Question:
I plan to excavate my backyard which is 3 feet above ground in order to build a second unit. Do I need a permit to excavate? If yes, where should I get the permit and what are the requirements? Thank you.
Answer:
The Los Angeles County Building Code requires a grading permit to perform any grading except for the following work:
· An excavation that (1) is less than 2 feet (610 mm) in depth or (2) does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) in height and steeper than 1 unit vertical in 2 units horizontal (50% slope) and does not exceed 50 cubic yards (38.3M3).
· A fill not intended to support structures and which does not obstruct a drainage course if such fill (a) is placed on natural grade that has a slope not steeper than five horizontal to one vertical and is less than 1 foot (305 mm) deep, or (b) is less than 3 feet (914 mm) in depth at its deepest point, measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, and does not exceed 50 cubic yards (38.2 m3), or (c) does not exceed 20 cubic yards (15.3 m3)on any one lot.
Required permits (grading, building, mechanical, electrical) can be obtained at the local Building and Safety District Office, a link is provided below for locations of field offices. Also, a link is provided for the Grading Review Sheet or you may contact the Regional Drainage and Grading Engineer at the local District Office to discuss your project in more detail.
Links:
Grading Review Sheet
Building and Safety District Offices
I plan to excavate my backyard which is 3 feet above ground in order to build a second unit. Do I need a permit to excavate? If yes, where should I get the permit and what are the requirements? Thank you.
Answer:
The Los Angeles County Building Code requires a grading permit to perform any grading except for the following work:
· An excavation that (1) is less than 2 feet (610 mm) in depth or (2) does not create a cut slope greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) in height and steeper than 1 unit vertical in 2 units horizontal (50% slope) and does not exceed 50 cubic yards (38.3M3).
· A fill not intended to support structures and which does not obstruct a drainage course if such fill (a) is placed on natural grade that has a slope not steeper than five horizontal to one vertical and is less than 1 foot (305 mm) deep, or (b) is less than 3 feet (914 mm) in depth at its deepest point, measured vertically upward from natural grade to the surface of the fill, and does not exceed 50 cubic yards (38.2 m3), or (c) does not exceed 20 cubic yards (15.3 m3)on any one lot.
Required permits (grading, building, mechanical, electrical) can be obtained at the local Building and Safety District Office, a link is provided below for locations of field offices. Also, a link is provided for the Grading Review Sheet or you may contact the Regional Drainage and Grading Engineer at the local District Office to discuss your project in more detail.
Links:
Grading Review Sheet
Building and Safety District Offices