Request Utility Maps in Los Angeles - Records Guide

Overview

This guide explains how to file a records request for utility maps and related infrastructure records in Los Angeles, California. Utility maps may be held by city departments such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Bureau of Street Services, Bureau of Engineering, or other custodial units; the City Clerk handles Public Records Act (PRA) request intake and processing. To begin a formal request, submit a Public Records Act request through the City Clerk procedures and provide clear identification of the maps or datasets you want. See the City Clerk PRA information for intake, fees, and contact details: City Clerk - Public Records Act Requests^[1]

Where records are commonly held

• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) - electric and water distribution maps and facility records.
• Bureau of Street Services / StreetsLA - records of street excavations, permits, and some right-of-way maps.
• Bureau of Engineering and City GIS (GeoHub) - street centerlines, parcel basemaps, and official city spatial datasets.

Penalties & Enforcement

Requests and custody of records are governed by the California Public Records Act as implemented by the City and by departmental rules for access, redaction, and fees. Enforcement and remedies for wrongful denial, delay, or improper withholding are generally handled under state law and through the courts or the Attorney General; the City Clerk page linked above describes the intake and appeal route for city-held records.^[1]

• Fines/fees: fees for copying, electronic production, or staff time may apply; specific dollar amounts are not specified on the cited page.
• Enforcer: City Clerk administers PRA intake; custodial departments (e.g., LADWP, StreetsLA) are responsible for production and redaction decisions.
• Non-monetary remedies: court orders compelling production, injunctions, and orders for attorney fees may be available under state law; exact remedies are not specified on the cited City Clerk page.
• Escalation: initial denial or insufficient response may be appealed by administrative complaint to the City Clerk or by filing a judicial action under the California Public Records Act; time limits for judicial petitions are not specified on the cited page.
• Common violations: failure to respond in a reasonable time, improper redaction, or charging unapproved fees; typical outcomes depend on the remedy sought and are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

• City Clerk PRA request form or online submission portal: use the City Clerk procedures to submit details of the records sought; see the City Clerk page for form access and submission instructions.^[1]
• Department-specific request processes: some custodial departments (for example LADWP) may request direct contact or additional information for map retrieval; check the department website for contact and submission rules.

Practical steps to request utility maps

• Step 1: Define scope clearly—identify street, parcel, coordinates, layers (water, sewer, electric), and date ranges.
• Step 2: Submit a PRA request to the City Clerk with your contact details and preferred delivery format (electronic files or paper).
• Step 3: If the records are held by a specific department, the Clerk will route the request; follow any departmental instructions and provide additional clarifications promptly.
• Step 4: Pay any processing or reproduction fees as required by the custodial department to receive copies.

FAQ

Who processes public records requests for utility maps?

The City Clerk accepts and processes Public Records Act requests for city-held records and routes requests to the appropriate custodial department for production.

Are utility maps confidential?

Some utility information may be redacted for security or privacy reasons; determinations are made by custodial departments under applicable laws and policies.

How long will it take to get maps?

Response times vary by department and request complexity; the City Clerk provides processing guidance but specific response deadlines are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

1. Identify the exact records you need, including system (water, sewer, electric), address or parcel, and timeframe.
2. Prepare and submit a Public Records Act request through the City Clerk portal or by the Clerk's published method.
3. Respond to any follow-up questions from the Clerk or custodial department and clarify delivery format and acceptable file types.
4. Authorize and pay any applicable reproduction or processing fees, then receive electronic files or printed copies as provided by the custodial department.
5. If denied or withheld, request a written explanation and consider administrative appeal to the City Clerk or judicial review under the California Public Records Act.

Key Takeaways

• Start with a clear scope to speed retrieval and reduce fees.
• The City Clerk is the intake point for PRA requests for city-held utility maps.

Help and Support / Resources

• City Clerk - Public Records Act Requests
• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
• City of Los Angeles GeoHub
• StreetsLA (Bureau of Street Services)

1. [1] City of Los Angeles - Public Records Act Requests