into consideration some of the items in the "Street Naming Policy" guidelines in this manual.  A specific example of this was can be found in Council File 17-0704 - Obama Boulevard - Street Renaming.  LGD staff would follow the "Street Name Change Processing for Public Streets (City Council Initiated)" guidelines above.

Official List of Streets

The City Engineer’s Office is required by LAAC Division 19 to enter into a suitable book a list off all names used within the City. This book is maintained by the LGD , Mapping Division