The Sanitation Districts do not encourage the building of improvements over sewer easements, as such encroachments may result in limited access or damage to the underlying sewers.  A developer or property owner (applicant) desiring to construct an improvement over a Sanitation Districts' sewer easement is required to obtain a "Buildover Agreement" (BOA) from the Sanitation Districts.  The Sanitation Districts consider “buildover” proposals on a case-by-case basis.  In order for Sanitation Districts' staff to evaluate a buildover proposal, the following information is required from the developer or property owner:

1. Submit a Buildover Application and an electronic set of each of the following:
1. A vicinity map showing the general location of the proposed improvements in relation to the surrounding streets;
2. A grading plan* and site plan showing the location of the sewer easement, sewer line, and manholes in relation to the proposed improvement.  Include information regarding the removal and replacement of any unsuitable soil along with cut/fill depths;
3. The calculated footing** and/or traffic loadings resulting from the project, project-related activity, and post-construction activity.  A list of construction equipment to be used at the site and a soils report for the project are also required; and
4. A foundation plan and a footing detail** showing the elevations* and locations of the footings for the improvement(s).  Also include profile and/or cross section drawings showing the proposed improvement(s) in relation to the sewer line.

Note: Your request will not be processed unless the above specified information is provided.  All Sanitation Districts’ sewers and easements must be clearly labeled and identified on all submitted plans. ***

The information above is simultaneously forwarded to various departments within the Sanitation Districts for review and their collective comments determine if the proposed buildover request is acceptable.

Subsequent to the Sanitation Districts’ review of the proposed buildover request, the applicant will be advised in writing of the Sanitation Districts’ decision.  The applicant is then required to submit two (2) sets of plans that incorporate corrections, as applicable.  The submitted plans must include the following note:

No grading, soil removal, soil fill, or construction activity shall be performed within the Sanitation Districts’ easement without on-site approval of the proposed activity by a Sanitation Districts’ inspector. Contractor shall contact the Wastewater Collection Systems Manager at (310) 638-1161, a minimum of two weeks prior to the start of construction to make the necessary arrangements.

Upon receipt of the final plans, the Sanitation Districts will mail a BOA to the applicant detailing the conditions under which the proposed improvements are acceptable to the Sanitation Districts.  It shall be the responsibility of the fee owner of the property to sign the BOA (the signature must be notarized) and return it to the Sanitation Districts.  The BOA is subsequently executed by the Sanitation Districts’ Chief Engineer and General Manager and is submitted to the Los Angeles County Recorder’s Office for recordation.  After the recorded BOA is received from the Recorder’s Office, a copy of the document along with one set of final plans is returned to the applicant.

 Once a complete application package has been submitted by the applicant, the Sanitation Districts will typically complete its review in approximately 8 to 12 weeks.  If follow up submittals are necessary, please allow at least 4 additional weeks of review time.  It is recommended that the Sanitation Districts be contacted as early as possible during planning of the project.  If you have any further questions regarding Buildover procedures and requirements, please contact Mr. Ryan Honda at ryanhonda@lacsd.org or (562) 908-4288, extension 2766.

If necessary, applicants can locate the Sanitation Districts’ underground utilities in or around Sanitation Districts’ facilities using a web application available to the public at https://www.app.lacsd.org/ugutilities/.

* All elevations must be based on U.S.G.S. datum.
** All plans must be prepared by a registered Civil/Structural Engineer in the State of California.
*** For proposed minor surface improvements, contact the Sanitation Districts prior to submittal.  Some of the information requirements may be waived.

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