La Mesa Concrete Permit Guide
La Mesa's homeowner permit page answers a few concrete questions directly. Here is what it says, and what to ask the city about the rest.
No Permit Needed
The city lists work that needs no construction permit. For concrete, the line that matters is platforms, decks and walks 30 inches high or less over grade. The same list also includes fences six feet high or lower that do not enclose a pool.
Who Pulls Permits
Contractors licensed by the State of California, or their agents, may get permits in La Mesa. Homeowners may also get permits. If a contractor asks you to pull the permit for their job, ask why.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls need inspections of the footing, after the block is laid and steel is placed but before grouting, after backfill, and at final.
More on retaining walls in La Mesa
The Right of Way
The Engineering Counter handles inspections for grading and public improvements, including work in the public right of way. It lists an Encroachment Permit Application, its standard conditions and a traffic control plan form. Applications and plans can be sent through the city's online permit portal.
The city says an encroachment permit is required for any work in the city right of way or a city easement, and a bond or cash deposit is required for all of it. Replacing curb, gutter and sidewalk is on its list.
What the City Charges
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Minor encroachment permit, sidewalks and driveways | $222 |
| Minor encroachment inspection | $401 |
| Traffic control plan check | $177 |
| Standard encroachment permit | $506 |
| Deposit, 100% of the job cost | $600 minimum |
| Retaining wall valuation, concrete or block | $26.47 a sq ft |
These come from the city fee schedule for fiscal year 2024 to 2025, which took effect April 1, 2025. It is the newest one we found. Ask the Engineering Counter at 619-667-1166 if a newer one is in force.
A worked example. Replacing one apron as a minor encroachment is $222 plus $401 for the inspection, or $623. Add $177 if the city wants a traffic control plan, for $800. The city also holds a deposit of the full job cost, at least $600, until the work passes.
For a wall, the city sets a value of $26.47 a sq ft of wall face. A 30 ft long, 4 ft tall wall is 120 sq ft, or $3,176.40 in value. On the schedule that is a $223.10 permit fee, before the plan check fee. We did not find the height at which La Mesa wants a wall permit, so ask Building at 619-667-1176.
Inspections and Timing
The encroachment standard conditions say to tell Engineering 48 hours before work starts, at 619-667-1151, and to set up inspections with the Public Works inspector. The city says a traffic control plan takes about 2 to 5 days to clear. When the work is done, the inspector walks the job. We did not find a posted time for the permit itself.
To see how fees fit the whole job, read our La Mesa concrete cost guide.
Driveways and Patios
The homeowner page names walks, not driveways or patios. Many slabs on a lot sit flat like a walk, but ask the city before the job starts and note who you talked to.
Digging
State law says the person digging must notify the regional notice center at least two working days, and not more than 14 calendar days, before the dig. Call 811 to start.
Common Questions
Does a concrete walkway need a permit in La Mesa?
Not if it is 30 inches high or less over grade, per the city's homeowner permit page.
Can a homeowner pull a permit in La Mesa?
Yes. The city says homeowners may obtain permits, as may state licensed contractors or their agents.
How much is a driveway apron permit in La Mesa?
On the fee schedule effective April 1, 2025, a minor encroachment permit is $222 and its inspection is $401. With a traffic control plan check it is $800, plus a deposit of the job cost, $600 at least.