Compare Regulations
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City of Los Angeles(3 more)
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| Field | Local City of Los Angeles City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) |
|---|---|
| Permit | |
| Permit / Authorization | Grading Permit with Low Impact Development (LID) Plan |
| Submit To | City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) |
| Lead Time | Plan check typically 4–8 weeks; expedited review available for fee |
| Application Method | Online via LADBS ePlanLA portal (eplanla.lacity.org); paper plans also accepted at Development Services Centers |
| Fee | Grading permit fees based on cubic yards of earthwork; LID plan check fee additional — see LADBS fee schedule |
| Water Quality | |
| Impervious Cover Limit | No citywide cap; however, LID Ordinance requires on-site retention of the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm for all new development and redevelopment projects |
| On-Site Treatment Required | Yes |
| Detention Required | Yes — Retain 100% of the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm event on-site using infiltration, bioretention, or rainwater harvesting; if infeasible, biofiltration of 1.5× the design volume |
| Turbidity / Discharge Standard | Must comply with LA County MS4 Permit receiving water limitations; no separate city numeric limit beyond state CGP requirements |
| SWPPP | |
| SWPPP / Local Plan Required | Yes — Erosion Control Plan (ECP) required as part of grading permit; LID Plan required for post-construction |
| PE Stamp Required | Yes |
| Inspections | |
| Inspection Requirements | LADBS conducts grading inspections at key milestones (rough grade, final grade, drainage installation). Separate BMP inspections by Bureau of Sanitation during rainy season (Oct 1 – Apr 15). |
| Inspector Qualification | No additional city certification beyond QSP/QSD; however, the Deputy Grading Inspector program applies to grading permit compliance |
| Design & Zones | |
| Local Design Manual | City of Los Angeles LID Standards Manual & Stormwater Technical Manual |
| Special Overlay Zones | Hillside Area, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), Coastal Zone |