Resources & Guides

Know Before You Build

Plain-language guides for homeowners and contractors navigating city-required construction, encroachment permits, and public right-of-way work in Los Angeles and Orange County.

ADU & Remodel Permits

City Requiring Public Right-of-Way Work Before Your ADU or Remodel Permit?

If your city is requiring infrastructure work before issuing your ADU building permit, or before a framing or final inspection, here is what that means, why it happens, and how to resolve it quickly so your project can move forward.

6 min readRead
City-Required Work

Can a Plumber Replace My City-Required Water Service Line?

If your city sent you a notice about a water service line, a plumber may not be legally qualified to do the work. Here's why California requires a Class A General Engineering license for this scope — and what to look for in a contractor.

4 min readRead
City-Required Work

What Is an Encroachment Permit — and Who Pulls It?

Any construction work in the public right-of-way requires an encroachment permit. Here's a plain-language explanation of what it is, when you need one, and why your contractor — not you — should be handling it.

5 min readRead
City-Required Work

How Long Do You Have to Respond to a City Notice for Construction Work?

Most city notices give homeowners 30–90 days to complete required work. But the permit process alone can take weeks. Here's what you need to know about deadlines, penalties, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

5 min readRead
Cost Guide

How Much Does City-Required Public Right-of-Way Work Cost in LA and Orange County?

Real cost ranges for water service line replacement, sewer lateral replacement, sidewalk repair, and curb and gutter work in Southern California. What drives the price and what every quote should include.

6 min readRead
City-Required Work

What Is a Sewer Lateral — and Why Is the City Requiring Me to Replace It?

A plain-language explanation of what a sewer lateral is, why cities require replacement as a building permit condition, who can legally do the work, and what it costs in LA and Orange County.

7 min readRead

Have a City Notice in Hand?

Don't wait for the deadline to approach. Submit your notice online or call us directly — we'll review the scope and give you a free on-site estimate.