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We often get asked a deceptively simple question “Can my rain gutters drain to the street?”

If you’re a homeowner in Los Angeles, the answer isn’t just about convenience—it’s about legal compliance, public safety, and property protection. LA has some of the strictest urban runoff rules in the state, and ignoring them could lead to expensive repairs—or even fines.

Michaels Sheet Metal specializes not only in crafting custom gutter systems but also in ensuring they’re 100% compliant with LA building codes and drainage ordinances. Here’s what every homeowner in LA needs to understand.

The Primary Purpose of Gutters

Rain gutters exist to do one thing really well:
Direct water away from your home’s foundation, siding, and walkways.

When they’re working properly, they help prevent:

• • Foundation erosion
• • Basement flooding
• • Wood rot and mold
• • Siding stains and damage
• • Landscape washout

We custom-build every system to ensure the water moves safely—from your roof to its legal and logical endpoint.

Is Street Drainage Legal in Los Angeles?

Yes—but with important restrictions.

According to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and LA Stormwater Program (part of Public Works):

• Curb outlets are legal only if approved. Water must not flow across sidewalks, neighbour’s driveways, or create a slip hazard.
• Drainage must be collected and directed via approved systems.
  That includes:

• • Approved curb core outlets
• • Dedicated storm drain tie-ins
• • Subsurface dispersal like dry wells or French drains
• • Connections to sewer systems are not allowed for storm water unless expressly permitted.

Michaels Sheet Metal ensures every installation follows these codes and receives pre-approval when needed. We’ve worked with city officials, inspectors, and plan reviewers throughout LA County, from Santa Monica to Pasadena to Echo Park.

When Curb Outlets Make Sense — and When They Don’t

Draining water to the curb is common, especially in older LA neighbourhoods. But the city now heavily regulates new curb-core installations.

Here’s what we consider before recommending street drainage:

• • Elevation and slopeof your property
• • Sidewalk location and ADA compliance
• • Proximity to neighbours and common areas
• • Soil absorption capability and lot coverage
• • LADBS and local district-specific drainage rules

In hillside neighbourhoods like Silver Lake or Mount Washington, street drainage might not be feasible. We often recommend underground dispersal systems in those zones.

Alternatives to Street Drainage

If curb drainage isn’t allowed or ideal, we often design:

• • French Drains– Underground trenches that reroute water away from the home
• • Dry Wells– Below-ground reservoirs that slowly release water back into the soil
• • Rain Gardens– Landscaped areas that absorb water while adding curb appeal
• • Storm Drain Tie-ins– Where permitted, these allow water to flow directly into the municipal storm water system using approved hardware and permits

Each solution requires site-specific design, code research, and (often) permitting—services we handle in-house.

Why LA’s Drainage Rules Are So Strict

Los Angeles is under state-wide mandates to reduce urban runoff pollution. Uncontrolled gutter discharge can carry:

• • Oil and vehicle fluids
• • Pesticides and fertilizers
• • Pet waste and debris

These pollutants end up in storm drains and, eventually, the Pacific Ocean. LA’s MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) Permit and Low Impact Development (LID) ordinance both aim to reduce this.

That’s why every drop of water that leaves your downspout matters.

Risks of Non-Compliant Drainage

Ignoring the rules can cause more than just soggy sidewalks:

• • City Fines– LADBS or Public Works may issue citations
• • Liability– You could be responsible for water damage on neighboring properties
• • Foundation or Pavement Cracks– Poor drainage leads to structural damage over time
• • Safety Hazards– Water flowing over sidewalks can freeze, pool, or cause algae buildup

How Michaels Sheet Metal Helps LA Homeowners

Our approach goes beyond fabrication. When we evaluate your gutter system, we:

• • Pull local zoning mapsand parcel-specific drainage rules
• • Conduct site assessmentsand grading checks
• • Handle all permitting and LADBS approvals when required
• • Install custom curb outlets, splash blocks, downspout diverters, and underground dispersal systems

We’ve helped property owners from Venice to Glendale avoid costly drainage mistakes by planning ahead—and building smart.

Best Practices for LA Gutter Drainage

• • Confirm legality with LADBSor your local municipality before making changes
• • Avoid letting water flow over public walkways
• • Install approved curb-core outletsif draining to street
• • Maintain your system with seasonal cleanings
• • Use licensed expertsfamiliar with local laws and building codes

 

FAQs

Q1: Can my gutters legally drain into the street in LA?
Yes, if installed with a proper curb outlet and not crossing public or private walkways. MSM ensures installations follow LADBS and Public Works guidelines.

Q2: What’s the penalty for improper gutter drainage?
You may receive a notice of violation, city fines, or be required to redo the work at your expense.

Q3: Can I install a curb outlet myself?
Only if permitted. Most curb outlet installations in LA require approval and must meet grading specs. We handle this for you.

Q4: Are underground systems better than curb outlets?
In many zones, yes—especially where slope or sidewalk design makes curb outlets risky. We often recommend dry wells or French drains for new construction.

Q5: Does MSM help with storm drain tie-ins?
Absolutely. We provide code-compliant tie-ins with all permitting and approvals handled in-house.