Got a Sidewalk Repair Notice in Los Angeles? Permits and the Safe Sidewalks LA Rebate

A sidewalk repair notice from the City of Los Angeles usually means the sidewalk in front of your property does not meet accessibility standards, often because tree roots lifted the panels. You have two paths: repair it under a regular permit, or apply to the City's Safe Sidewalks LA rebate program first.

Apply before any work starts

If you want the rebate, do not finish the work first. The City is clear that work completed under an earlier permit, outside a Rebate Offer, does not qualify. The sequence the City lays out:

1. Apply through MyLA311 (online or the app), by calling 311, or at a Bureau of Engineering district office.
2. A City representative assesses the sidewalk and the scope of work.
3. You receive a Rebate Offer.
4. Within 60 days of the offer, you obtain a Class A-Permit for the repair. The City waives the permit fee for rebate work.
5. The work is completed and inspected within 90 days of the permit being issued.

How much the rebate covers

Since August 25, 2023, the City lists a rebate cap of $12,400 per lot for residential properties, and the same for commercial and industrial properties. The offer itself is calculated from the work quantities and the City's unit costs, so the actual amount depends on your sidewalk. The program is multi-year and subject to funding, and applicants may be placed on a wait list.

Who can do the work

The City requires a contractor holding a California A, C-8, C-12 or C-61/D-06 license, and the license number has to be provided before the permit is granted. You hire and pay the contractor directly; the City does not pay contractors. JFPEC holds a Class A General Engineering license, CA Lic. #525452.

Tree roots

A City arborist decides what tree work is needed, which can include enlarging the planting area, pruning roots or removing the tree. Following the arborist's recommendations is a condition of the rebate. If a tree is removed, the City requires two replacement trees for each tree removed. Trees on private property are not eligible for the rebate.

Roots are also the most common reason a new sidewalk lifts again, so we talk through how the roots will be handled with you and the City before we pour.

Driveways

Driveway sections that cause the sidewalk to be non-compliant can be included up to the property line, according to the City's program rules.

Not every repair qualifies

Sidewalk work required by a building permit or a similar requirement is not eligible, and neither are properties in development projects. If your repair is tied to a building permit, we price it as regular right-of-way work.

What we need from you

Send us the City's notice or the Rebate Offer, plus a few photos of the sidewalk. We build to the City's standard plans, pull the permit under our license, and schedule the inspection.