Planning a remodel in Beverly Hills? Before you place a dumpster, schedule a crane, or cone off a lane, make sure you understand how right‑of‑way permits work here. A simple misstep can delay your project and add costs. You want your renovation to run smoothly and keep your street safe and accessible for neighbors and emergency vehicles. In this guide, you’ll learn when a permit is required, what to submit, how long approvals typically take, and what to expect north of Sunset where streets are narrow and steep. Let’s dive in.
When you need a permit in Beverly Hills
If your project occupies, blocks, or changes any part of the public right‑of‑way, you will likely need a City permit. The right‑of‑way includes curb‑to‑curb travel lanes, parking lanes, sidewalks, and parkways.
Common activities that usually require a permit:
- Placing a dumpster or container in a parking lane or on the curb
- Setting up scaffolding over a sidewalk or street
- Staging materials in the street or parking lane
- Operating a crane that uses a lane or lifts over the street
- Partially or fully closing a street for deliveries or construction
- Closing a sidewalk, even for short periods
- Reserving parking spaces or metered spots for moving trucks
Permits are reviewed by the City of Beverly Hills Public Works/Engineering team. Some situations also involve the Beverly Hills Police Department for traffic control. If your work overlaps a state route or unincorporated county area, you may need separate approvals from Caltrans or Los Angeles County Public Works.
Common home project scenarios
Dumpster in a parking lane. If the dumpster sits on a public street, curb, or sidewalk, a permit is typically required. You must maintain safe pedestrian access. Sidewalk closures need an accessible detour. Plan for about 3 to 14 business days for straightforward approvals. Unpermitted dumpsters can be cited or towed.
Crane setup for roof or heavy lifts. Cranes that use a travel lane or operate over the street almost always need an encroachment permit and a detailed Traffic Control Plan. Expect to submit a crane lift plan, engineering calculations, outrigger pad details, proof of operator certification, and insurance. Beverly Hills Police Department officers or certified flaggers are often required. Plan 4 to 8 or more weeks for review and scheduling.
Full or night street closures. Any full or partial closure needs a permit. Larger closures may require public notices, detours, and coordination with police and other City services. Night work can trigger additional review and potential noise permitting. Lead times can run 4 to 12 or more weeks depending on complexity.
Short‑term parking closures for moves. Even brief meter or space reservations often require a permit and posted notices.
How long permits take
Exact timelines vary, but these planning ranges are common in California cities and apply broadly in Beverly Hills. Start early to avoid delays.
Typical processing times:
- Simple encroachments like a dumpster in a legal stall or a short sidewalk closure without lane impacts: 3 to 10 business days
- Standard lane closures with an approved Traffic Control Plan: 2 to 4 weeks
- Crane permits and major closures with detailed engineering and police coordination: 4 to 8 or more weeks
- Complex or high‑impact closures on major corridors, or requests needing traffic modeling or extensive public notice: 8 to 12 or more weeks
What slows approvals:
- Work on a busy arterial or near a state route
- Need for police officers or specialized traffic control
- Engineering reviews for crane lifts or loading
- Peak construction seasons or holiday restrictions
- Incomplete submittals or Traffic Control Plans that need revisions
- Utility coordination and public notification requirements
North of Sunset: what to expect
North of Sunset you will find narrower streets, steeper grades, and limited sight lines. These conditions often trigger tighter safety measures and extra coordination.
Key considerations:
- More traffic control. Narrow lanes and curves may require additional flaggers or on‑site Beverly Hills Police Department officers to manage flow and maintain visibility.
- Emergency access is a priority. Full closures can be restricted or phased to keep a path open for fire and police at all times.
- Night operations need scrutiny. If your crane or closure falls on a curve or steep segment, night work often requires extra review and police coordination.
- Get requirements in writing. Ask the City to specify in your permit whether police officers are required, how many, when they must be present, and how they are scheduled and billed.
If your route or closure touches a state‑controlled roadway, Caltrans may require additional escorts and approvals.
What to include in your application
A complete submittal speeds review. Expect to provide:
- Encroachment/right‑of‑way permit application
- Traffic Control Plan (TCP) with MUTCD‑compliant signs, channelization, detours, and pedestrian routing
- Crane lift plan if applicable, including location, radius, boom configuration, outrigger pads, load charts, and engineered calculations for critical lifts
- Site plan with curb, sidewalk, utilities, driveways, and frontage
- Proof of insurance, with the City listed as additional insured per City standards
- Performance bond or deposit if required
- Contractor license and any subcontractor information
- Flaggers/traffic control certifications when needed
- Temporary No Parking sign posting plan and timing
- Notification to Underground Service Alert (Call 811) if digging or heavy equipment placement could affect utilities
- Public notice plan for larger or multi‑day closures
- Evidence of an accessible pedestrian route when sidewalks are impacted
Traffic control and escorts
Traffic control must match MUTCD standards and any City‑specific requirements. Your approved permit will outline staffing and safety measures.
- When police are required. Multi‑lane closures, operations affecting intersections, night work, or locations with limited sight distance often require Beverly Hills Police Department officers. The permit will indicate the number of officers, dates, and hours.
- Flaggers and technicians. For smaller lane closures, certified flaggers may be acceptable if allowed by the City. Verify the required certifications.
- Billing and minimums. Police staffing and traffic control services are typically billed hourly and may have minimum call‑out periods. Budget accordingly.
Planning steps that save time
Use this step‑by‑step to streamline your timeline.
- Confirm jurisdiction early. Verify if your street is within Beverly Hills or under Caltrans or Los Angeles County. Cross‑jurisdiction work can require multiple permits.
- Scope your impacts. Note exactly which lanes, sidewalks, and parking areas you will occupy and for how long. Include dates, hours, and any night work.
- Hire qualified designers. Engage a Traffic Control Plan designer and, for cranes, an engineer to prepare your lift plan and calculations.
- Coordinate with BHPD. If your closure is significant or north of Sunset, speak with the Beverly Hills Police Department Traffic Unit about officers, scheduling, and expected staffing.
- Build a realistic timeline. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for cranerelated or lane‑occupying work. For simple dumpsters, allow at least 1 to 2 weeks to secure signs and approvals.
- Protect pedestrians. Plan an ADA‑compliant route during any sidewalk impacts. Include signage and barriers in your TCP.
- Post temporary No Parking signs. Follow the City’s posting requirements and keep documentation of posting times.
- Call 811 before you dig. Confirm underground utility clearance before excavation or heavy equipment setup that could affect subsurface utilities.
- Notify neighbors when required. For multi‑day or high‑impact closures, prepare a simple notice with dates, hours, detours, and contact information.
Costs and consequences to consider
Budget items you may encounter:
- City permit application and processing fees
- Deposits, bonds, or restoration fees for right‑of‑way impacts
- Police officer staffing charges and minimums when required
- Traffic control crews, equipment, signage, and barricades
- Engineering, TCP design, and crane pad or street plate rentals
Risks of skipping permits:
- Citations, fines, and stop‑work orders
- Towing of unpermitted dumpsters or vehicles
- Liability for damages or injuries in the right‑of‑way
- Project delays while you correct or reapply
Who to contact
- City of Beverly Hills Public Works/Engineering for encroachment permit applications, conditions, fees, and Traffic Control Plan requirements.
- Beverly Hills Police Department Traffic Unit for officer requirements, scheduling, and staffing guidance.
- Los Angeles County Public Works if your route or work area includes unincorporated county roads.
- Caltrans if any portion of your closure or crane reach affects a state highway.
- Underground Service Alert (811) before any digging or heavy equipment setup that could affect utilities.
A short call with the City and BHPD at the start can clarify requirements, reduce revisions, and keep your project on schedule.
Ready to remodel with confidence?
When you plan ahead and permit correctly, your project moves faster, neighbors stay informed, and safety stays front and center. If you are coordinating a remodel or preparing a home for market in Beverly Hills, our team can help you plan timelines and minimize disruption to your sale strategy. Request a confidential market consultation with the Craig Strong Group to align your renovation and listing goals.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a dumpster on my Beverly Hills street?
- Yes, if the dumpster sits on a public street, curb, or sidewalk, you typically need an encroachment permit and must maintain safe pedestrian access.
How far in advance should I apply for a crane permit in Beverly Hills?
- Plan for 4 to 8 or more weeks, since crane operations usually require engineering review, a detailed Traffic Control Plan, and possible police staffing.
What is different north of Sunset when I block a lane?
- Narrow lanes, steep grades, and limited sight lines often require extra flaggers or Beverly Hills Police Department officers and may restrict full closures to preserve emergency access.
Who provides traffic control during my lane closure?
- Your permit specifies staffing. The City may require Beverly Hills Police Department officers or allow certified flaggers depending on the location and scope.
Can I close a street at night for deliveries?
- Night closures require a permit and often additional review for safety and noise. Build in extra lead time and confirm any officer requirements.
What happens if I block a lane without a permit in Beverly Hills?
- You risk citations, towing, stop‑work orders, and liability for damages or injuries, along with delays while you obtain proper approvals.
