Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I request one of your services?
StreetsLA uses a data-driven approach to all of our work. To request one of our services, please file a service request by using one of the following methods: (a) calling 311, (b) using the website at https://lacity.gov/myla311, or (c) inputting a request through the MyLA311 smartphone app.
Once a service request has been logged through one of those methods, you will receive a case number. All 311 service requests assigned to StreetsLA receive an initial inspection from a member of our team, who will determine the appropriate action – either by StreetsLA or making a referral to another agency or department.
2. How do I get a pothole filled?
Pothole repairs are one of StreetsLA’s most requested services, and all requests must be filed through the 311 system in the ways described above.
3. How do I get trees trimmed?
StreetsLA’s Urban Forestry Division (UFD) is responsible for maintaining the City’s street tree canopy of more than 660,000 trees. UFD is unable to accommodate on-demand, singular tree trimming requests; instead, large “grids” of trees – encompassing whole sections of communities – are routinely trimmed. This ensures the overall tree health for a given area, and it keeps neighboring trees roughly on the same trimming cycle.
For more information see current tree trimming grids for each Council District. Additional questions can be directed to the StreetsLA External Relations Team at StreetsLA.ERT@lacity.org.
If you would like to report a tree emergency, please do so via the 311 system.
4. How do I get my street resurfaced?
StreetsLA relies on a Pavement Preservation Program (PPP) and Pavement Management System to select streets for resurfacing and slurry projects, based on eligibility criteria from available funding sources. The PPP allows this selection process to be done in the most equitable, economical and efficient way possible.
Resurfacing involves comprehensive repaving of streets. This occurs, on average, every 15 to 20 years for “select streets” (which are major arterial streets and corridors) and 25 to 30 years for “local streets” (which are typically residential streets). Slurry functions as a “maintenance coat” for qualified streets. This occurs, on average, every 3 to 5 years.
StreetsLA uses this data-driven system to determine the street resurfacing schedule. Accordingly, we are unable to accept on-demand resurfacing requests for individual streets. If your street has not recently been resurfaced, it may be possible that we have already identified it for an upcoming resurfacing project. Please use this interactive “lookahead” map to view streets that are proposed for resurfacing over the next five years.
5. How do I get my sidewalks fixed?
Per LAMC Section 62.104(b) and California Streets and Highways Code Section 5610, property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks fronting their lot so they do not endanger persons or property or violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. While the City has suspended enforcement of LAMC Section 62.104(b) in some circumstances, the underlying property owner remains responsible for the overall condition of the sidewalk along the property frontage. Actions by the property owner, such as applying for certain building permits, may activate enforcement of the property owner’s duty to repair a sidewalk.
The City's Sidewalk Repair Program (SRP) overseen by our sister agency, the Bureau of Engineering (BOE), has two sub-programs with dedicated funding for remediation of pedestrian facilities by request. Both depend on constituents submitting a request to MyLA311:
- The Access Request Program is the City’s highest priority for repairs of pedestrian facilities (sidewalk, curb ramp, etc) and is specifically for people with mobility disabilities. To submit an Access Request, visit Sidewalk Repair Access Request Program.
- The Rebate program is a cost-sharing program for property owners who would like to perform sidewalk repairs by undertaking the sidewalk repair themselves for a portion of the cost. To apply for the Rebate Program, visit Sewer or Sidewalk Rebates. Sidewalk repairs will require an A-permit and may also require a StreetsLA permit for tree-related work. For information on A-permits, visit BOE's Permit Manual website. For apply for StreetsLA permits, visit the Urban Forestry Division Permits website.
Constituents can additionally report damaged, missing, or non-compliant conditions in the City’s pedestrian facilities via the “Report a Sidewalk Problem” MyLA311 Service Request type by visiting Report a Sidewalk Problem. While there is currently no active program to respond directly to these requests for repairs, these reports help the City identify where resources are needed. For more details, visit Sidewalks.LACity.gov.
6. How do I apply for a job at the Bureau?
StreetsLA regularly participates in City of Los Angeles Career Fairs, which are held multiple times per year in different locations across the City. The Career Fairs offer prospective employees the opportunity to connect with various City agencies and departments. For information on upcoming Career Fairs, please contact the StreetsLA External Relations Team at StreetsLA.ERT@lacity.org.
Additionally, we encourage prospective employees to bookmark the City’s Personnel website, which is regularly updated with open positions at StreetsLA and other agencies or departments within City government.