Planning a remodel, ADU, or sale in Studio City? The Hillside Sewer Rule can affect your scope, timeline, and budget. If your lot sits in a hillside area near a public sewer, the City may require you to connect rather than use a septic system. Knowing the basics now helps you plan with confidence and avoid costly surprises. Below is a clear, step‑by‑step primer tailored to Studio City owners. Let’s dive in.
What the Hillside Sewer Rule means
If your Studio City property is in a designated hillside area and a City sewer mainline is within 200 feet, the municipal code generally requires you to connect to the public sewer instead of installing or relying on a new onsite system. City reviewers check this during plan review and issue a determination in your clearances. You will see this noted in your Hillside Referral and Sewer Availability review. See the City’s reference to this requirement in LAMC 12.21.C.10(j) and related BOE procedures.
- The City’s code basis: LAMC 12.21.C.10(j) reference
- How it shows up in permitting: BOE Hillside Referral and Sewer Availability
How to check if it applies to your lot
Check maps and parcel profile
Start with local tools such as NavigateLA, ZIMAS, and your LADBS parcel profile. These show whether your parcel is in the Hillside Ordinance area and what clearances are tied to your lot. An LADBS parcel profile will flag “Hillside Ordinance Area: YES” when applicable. You can see an example of that flag in this LADBS parcel profile view.
Request an official Hillside Referral
For definitive guidance, request a Hillside Referral and Sewer Availability clearance through BOE or during LADBS plan check. BOE will confirm if a mainline is within 200 feet and specify what type of connection is required. Learn how clearances are handled in the BOE BHO clearance guidance.
What to expect during permitting
Your pathway depends on distance to a mainline and site conditions.
If a connection is required
- Obtain a BOE Sewer Connection S‑Permit for the house lateral.
- Pay applicable fees and schedule inspections.
- Use a City‑bonded sewer contractor for any work in the public right of way.
- Reference: S‑Permit purpose and process
If no mainline is within 200 feet
- LADBS may allow an onsite wastewater system for certain projects, subject to review and approval.
- For City parcels, use LADBS Onsite Wastewater guidance and plan check bulletins.
- Reference: LADBS OWTS information bulletins
If a mainline extension is needed
- BOE may require a B‑permit for mainline construction or extension.
- This involves engineering, bonding, and public‑works standards. It takes longer than a simple connection.
- Reference: BOE BHO clearance overview
Fees and cost drivers to budget
City fees change periodically, so verify current amounts with BOE before you apply. Here are the common line items and how the City describes them.
Sewerage Facilities Charge (SFC): Flow‑based. Example published rate: $344 per 100 gallons per day of average flow, plus charges for BOD and SS. You pay this before the S‑Permit is issued. Reference: SFC and fees overview
Standard sewer permit fee: Base permit fee example noted by LAMC is $273 for connecting to an existing sewer line at the property line. Additional inspection charges may apply. Reference: LAMC fee schedule reference
Bonded sewer fees: If your property did not participate in the original mainline, BOE guidance shows a Bonded Sewer Fee (example calculation $74 x frontage feet) and a bonded lateral fee (example $84 x length). These are separate from SFCs. Reference: Bonded sewer process
County saddle fee: If a County‑maintained mainline applies, the County may perform the saddle/tap and charge a saddle installation fee (example $154). Most Studio City parcels inside Los Angeles follow City processes, but verify jurisdiction. Reference: LA County saddle and connection info
Owner responsibility: You are responsible for the house connection lateral from your property line to the mainline, including maintenance and obstructions. Reference: S‑Permit purpose and owner responsibilities
Common Studio City scenarios
Scenario A: Within 200 feet of a mainline
Expect a required connection for new builds or major remodels. BOE will determine whether you can use an existing wye or need a new connection or mainline work. Plan for an S‑Permit, SFC and permit fees, a City‑bonded contractor, and inspections. Reference: BOE BHO clearance overview
Scenario B: Beyond 200 feet
LADBS may allow continued use of an onsite system for limited projects, subject to approvals. You may also choose to extend a mainline via a B‑permit, which is often more costly and time consuming. Reference: SFC and bonded sewer process
Scenario C: Steep slopes or access constraints
Hillside access, narrow streets, or private easements can change your approach. The City may allow you to cross one private lot with a recorded sewer easement drafted through LADBS and BOE. Crossing more than one private lot is generally not allowed. Reference: S‑Permit general conditions and easements
ADUs and bedroom additions
Adding bedrooms, fixtures, or an ADU usually increases the SFC because the charge is tied to projected wastewater flow. Budget accordingly and confirm lateral capacity during planning. Reference: SFC and fees overview
Timeline and practical next steps
Typical timing
Simple S‑Permits can be issued quickly. Projects that involve mainline work, capacity review, or additional plan review take longer. BOE and LADBS both provide online portals and customer service to track status. Reference: S‑Permit purpose and process
Your step‑by‑step checklist
- Confirm your Hillside designation and sewer proximity using ZIMAS, NavigateLA, or your LADBS parcel profile. Example view: LADBS parcel profile
- Request a Hillside Referral and Sewer Availability clearance to get the City’s determination on the 200‑foot rule and connection type. Guidance: BOE BHO clearance
- If connection is required or chosen, obtain your S‑Permit, secure the SFC calculation, and hire a City‑bonded sewer contractor for public right‑of‑way work. Reference: S‑Permit overview
- If no mainline is within 200 feet and you plan to stay on an onsite system, contact LADBS for OWTS requirements and submittal. Reference: LADBS OWTS bulletins
Pro tips to avoid delays
- Get the 200‑foot call early. An official Hillside Referral clarifies your path and fees.
- Budget for SFC when adding bedrooms or an ADU. More flow usually means a higher charge.
- Plan for easements if you need to cross a private lot. The City generally allows one private lot with a recorded sewer easement.
- Use a City‑bonded sewer contractor for any work in the public right of way. That is a City requirement.
If you are weighing scope, timeline, and cost to prep or improve your Studio City property, thoughtful planning up front pays off. For strategy on how sewer requirements affect your remodel, ADU, or sale, connect with Angela Waters for local guidance and a practical plan that aligns with your goals.
FAQs
What is the Hillside Sewer Rule in Studio City?
- In designated hillside areas, if a public sewer mainline lies within about 200 feet of your lot, the City generally requires you to connect instead of using a new onsite system, as outlined in LAMC 12.21.C.10(j).
How does the City measure the 200 feet for sewer connections?
- BOE determines this during the Hillside Referral and Sewer Availability review using City mapping tools; request an official clearance through the BOE BHO process.
What permits do I need to connect to the City sewer?
- You will typically need a BOE S‑Permit for the lateral connection, payment of SFC and permit fees, and inspections by BOE or BCA; see the S‑Permit overview.
How much should I budget for sewer-related fees in Studio City?
- Expect items like SFC (example rate $344 per 100 gpd), standard permit fee (example $273), and possible bonded sewer fees; verify current amounts using the SFC and fees overview and LAMC fee reference.
Can I keep or install septic if I am beyond 200 feet from a mainline?
- If no mainline lies within 200 feet, LADBS may allow an onsite system for certain projects, subject to review; consult LADBS OWTS bulletins for submittal requirements.
Can I cross a neighbor’s property to reach a sewer mainline?
- The City may allow crossing one private lot with a recorded sewer easement; crossing more than one is generally not allowed, per S‑Permit general conditions.
