City of Los Angeles (BOE, StreetsLA/BSS, LADOT)

In the City of Los Angeles, work in streets and sidewalks involves several departments — the Bureau of Engineering, StreetsLA (Bureau of Street Services), and LADOT — each with a distinct role.

Last reviewed: June 24, 2026

Level: City  ·  Applies to: streets and sidewalks within the City of Los Angeles.

What This Agency Governs

  • The Bureau of Engineering (BOE) handles permits for work in the public right-of-way, such as excavation and construction affecting streets and sidewalks.
  • StreetsLA (the Bureau of Street Services, BSS) is responsible for the streets and sidewalks themselves, including maintenance and related permits.
  • LADOT manages traffic and transportation, including traffic control review and coordination for work that affects travel lanes and traffic operations.

Standards That Apply

  • The California MUTCD governs traffic control devices and temporary traffic control.
  • City of Los Angeles standard plans, specifications, and permit conditions add the city's specific requirements.
  • Cal/OSHA and ADA requirements also apply.

Permits & Authorization

City right-of-way permits (BOE)

Work in city streets and sidewalks generally requires a permit from the Bureau of Engineering. The permit types, application process, and conditions are set by the city and must be confirmed on the official BOE site.

StreetsLA / BSS involvement

StreetsLA is responsible for the streets and sidewalks and may be involved in permits or conditions related to the pavement and sidewalk itself. Confirm the specific role for a given project on the official StreetsLA site.

LADOT traffic control coordination

When work affects travel lanes or traffic operations, LADOT is generally involved in reviewing traffic control. Confirm current traffic control review and coordination requirements on the official LADOT site.

How to Verify Requirements

  • Determine which department applies based on the work: right-of-way permit (BOE), street/sidewalk (StreetsLA/BSS), or traffic operations (LADOT).
  • For temporary no-parking postings, LADOT Special Traffic Operations can be reached at (213) 485-2298; confirm the current process and lead time with LADOT.
  • StreetsLA permit applications can be started through the online permit portal (bsspermits.lacity.org); confirm the correct permit type on the StreetsLA permits page.
  • Confirm current permit types, application requirements, and conditions on each department's official site.
  • Confirm device and setup standards against the current California MUTCD and City of Los Angeles standard plans.

Verify Before Relying On Specifics

Official Sources

Related Pages