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Driveway Approach Apron Permit Los Angeles 

Driveway ramps. Los Angeles is filled with them and they’re all aging. As you drive around or walk the streets of LA, you probably notice how many of our driveway ramps are crumbling into dust. 

And if you’ve been walking around, you know how treacherous these ramps can be. Not only do they slope downward, but then you have to navigate all the chunks of cement.

Now, imagine you have mobility issues. How are you going to pass safely along one of those mangled driveway ramps?

If you are a property owner, you want to fix those driveway ramp ASAP to avoid any trip and fall or ADA compliance lawsuits. And to fix that ramp, you are going to need an A-Permit.

Why is my driveway approach damaged?

It’s the trees. Our bucolic tree-lined streets have a darker side to them. The roots from those trees are tearing up our sidewalks and driveway approaches. 

Not only that, but much of the city’s cement is nearing its Sell By date. The City of Angels has experienced numerous building booms in the last 150 years. If you think about it, if you live in an historic home, your driveway ramp may be over 100 years old. Building methods and codes were different. And concrete has about a 30-50 year lifespan. It’s not at all surprising that your ancient driveway ramp is crumbling to ash – and that it’s too narrow for your modern car. 

Own industrial or commercial property? Think about how much traffic that driveway ramp sees every day. All those heavy commercial trucks or the dozens (hundreds?) of cars that drive on your driveway ramp are all contributing to its downfall. 

Who is responsible for repairing, replacing or installing a driveway ramp in Los Angeles?

Ahhh…the question for the ages. Who is responsible for the sideways and driveway aprons in LA?

You probably think that the city is responsible. That’s not necessarily the case. If a pedestrian trips and falls on your driveway approach? You will likely get a letter from a lawyer. Your driveway approach is not ADA-compliant? Again, expect a letter from an attorney.

Bottom line, while the city has settled some cases with pedestrians tripping on city sidewalks, property owners also may be found liable. 

The best thing you can do is fix your driveway approach. Get an A-Permit and fix it. 

Why do I need an A-Permit to fix my driveway approach?

Simply put, it’s in the public right-of-way. What is the public right-of-way? It’s anywhere the public is walking. So, if a pedestrian is walking down the sidewalk, they’re going to have to walk on your driveway approach, too. 

Ultimately, it a pubic safety issue. The city wants uniform driveway ramps that conform to the city’s specifications. That way the city doesn’t end up with a patchwork quilt of driveway ramps. 

An A-Permit doesn’t just cover driveway ramps and approaches. It can also cover: 

Sidewalk repair

Sidewalk installation

Curb drains

Curb and gutter repair

Installation of streetscape fixtures (bicycles racks, speed humps, parklets, parkways landscaping, etc.)

Street tree wells

Street resurfacing/repairs for minor excavations

Basically, any project that’s in the way of pedestrians walking down the street needs an A-Permit. 

How can I get an A-Permit to fix my driveway approach?

Anyone can apply for an A-Permit. It does not have to be the property owner. Most property owners have a licensed concrete contractor complete the A-Permit, or they hire a professional permit expeditor. 

Why have someone else pull your A-Permit? Have you ever read any Kafka? The permitting process is extremely detailed and sometimes confusing. 

To get an A-permit, you have to provide a dimensioned sketch showing:

Existing property lines

Existing sidewalk repair location and dimensions

Proposed driveway approach

Driveway centerline cross-section with slopes indicated

The a, x, Q and Y dimensions for the driveway. 

Sound easy? Then, by all means, pull your A-Permit yourself. Feel like you need a little assistance? Call a permit expeditor. 

Can I use the city rebate for a new driveway apron?

Absolutely. You will need to submit an architectural plot plan with dimensions. 

Be prepared for some sticker shock, though. The rebate is great, but city inspectors will likely require that you repair or replace your sidewalk from property line to property line – and that includes your driveway approach. That will cost you far more than what the city will pay you for your rebate. In other words, use your rebate and be prepared to pay more on top of that. 

If you got approved for the rebate and now you need an architectural plot plan with dimensions give us a call.