Planning a move, a remodel, or a quick landscape project in Lomita? The fastest way to keep things on schedule is to know when you need a permit, how to protect underground utilities, and who to call for street or sidewalk issues. Whether you are placing a POD, ordering a roll‑off dumpster, or digging for new fence posts, a little prep goes a long way. This guide gives you clear steps, timelines, and the right contacts so you can avoid delays and fines. Let’s dive in.
What needs a permit in Lomita
Any use of the public right‑of‑way usually requires an encroachment or right‑of‑way permit. This includes temporary equipment or containers that sit in the street, block the curb, or affect the sidewalk. The permit protects public safety and utilities, and it documents insurance for the city.
Pods, dumpsters, and moving trucks
If you plan to place a POD, storage trailer, roll‑off dumpster, or a moving container in a parking lane, in the street, or on a sidewalk, expect to apply for an encroachment permit through the City of Lomita. The permit may include a traffic control plan, time limits, and no‑parking signage if you are using on‑street spaces. Unpermitted obstructions can be cited or removed, so confirm your permit early.
Sidewalks, driveways, and curb work
Blocking a sidewalk, modifying a driveway apron, or cutting the curb usually requires a permit and inspection to meet city standards. If the sidewalk will be closed, you must maintain a safe, accessible pedestrian route. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design require at least 36 inches of clear width for an accessible path. Your permit may also require ramps or a protected detour if pedestrians are routed into the street.
State or county roads
If your work affects a state highway or state right‑of‑way, you will need a permit from Caltrans District 7. You can learn more by reviewing Caltrans encroachment permits. If the work is on a county‑controlled road, contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. When in doubt, call City of Lomita Public Works first to confirm jurisdiction.
How to get an encroachment permit
In Lomita, Public Works or Community Development/Building & Safety typically handles encroachment permits. Plan ahead and build in a little buffer for review.
What to prepare
- A simple site plan with measurements that shows the exact placement, adjacent driveways, and pedestrian access.
- Contractor details if a vendor will deliver or place the unit, including contractor license information.
- Proof of insurance. Cities commonly require commercial general liability coverage, often around a 1,000,000 dollar minimum, with the city named as additional insured.
- A traffic control plan if you will block a lane or parking spaces. Plans often follow the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards.
- Fees or a refundable deposit if required, plus any costs for signage or review.
Typical timelines and conditions
- Start simple permits 1 to 2 weeks before placement. Larger closures or anything near live traffic can take 2 to 4 weeks or more.
- Some requests may need review by police or fire, which can add time.
- Permits include time limits. Ask how to request an extension if your project slips.
- Expect conditions to maintain ADA‑compliant pedestrian access if you touch the sidewalk.
Keep pedestrians safe
If your container or work blocks a sidewalk, you must provide an accessible route. A minimum 36‑inch clear path is typical, and you may need ramps or a protected detour. Your traffic control plan should show how you will guide pedestrians safely around the work zone using cones, signs, and barricades that follow MUTCD guidance.
Safe digging: 811 before you dig
Before any digging, call 811 or submit a locate request at DigAlert. This free service notifies utility owners so they can mark underground lines with paint or flags. It is required for everything from small post holes to trenching.
How the 811 process works
- Contact 811 at least 48 business hours before you plan to dig. You can call or request online through DigAlert.
- Utilities have two working days to respond and mark their lines.
- Keep your ticket number and the start date on file. If you have questions about the marks, contact 811 before you dig.
What projects need a locate
- Fence posts, mailboxes, trees, or landscape installations that require digging.
- Trenching, augering, grading, or foundation work.
- Any excavation near marked lines. Hand dig carefully within the tolerance zone and verify depth as you go.
Calling 811 helps prevent service outages, injuries, and costly damage. Not calling increases your risk and can expose you to civil liabilities.
Who maintains streets and sidewalks
Within Lomita city limits, City of Lomita Public Works typically maintains city streets and related items like potholes, striping, sweeping, and traffic signs, unless a particular roadway falls under county or state jurisdiction. For state highways, contact Caltrans District 7. For county roads, contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Sidewalk responsibilities vary by city in California. Many cities place primary responsibility on the adjacent property owner for repair and maintenance, sometimes with city oversight or cost recovery. Check with Lomita Public Works to confirm current rules and your obligations for repairs, permits, and inspections.
If you see emergencies like downed power lines or smell gas, call 911 and the utility immediately.
Quick checklists and lead times
PODs or dumpsters at the curb
- Decide exact placement and measure the footprint. Note if it will sit in a parking lane, the street, or on a sidewalk.
- Call City of Lomita Public Works to confirm permit requirements and submit an encroachment application.
- Prepare a simple site plan that shows location, nearby driveways, and pedestrian access, plus any traffic control.
- Gather contractor license info if a vendor will place the unit.
- Provide proof of insurance and ask if the city must be named as additional insured.
- Pay required fees or deposits and schedule the permitted window. Request extensions early if needed.
- If the sidewalk is affected, design an ADA‑compliant pedestrian route and include it in your plan.
- Place the unit only after the permit is issued and posted.
Timeline guidance:
- Routine encroachment permit for a single parking space: start 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
- Complex closures, multiple spaces, or events needing police or fire review: allow 2 to 4 weeks or more.
Small digging projects
- Contact 811 via DigAlert at least 48 business hours before digging.
- Confirm marks onsite and respect the tolerance zone. Hand dig near marked lines.
- If your excavation will touch the public right‑of‑way, apply for a city encroachment permit as required.
Reporting issues and requests
- City streets: Report potholes, damaged signs, or city‑owned streetlight problems to Lomita Public Works. Have the nearest address or cross street ready.
- Sidewalk hazards: Ask the city how to proceed and whether the adjacent property owner is responsible for the repair. Document the contact date and ticket number.
- State highways: Report issues to Caltrans District 7. See the Caltrans website for contacts.
- County roads: Report to the LA County Department of Public Works.
Keep a record of your requests and any responses. Documentation helps if responsibility or costs are later disputed.
Risks and penalties to avoid
- Unpermitted obstructions can be cited, fined, or removed at the owner’s expense.
- Hitting a utility line can cause injury, outages, and expensive repairs. Failing to call 811 increases liability.
- Work without required permits can trigger stop‑work orders, additional fines, and mandatory remediation.
Local contacts at a glance
- City of Lomita Public Works or Building & Safety: encroachment permits, driveway or curb work, street and sidewalk questions, and on‑street parking closures.
- DigAlert 811: call before any digging, at least 48 business hours in advance.
- Caltrans District 7: encroachment permits for state highways and state right‑of‑way.
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Works: county roads and services in unincorporated areas.
- Utilities: contact your electric, gas, water, or telecom provider for outages, downed lines, or questions about marked lines after you open a ticket.
- Police and Fire: large moves or closures that may require traffic control support, hazardous materials questions, and emergencies.
Getting the right permit, calling 811 on time, and confirming who maintains the right‑of‑way will save you time and stress. You will keep your project moving and your block safe.
Ready to align your move or project with your real estate plans in Lomita? For a tailored timeline, trusted vendor referrals, and market guidance that fits your goals, connect with our team. Start with a quick property review and Request a complimentary home valuation through Unknown Company.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to place a dumpster in front of my Lomita home?
- Yes. Temporary placement that occupies a street, curb lane, parking space, or sidewalk typically requires a city encroachment permit with time limits and conditions.
How far in advance should I apply for a Lomita encroachment permit?
- Start 1 to 2 weeks before placing a single POD or dumpster, and allow 2 to 4 weeks or more for complex closures or requests needing police or fire review.
Is calling 811 required for small projects like fence posts in Lomita?
- Yes. Call 811 or submit a ticket at least 48 business hours before digging for any excavation, including small post holes and landscaping.
Who handles potholes versus state highway issues in Lomita?
- City of Lomita Public Works handles city streets, while Caltrans District 7 handles state highways and state right‑of‑way concerns.
What if my sidewalk will be blocked during a remodel in Lomita?
- Your permit will require an accessible route for pedestrians and may require ramps or a protected detour that meets the ADA standards.
