Permits for graywater systems are issued by the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Approval may be needed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The average cost of a permit is $507 which includes up to two inspections and plancheck ($396 for plancheck and $111 for permit). The quoted average cost is subject to change per LADBS.
LADWP has the responsibility to protect the public water system from contamination caused by the backflow of contaminants or pollutants through the water service connection. The protection of the City’s water supply is governed under LADWP Rule 16-D and enforced by LADWP or by LADBS, acting as its authorized representative. Where graywater systems are installed and a potential for cross connection with the potable water supply exists, a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention device (RPBP) is required on the water service. The RPBP is required to be installed downstream of the water meter and prior to any branches off the water service.
Additional cross connection control devices may be required by the LADBS or DPH in accordance with the Los Angeles Plumbing Code and other codes to protect the potable water supplied within the building.
What regulations govern the installation of residential graywater systems in the City of Los Angeles?
Residential graywater systems are regulated by the 2011 Los Angeles Plumbing Code, Chapter 16A, Part 1 which is the same as the 2010 California Plumbing Code, Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16A, Part 1.
What steps do I follow to install a graywater system?
Clothes Washer Graywater System
A clothes washer system in a one or two-family dwelling is exempt from a construction permit and may be installed or altered without a construction permit as long as it follows the sixteen requirements as stated in the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Information Bulletin Part D (P/PC 2008-012).
Simple and Complex Graywater Systems
There are three steps required to install these types of systems.
- Submit plans to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health - Cross Connection Control Unit located at 5050 Commerce Dr., Room 116, Baldwin Park, CA 91706. For assistance with questions, call (626) 430-5290.
- The system shall be designed in accordance of the 2010 California Plumbing Code, Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16A, Part I Section 1603A.1.1 Clothes Washer System. All materials must be approved by a recognized listing agency or the Los Angeles Mechanical Testing Laboratory (LAMTL).
- Obtain the necessary permits and approvals from LADBS. Your plans must be stamped and approved by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health prior to getting approval from LADBS.
Treated Graywater System
Currently, the City of Los Angeles does not allow the use of graywater treatment systems for expanded uses of graywater such as for surface irrigation or toilet flushing due to lack of approved standards. This information will be updated once standards are adopted for graywater treatment and reuse systems.
What permits do I need prior to constructing a graywater system?
Clothes Washer Graywater System
A clothes washer system does not require building permits but it must be installed in accordance with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Information Bulletin Part D (P/PC 2008-012).
Simple and Complex Graywater Systems
These types of systems require a stamp and approval from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and permits and approvals from LADBS.
Treated Graywater System
Currently, the City of Los Angeles does not allow the use of graywater treatment systems for expanded uses of graywater such as for surface irrigation or toilet flushing due to lack of approved standards. This information will be updated once standards are adopted for graywater treatment and reuse systems.