How do I obtain additional information or contact the City?
BOE has an on-line Customer Service Request (CSR) Portal (located in the Customer Portal) that allows members of the public to request additional information about processes and procedures as well as discuss permit related issues with BOE staff. Instructions on how to use the CSR Portal can be found in this manual under Customer Service Request (CSR) Portal.
How long does it take to get an SD-Permit?
This is an over-the-counter permit. When all documents, including Sewerage Facilities Charges, any required easement, sewer capacity and the constructed building are ready, then the SD -Permit may be issued in less than 30 minutes.
How long is an SD-Permit valid?
An SD-Permit is good for two years from the date of issuance.
When does an SD-Permit expire?
The SD-Permit expires two years from the date that it was issued. If the job is in progress and inspection is on going, then it will not expire. Permits issued during the COVID-19 pandemic are subject to different requirements.
How will the City determine if a project is being performed diligently?
The Bureau of Contract Administration of the Department of Public Works will make that determination depending on the job conditions that may delay the project.
Can I revise the scope of work on my SD-Permit?
SD-Permits may be revised to accommodate any change in scope of work. Permit fees will be adjusted, additional fees or refunds will be made to reflect any change.
What if expiration date on the SD-Permit passes but I am in the middle of work?
Once the SD-Permit is issued and inspection has started, then the project may go on until satisfactorily completed. As long as the applicant is progressing with the work described in the permit diligently and responsibly, then the permit stays in effect until completion of work. Permits issued during the COVID-19 pandemic are subject to different requirements.
How do I apply for a S-Permit for Storm Drains?
There are two ways to apply for an S-Permit for Storm Drains:
- Online through the BOE Customer Portal by clicking "Online Service Available" in the Storm Drain (SD) Permit box
- Make an in-person or virtual meeting using the BuildLA Appointment System.
What information is an Applicant required to provide the City when applying for an S-Permit for Storm Drains?
Applicants should reference the "2 - General Conditions & Requirements for Permittees – Storm Drain “SD” Permits" page under Storm Drain "SD" Permits in this manual as well as the Storm Drain Processing Procedures.
What type of work can be done under an S-Permit for Storm Drains?
Applicants should reference the 1 - What is a Storm Drain Connection Permit (SD Permit)" section of this manual under the heading "LAWS, CODES, AND REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE ISSUING OF SEWER CONNECTION PERMITS"
Under what municipal code or authority in an S-Permit for Storm Drains?
A storm drain connection if you are wanting to connect to a catch basin or a CCTV of an existing storm drain if you want to build over an existing line.
If my project requires dewatering the site, will I be required to get an SD-Permit or any other permit?
The City's preference is to always try to discharge into the City Sewer System since there is an advanced treatment process within the City's sewer system. However, if you can demonstrate there is no other option but to discharge into the City's storm drain system, you may also be required to obtain a NPDES permit from the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). Costs for the NPDES Permit is paid directly to RWQCB. In addition, and depending upon the scope of the project, you may also be required to obtain a construction permit such as an A-Permit, B-Permit, or an Excavation E Permit. Applicants should be aware their construction operations may be what actually trigger the need for dewatering and this an additional permit.
What is considered a violation and how are violations handled by the City?
Connections to the storm drain system that are made without an S-Permit for Storm Drains are illegal. If a violation is discovered or reported to the City, a BCA Inspector will stop the work and issue a citation. The person responsible for the work violation will be directed to the applicable BOE office to apply and pay for a permit. All applicable fees must be paid to clear a citation. In addition, illegal connections will be subject to corrective action required by the City Engineer and corrective action must be taken by the parties responsible for the illegal connection.
What is subject to the Street Damage Restoration Fee (SDRF)?
The Street Damage Restoration Fee is applicable to any excavation work on asphalt concrete streets subject to a permit such as an A-Permit, B-Permit, Excavation E-Permit, Excavation U-Permit, SD-Permit, and Sewer S-Permit. The SDRF fee will not apply to the removal and replacement of curb, gutter, parkway, sidewalk and/or driveway. The District Office can be consulted for further clarification.
What is the new Street Damage Restoration Fee (SDRF)?
The SDRF is set at $8.24 per square foot for Local Streets and $19.44 per square foot (sq.ft.) for Select Streets, and applies to an area that equals the length and width of the excavation cut plus 5 feet on all sides of the excavation. The 5-foot extension area for a cut in asphalt is applicable even if it extends into gutter, curb, sidewalk and/or parkway, due to the fee assessment option adopted by City Council. Excavation cuts in the parkway that are within 5 feet of the street section will not pay an SDRF fee for the extended area.
Will the Street Damage Restoration Fee (SDRF) be applicable to Excavation E-Permits, Sewer S-Permits, Storm Drain SD Permits, and Excavation U-Permits?
Whenever an excavation is made in the street, SDRF will apply. This would be applicable to most excavations involving E-Permits and/or U-Permits. For SD-Permits, this will be in situations where a storm drain line or connection is being installed without street work being done in the immediate vicinity and the SDRF fee will not apply to the removal and replacement of curb and gutter. The District Office can be consulted for further clarification.
When is the new Street Damage Restoration Fee (SDRF) effective?
The new SDRF became effective December 6, 2018.
What are the limits of the street to which Street Damage Restoration Fee (SDRF) applies?
The SDRF applies to the limits of excavation cuts on an asphalt concrete street extending to the edges (typically at gutter edges).
What is a Select Street?
In terms of the new Street Damage Restoration Fee, a Select Street is a street designated by the Bureau of Street Services as a street requiring a thicker pavement design to accommodate greater traffic loads. The Bureau of Street Services shall maintain a public record of its street designations. This street designation is visible via NavigateLA’s Street Centerlines Report, listed under Class as SE.
What is a Local Street?
In terms of the new Street Damage Restoration Fee, a Local Street shall be a street not designated as a Select Street. The Bureau of Street Services shall maintain a public record of its street designations. This street designation is visible via NavigateLA’s Street Centerlines Report, listed under Class as LO.
Does the age of the street affect the new Street Damage Restoration Fee (SDRF)?
No, the new SDRF is not relative to the age of the street.
Does the new Street Damage Restoration Fee (SDRF) apply to excavation work on a concrete street?
Full slab replacement is required in lieu of paying the SDRF for any excavation on a concrete street. A slab may be defined as the area of concrete surrounded by a joint (i.e. construction/expansion joint, etc.). In the event a concrete street does not consist of slabs but a large(r) concrete panel, the District Office can be consulted for further clarification.
Are there any exemptions from payment of the Street Damage Restoration Fee (SDRF)?
Yes, there are two exemptions to the SDRF:
- Any excavation in a street scheduled for resurfacing under the City’s Annual Street Renewal Plan within the one year prior to the scheduled resurfacing is exempt from the SDRF.
- Exemption for excavation made up to 23 months prior to scheduled resurfacing may be granted after further consideration. The following must be provided at the time of request for consideration:
- Complete review of the City’s Five-Year Street Renewal Plan and one-year Annual Street Renewal Plan prepared by the Director of the Bureau of Street Services (BSS) prior to applying for an excavation permit
- Prepare and submit to the BSS a five-year street excavation plan and a one-year street excavation plan, in a form acceptable to the Bureau, prior to applying for an excavation permit. Such plans must include the following:
- The location of the applicant’s existing facilities in any City street, alley, sidewalk or other public place; and,
- A description of all of the applicant’s planned excavation work in any City street, alley, sidewalk or other public place.
- To continue to qualify for the SDRF exemption:
- Submit annually, by April 15 of each year following the submission of the initial five-year street excavation plan and one-year street excavation plan, a revised and updated five-year street excavation plan and one-year street excavation plan; and,
- All excavations in any Local Street or any Select Street must be shown on the applicant’s one-year street excavation plan, and must take place within 23 months prior to City’s planned resurfacing or rehabilitation projects as shown in the City’s Five-Year Street Renewal Plan and one-year Annual Street Renewal Plan.
Can I excavate anytime within one year following the resurfacing of the street?
Yes. However, in lieu of paying the SDRF, permittee must repave the entire street block from curb face to curb face (typically referred to as the One-Year Street Moratorium).
Are there any exceptions to the One-Year Street Moratorium?
Yes, there are two exemptions to the One-Year Street Moratorium:
- Exceptions may be made when it can be sufficiently demonstrated to the Director of the Bureau of Street Services (BSS) that the City’s 30-day notice of a scheduled street resurfacing project was not mailed to the correct property owner of record at the time of notification, and the property owner made significant efforts to promptly notify BSS of any planned street excavations.
- Exceptions may be made on Emergency Work. Emergency Work is defined under LAMC 62.61 as immediate and unplanned action that must be taken to alleviate a hazardous condition, which represents an immediate threat to life, health, safety, or property. This includes continuous efforts to effect the restoration of interrupted utility services (electrical, water, gas, wastewater and telecommunications). Bureau of Engineering’s Special Order SO06-0807, Step 4, prescribes the requirements on Street Damage Restoration Fee and right-of-way restoration for Emergency Work during the One-Year Street Moratorium.
Will the Street Damage Restoration Fee (SDRF) be increased or decreased in the future?
The Board of Public Works (Board) will calculate an adjusted SDRF annually on July 1, in accordance with the California Department of Transportation Price Index for Selected Highway Construction Items. The proposed revised SDRF is effective upon its adoption by resolution approved by the Board following a public hearing.
Do I have to pay a Slurry Seal Damage Restoration Fee (SSDRF)?
No, the SSDRF was discontinued on December 6, 2018.
When is the Street Damage Restoration Fee (SDRF) collected?
In the interim, the SDRF collection will take place via monthly billing, except for those user accounts that have billing restrictions. BOE won’t require collection of SDRF amounts above $5,000 but can collect payment over-the-counter prior to permit issuance until a revised payment collection policy is determined.
Does the Street Damage Restoration Fee (SDRF) apply to alleys?
If the Alley does not have a centerline shown on the geocoding module, it means that it does not have a section ID and in this case we should not charge an SDRF. The Utility Agency may select “Alley (No Centerline)” under the Surface Type selection within the geocoding module in the Online U-Permit Applications System and that should waive the associated fees automatically.
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