City of Los Angeles
City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- 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 Standards
- 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
- Detention Standard
- 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 Standard
- Must comply with LA County MS4 Permit receiving water limitations; no separate city numeric limit beyond state CGP requirements
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Erosion Control Plan (ECP) required as part of grading permit; LID Plan required for post-construction
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
PE or licensed Civil Engineer must prepare and stamp the ECP and LID Plan. Grading permits for > 200 cubic yards require a soils engineering and geology report.
Local Inspection Requirements
- 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
Special Overlay Zones
Hillside Area
Trigger: Properties in designated Hillside areas per LAMC Section 91.7000+
Restriction: Reduced grading limits; enhanced erosion control; haul route approval required; geology report mandatory
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ)
Trigger: Properties mapped in CAL FIRE VHFHSZ
Restriction: Brush clearance required; additional erosion control measures for post-fire conditions; revegetation requirements
Coastal Zone
Trigger: Properties within the California Coastal Zone boundary
Restriction: California Coastal Commission permit may be required; enhanced water quality protections for ocean discharge; no net increase in impervious surface preferred
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Los Angeles LID Standards Manual & Stormwater Technical Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Los Angeles enforces one of the strictest LID ordinances in the country, requiring full on-site retention of the 85th-percentile storm. The city's dual-agency enforcement (LADBS for grading permits, Bureau of Sanitation for water quality) requires careful coordination. Projects in hillside areas face significantly more complex permitting.
Remember: These local requirements are in addition to the SWRCB state construction permit. Both must be satisfied before breaking ground.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Always verify requirements directly with City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and the agency website before beginning construction.