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Public Infrastructure Permits

What is Public Infrastructure?

Public Infrastructure includes the planning, design, and construction of public and private infrastructure projects.

 

What is Public Works – Public Infrastructure responsible for?

The Public Works – Public Infrastructure (PWPI) team is responsible for reviewing and approving Engineering Studies and Public Improvement Plans. They also manage permits for the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD), Road Construction, Encroachment, Excavations and Wireless Facilities in Public Right-of-Way.

Public Infrastructure Offices

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Apply for a Sewer Tap and Saddle Installation Permit using EPIC-LA

What is EPIC-LA?

EPIC-LA is Los Angeles County’s online system for managing permits and inspections. It helps residents, businesses, and developers oversee their building projects from start to finish. Whether you’re constructing a home, upgrading your property, or planning a large project, EPIC-LA provides a centralized platform to handle all permitting needs. Take a look at the major features of EPIC-LA below.

Application

Use EPIC-LA to submit the application for your permit and inspection online

Application

Apply online for all your permitting and inspection needs

Document Upload

Submit electronic copies of all your plans and supporting documentation

Fee Payment

Pay all permit and inspection fees electronically

Status

Use EPIC-LA to track and manage the progress of your application

Status Updates

Receive comments and notifications electronically

Contacts

Gives others access to real-time feedback, comments and notifications.

Collaboration

Allow collaboration between the Department, applicants, and design teams

What is a Plan Check and How Do You Know if You Need One?

A plan check is the process where the County reviews your land development plans to ensure they meet all safety, environmental, and construction standards. This step is necessary before construction or grading work begins.

You’ll need a plan check for land development projects like:

  • Grading plans for single lots or residential developments.
  • Stormwater drainage systems to prevent flooding.
  • Sewer system designs for new developments.
  • Road plans for access and traffic flow.
  • Landscaping plans to meet water efficiency and aesthetic standards.
  • Improvements affecting LACFCD right-of-way or facilities.

During the plan check, County engineers and planners will carefully review your designs to confirm:

  • They follow all building codes and environmental regulations.
  • They ensure public safety and long-term sustainability.
  • They comply with local zoning and infrastructure requirements.

If your plans meet these requirements, you’ll receive approval to move forward. If changes are needed, the County will provide detailed feedback so you can make updates.

Apply for a Public Infrastructure Plan Check and Permit

Step 1: Start Your Project

Note: For Flood Control permits, skip to Step 5. For all other permits, follow the steps below.

 

  1. Apply through EPIC-LA using the Department of Regional Planning (DRP) Base Application form.
    • DRP is the planning department for all areas outside a city in LA County. They provide all major planning functions for unincorporated areas. They help write long range plans, review development projects, and respond to zoning complaints.
  2. Pay the initial DRP required fees.
  3. DRP will review project and consult with County departments (e.g., Public Works, Fire, Parks & Rec) as necessary.

Step 2: Regional Planning Creates a Project and Refers Project to Public Works if Required

  1. DRP will assign your project a case number (RPPL) to Public Works – Public Infrastructure (PWPI) team to review the tentative maps, site plans, or project concepts.

Step 3: Public Works - Public Infrastructure Reviews Your Project

  1. Depending on your project, one or more PWPI teams will review your maps and plans.
  2. After review, PWPI will send recommendations and conditions back to DRP.

Step 4: Make Changes if Required

  1. DRP and PWPI will work with you to address feedback until your tentative map or project plans are approved.

Step 5: Submit Plans to Public Works - Public Infrastructure

For Flood Control District (FCD) Permits

  1. Submit your FCD permit application through EPIC-LA
  2. Contact us if you need help determining what to submit

For All Other PWPI Submissions:

  1. Once DRP approves your tentative map or project plan, submit detailed plans directly to PWPI through EPIC-LA
  2. Create a plan case in EPIC-LA, where reviewers can track updates and send comments

Step 6: Pay Required Fees and Submit Required Documents

  1. Pay the required fees through EPIC-LA.
  2. Submit required documents per First Plan Check Submittal Checklist for each of the permits/plans covered under PWPI:

Step 7: PWPI Assigns Reviewers

  1. PWPI will assign reviewers to check your plans and coordinate with other divisions as needed.

Step 8: Work Through Plan Reviews

  1. PWPI reviewers collaborate with you to make corrections and get your plans approved.
  2. Each division may ask for additional documents or updates.
  3. For Flood Control permits, once all needed divisions approve, your permit will be issued. Steps 9 and 10 are only for projects requiring final maps.

Step 9: Submit Final Maps

  1. Once all conditions and corrections are met, submit your final map for approval (Guide for the Preparation of Final Maps & Parcel Maps)
  2. PWPI confirms clearances from all reviewing departments.

Step 10: Record Your Map

  1. After final approval, PWPI submits your map to the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s office for recording.

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