Getting Permits from the Los Angeles Harbor Department
The Port of Los Angeles (Los Angeles Harbor Department) manages the land in the Harbor District on behalf of the City of Los Angeles and the State of California under the State Tidelands Trust. Any activity on Port property other than visiting areas open to the public requires permission from the Los Angeles Harbor Department.
Ballast Water Permits
To request a ballast water permit the requestor must submit a formal letter with signature on company letterhead via email to [email protected]. The following information should be included in the letter:
- Company Name
- Company’s point of contact information
- Subject with vessel name
- Estimated date/time of arrival to the Port of Los Angeles
- Vessel details:
- Berthing location
- Vessel Name
- Flag
- IMO#
- Official#
- Call Sign
- Return information
- Signature
Construction, Repairs, and Demolition on Port Property
These types of activities may require multiple permits from the Harbor Department, which can all be applied for with a single Application for Port Permit (APP). The application can be accessed and submitted online.
Prospective Tenants
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Prospective Tenant” application.
The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Project Location Aerial Map
2. Site Plan/Plot Plan (include the dimensions of the area being requested)
3. Business References
4. Credit References
5. Financial Statements for the preceding 2 fiscal years
6. Resume of prospective tenant’s experience in the industry related to this request
7. City of Los Angeles Business License (Business Tax Registration Certificate)
8. Electronic copies of engineering drawings, calculations, and any other related engineering documents, signed and stamped by a State of California-licensed engineer
***Hard copies of the engineering documents may be requested by Port staff during the permitting process.
A $500 application fee is also required. Checks are to be made payable to “The City of LA Harbor Department.” Mail the payment to: 425 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Attention: Planning & Strategy Division (Please reference the nine-digit APP number on your check. The APP number will automatically be emailed to you upon application submittal)
If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
Current Tenants
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Current Tenant” application.
The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Project Location Aerial Map
2. Site Plan/Plot Plan (include the dimensions of the area being requested)
3. Electronic copies of engineering drawings, calculations, and any other related engineering documents, signed and stamped by a State of California-licensed engineer
***Hard copies of the engineering documents may be requested by Port staff during the permitting process.
A $500 application fee is also required. Checks are to be made payable to “The City of LA Harbor Department.” Mail the payment to: 425 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Attention: Planning & Strategy Division (Please reference the nine-digit APP number on your check. The APP number will automatically be emailed to you upon application submittal)
If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
Prospective Tenants
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Prospective Tenant” application.
The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Project Location Aerial Map
2. Site Plan/Plot Plan (include the dimensions of the area being requested)
3. Business References
4. Credit References
5. Financial Statements for the preceding 2 fiscal years
6. Resume of prospective tenant’s experience in the industry related to this request
7. City of Los Angeles Business License (Business Tax Registration Certificate)
8. Electronic copies of engineering drawings, calculations, and any other related engineering documents, signed and stamped by a State of California-licensed engineer
***Hard copies of the engineering documents may be requested by Port staff during the permitting process.
A $500 application fee is also required. Checks are to be made payable to “The City of LA Harbor Department.” Mail the payment to: 425 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Attention: Planning & Strategy Division (Please reference the nine-digit APP number on your check. The APP number will automatically be emailed to you upon application submittal)
If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
Current Tenants
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Current Tenant” application.
The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Project Location Aerial Map
2. Site Plan/Plot Plan (include the dimensions of the area being requested)
3. Electronic copies of engineering drawings, calculations, and any other related engineering documents, signed and stamped by a State of California-licensed engineer
***Hard copies of the engineering documents may be requested by Port staff during the permitting process.
A $500 application fee is also required. Checks are to be made payable to “The City of LA Harbor Department.” Mail the payment to: 425 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Attention: Planning & Strategy Division (Please reference the nine-digit APP number on your check. The APP number will automatically be emailed to you upon application submittal)
If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
Dangerous Cargo Permits
For information on how to obtain a Dangerous Cargo Permit, please contact the Los Angeles Port Police Hazardous Materials Unit at [email protected] or call (310) 732-3500.
Diving Permits
Swimming or diving for recreational purposes is prohibited in the Port of Los Angeles. Any diving for commercial, environmental, or scientific purposes within the Port jurisdiction requires a diving permit. All requirements are outlined in the dive permit application. To apply, divers will need to provide identification, a photo and their applicable diving certification. Fees apply for first-time applicants and for renewals. Permits are non-transferable and must be renewed annually.
Get the application here.
Get the application here.
Film and Photography Permits
All filming on Port property requires pre-approval from the Port’s Wharfinger Division. A Film L.A. permit, approved by the Port of Los Angeles, is required before filming can begin. Additional permits may be required depending on filming activities and locations within the Port. Please contact the Wharfinger Division at (310) 732-3810 prior to scouting locations at the Port of Los Angeles.
The Port of Los Angeles will assess fees on Port properties not leased by outside entities. The fees are charged per location, per day for uses such as: prep, strike, filming, crew parking, basecamp, and still photos. Additional fees may be assessed if services from other Port divisions are required, such as Port Police or maintenance crews. If filming involves boats, barges, tugs, etc., daily dockage will be assessed per Tariff No. 4, Section Four, Item Nos. 400-480.
Learn More
Insurance is required for all filming activities in the Port of Los Angeles and must be approved prior to the start of filming. The Los Angeles Harbor Department Insurance Guidelines for Film Permits lists the types of coverages that may be required for your production/photography.
Photographers may easily capture typical Port operations (ships, tugs, cranes, containers, docks, etc.) from several vantage points along the Los Angeles Main Channel in the following public areas:
- Banning's Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water Street, Wilmington
- Downtown Harbor (next to Los Angeles Maritime Museum), 504 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro
- Korean Bell at Angels Gate Park, 3601 S Gaffey Street, San Pedro
- Lookout Point Park, 3400 N Gaffey Street, San Pedro
- Los Angeles Cruise Ship Promenade, 100 Swinford Street, San Pedro
- San Pedro Fish Market & Restaurant, 1190 Nagoya Way, San Pedro
No special clearance or access are required to take photos from the above areas; however, taking photos on private property and/or secured terminals will require permission from the terminal operator. Please contact the Port's Wharfinger Division at (310) 732-3810 before taking any photos on Port property.
Journalists, photographers, and/or videographers (including freelancers) who wish to obtain their own photos/footage of the Port of Los Angeles for media purposes, must first contact the Port’s Media Relations Division at (310) 732-0430.
Hosting An Event
These types of activities will require a Temporary Entry and Use Permit (TEUP), and may require a Harbor Engineer’s Permit, both of which are applied for with a single Application for Port Permit (APP). Please refer to the Submittal Checklist to assist in preparing your application. The application can be accessed and submitted online.
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Host an Event” application. The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Project Location Aerial Map
2. Site Plan/Plot Plan (please include the location of equipment, emergency access, etc.)
3. Additional Documents that are detailed in the Submittal Checklist above
If the proposed event will involve erecting structures, anchoring structures to port property, assembling equipment, closing roads, etc., the following are also required:
1. Upload electronic copies of engineering drawings, calculations, and any other related engineering documents, signed and stamped by a State of California-licensed engineer
2. A $500 application fee via check made payable to “The City of LA Harbor Department.” Mail the payment to: 425 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Attention: Planning & Strategy Division (Please reference the nine-digit APP number on your check. The APP number will automatically be emailed to you upon application submittal)
***Hard copies of the engineering documents may be requested by Port staff during the permitting process.
If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Host an Event” application. The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Project Location Aerial Map
2. Site Plan/Plot Plan (please include the location of equipment, emergency access, etc.)
3. Additional Documents that are detailed in the Submittal Checklist above
If the proposed event will involve erecting structures, anchoring structures to port property, assembling equipment, closing roads, etc., the following are also required:
1. Upload electronic copies of engineering drawings, calculations, and any other related engineering documents, signed and stamped by a State of California-licensed engineer
2. A $500 application fee via check made payable to “The City of LA Harbor Department.” Mail the payment to: 425 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Attention: Planning & Strategy Division (Please reference the nine-digit APP number on your check. The APP number will automatically be emailed to you upon application submittal)
***Hard copies of the engineering documents may be requested by Port staff during the permitting process.
If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
Hot Work Permits
Permits are required before proceeding with any hot work on Port property. Hot work is any work that involves burning, welding, using fire- or spark-producing tools, or work that produces a source of ignition. Welding, soldering, and brazing are all examples of hot work. Call Los Angeles Port Police at (310) 732-3500 and speak with a dispatcher to arrange for permit issuance. To apply for a hot work permit, the requestor must:
1. Appear in person at the Front Desk of the Port Police Headquarters building at 330 South Centre Street, San Pedro, CA 90731.
2. The requestor must be prepared to provide the following information:
1. Appear in person at the Front Desk of the Port Police Headquarters building at 330 South Centre Street, San Pedro, CA 90731.
2. The requestor must be prepared to provide the following information:
-Name
-Permittee (name of permit holder/owner of company)
-Address of Business
-Contact phone number
-Job site (one permit will be issued even if there are multiple job sites within the Port of Los Angeles)
-Berth Number (if applicable)
-Type of work (welding, cutting, burning, steam cleaning, maintenance and repair)
3. Three (3) copies of the permit will be issued to the requestor to be taken to the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Office for final approval.
-One (1) Copy for permittee
-One (1) Copy for LAFD Fire Prevention Office, located at 638 Beacon Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Monday-Friday, from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (310) 732-4580 for more info.
-One (1) Copy will be mailed back to the Los Angeles Port Police by the LAFD.
Leasing Port Property
Leasing port property from the Harbor Department, whether on a long-term or short-term basis, involves the completion of an Application for Port Permit (APP). The application can be accessed and submitted online.
Prospective Tenants
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Prospective Tenant” application.
The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Property Location Aerial Map
2. Site Plan/Plot Plan (include the dimensions of the property being requested)
3. Business References
4. Credit References
5. Financial Statements for the preceding 2 fiscal years
6. Resume of prospective tenant’s experience in the industry related to this request
7. City of Los Angeles Business License (Business Tax Registration Certificate)
If the request for property involves proposing modifications to the existing conditions of said property (i.e. construction, demolition, installation of fencing, lighting, other equipment, etc.), the following are also required:
1. Upload electronic copies of engineering drawings, calculations, and any other related engineering documents, signed and stamped by a State of California-licensed engineer
2. A $500 application fee via check made payable to “The City of LA Harbor Department.” Mail the payment to: 425 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Attention: Planning & Strategy Division (Please reference the nine-digit APP number on your check. The APP number will automatically be emailed to you upon application submittal)
***Hard copies of the engineering documents may be requested by Port staff during the permitting process.
If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
Current Tenants
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Current Tenant” application.
The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Property Location Aerial Map
2. Site Plan/Plot Plan (include the dimensions of the property being requested)
If the request for property involves proposing modifications to the existing conditions of said property (i.e. construction, demolition, installation of fencing, lighting, other equipment, etc.), the following are also required:
1. Upload electronic copies of engineering drawings, calculations, and any other related engineering documents, signed and stamped by a State of California-licensed engineer
2. A $500 application fee via check made payable to “The City of LA Harbor Department.” Mail the payment to: 425 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Attention: Planning & Strategy Division (Please reference the nine-digit APP number on your check. The APP number will automatically be emailed to you upon application submittal)
***Hard copies of the engineering documents may be requested by Port staff during the permitting process.
If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
Prospective Tenants
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Prospective Tenant” application.
The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Property Location Aerial Map
2. Site Plan/Plot Plan (include the dimensions of the property being requested)
3. Business References
4. Credit References
5. Financial Statements for the preceding 2 fiscal years
6. Resume of prospective tenant’s experience in the industry related to this request
7. City of Los Angeles Business License (Business Tax Registration Certificate)
If the request for property involves proposing modifications to the existing conditions of said property (i.e. construction, demolition, installation of fencing, lighting, other equipment, etc.), the following are also required:
1. Upload electronic copies of engineering drawings, calculations, and any other related engineering documents, signed and stamped by a State of California-licensed engineer
2. A $500 application fee via check made payable to “The City of LA Harbor Department.” Mail the payment to: 425 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Attention: Planning & Strategy Division (Please reference the nine-digit APP number on your check. The APP number will automatically be emailed to you upon application submittal)
***Hard copies of the engineering documents may be requested by Port staff during the permitting process.
If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
Current Tenants
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Current Tenant” application.
The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Property Location Aerial Map
2. Site Plan/Plot Plan (include the dimensions of the property being requested)
If the request for property involves proposing modifications to the existing conditions of said property (i.e. construction, demolition, installation of fencing, lighting, other equipment, etc.), the following are also required:
1. Upload electronic copies of engineering drawings, calculations, and any other related engineering documents, signed and stamped by a State of California-licensed engineer
2. A $500 application fee via check made payable to “The City of LA Harbor Department.” Mail the payment to: 425 S. Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, Attention: Planning & Strategy Division (Please reference the nine-digit APP number on your check. The APP number will automatically be emailed to you upon application submittal)
***Hard copies of the engineering documents may be requested by Port staff during the permitting process.
If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Permits
The Port of Los Angeles is a “No Drone Zone.” Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), commonly referred to as drones, are strictly prohibited for public use.
As defined in Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44 (B) 8, no person shall land, take off or fly any balloon, except children’s toy balloons not inflated with any flammable material, helicopter, parakite, hang glider, aircraft or powered models thereof, except in areas specifically set aside for therefor.
Third parties may submit an application for drone use. Approval requires compliance with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements including having an FAA-certified operator for the drone. The application can be accessed and submitted online.
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Host an Event” application. In the “Activities/Equipment” section of the application, please remember to mark “Use of Aircraft.” The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Site Location Aerial Map (include the dimensions of flight area being requested)
2. Copy of Pilot’s U.S. Pilot’s License
3. Copy of Pilot’s U.S. Driver’s License
4. Proof of Insurance
Upon reviewing your submitted application, Port staff may ask you to submit additional information. If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
As defined in Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44 (B) 8, no person shall land, take off or fly any balloon, except children’s toy balloons not inflated with any flammable material, helicopter, parakite, hang glider, aircraft or powered models thereof, except in areas specifically set aside for therefor.
Third parties may submit an application for drone use. Approval requires compliance with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements including having an FAA-certified operator for the drone. The application can be accessed and submitted online.
Please use permits.portoflosangeles.org and select the “Host an Event” application. In the “Activities/Equipment” section of the application, please remember to mark “Use of Aircraft.” The application will ask you to upload documents before submittal. Please be prepared to upload the following:
1. Site Location Aerial Map (include the dimensions of flight area being requested)
2. Copy of Pilot’s U.S. Pilot’s License
3. Copy of Pilot’s U.S. Driver’s License
4. Proof of Insurance
Upon reviewing your submitted application, Port staff may ask you to submit additional information. If you have any questions, please email staff at [email protected]
Vendor Permits
The Port’s Cargo and Industrial Real Estate Division issues vendor permits to catering trucks providing service to Port of Los Angeles tenants at the written request of the tenant. Vendors are required to operate within the tenant’s premises or directly outside of the premises. Requirements include written consent of a Harbor Department tenant, seller’s permit from the City of Los Angeles, general, fire legal liability, and automobile liability insurance, and County of Los Angeles health permit. The fee is $100 per month, per truck.
The Application for Vendor Permits can be found here.
The Application for Vendor Permits can be found here.