This is one of the most common questions we get on the phone, and the answer is simpler than most permit pages make it sound. Where the dumpster sits decides everything.

The rule in one sentence

Private property: no permit. Public street or sidewalk: permit. That rule holds across the City of LA, Glendale, Burbank, and unincorporated LA County. The details of who issues it and what it costs are what change from city to city.

Permits by area

WhereStreet placementWho handles it
City of Los AngelesPermit requiredCity of LA public works (street-use permit)
GlendalePermit requiredGlendale Public Works
BurbankPermit requiredBurbank Public Works
Unincorporated LA CountyPermit requiredLA County Public Works, via the EPIC-LA portal
Any city, on your drivewayNo permitNobody. That's the point.

Some foothill communities like La Crescenta straddle county and city lines, so the governing office depends on your exact street. Call us and we'll help you figure out which one applies.

What a street permit involves

  1. Apply with the city or county office, usually online. You'll give the dumpster size, placement location, and dates.
  2. Pay the fee. Typically $25 to $200 depending on the city and duration.
  3. Allow lead time. Most offices want 3 to 5 business days before the bin arrives.
  4. Post the permit visibly on the dumpster once it's placed.

Placement rules that apply either way

  • Don't block fire hydrants, driveways, sidewalks ramps, or building exits.
  • Keep bins on flat, stable surfaces. Hillside streets need extra care with wheel chocks and positioning.
  • Nothing loads above the rim. Overfilled bins can't be legally hauled.
  • Reflectors or cones may be required overnight on street placements.
The easiest permit is no permit. Most of our residential deliveries go on the customer's driveway, which needs no paperwork in any city we serve. Our 10-yard lowboy is only 2 feet tall and fits driveways where a full-height bin won't clear a garage door or sightline. If a driveway spot exists, we'll find it — our drivers place bins exactly where they work best.

What about hazardous waste?

No permit makes paint, solvents, batteries, tires, or electronics legal in a dumpster. LA County runs free S.A.F.E. collection centers for household hazardous waste. Everything else — construction debris, furniture, yard waste, concrete in the right bin — is fair game.

Ready for a straight answer on your project?
Call us, describe the job, and we'll tell you exactly what you need and what it costs. No hidden fees, ever. We call back within 60 minutes.
818-509-1352 Free Quote →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit if the dumpster goes on my driveway?
No. Placement on private property, including driveways, yards, and private lots, does not require a city permit anywhere in our LA service area. HOA rules can still apply, so check yours if you have one.
How much does a dumpster street permit cost in LA?
Typically somewhere between $25 and $200 depending on the city, the location, and how long the bin stays out. Most cities also want the application a few business days before delivery.
How far in advance should I apply for a street permit?
Plan on 3 to 5 business days in most LA-area cities. Applying the day before delivery usually does not work. If your timeline is tight, driveway placement avoids the permit entirely.
Can someone park in the spot my permitted dumpster reserves?
No. A street permit reserves that curb space for the bin. Vehicles parked there can be cited or towed. Post the permit visibly on the dumpster.
Keep reading
Dumpster Rental Cost in Los Angeles (2026 Guide) → What Size Dumpster Do I Need? LA Project Guide (2026) → Concrete & Dirt Disposal in Los Angeles: Lowboy Guide →