Los Angeles County Municipal Code Ch. 6.109 Department of Public Works

(Ord. 2026-0010 §§ 49, 50, 2026; Ord. 2026-0002 §§ 70—72, 2026; Ord. 2025-0040 § 47, 2025; Ord. 2025-0028 § 53, 2025; Ord. 2025-0003 §§ 17, 18, 2025; Ord. 2025-0001 §§ 62, 63, 2025; Ord. 2024-0057 § 12, 2024; Ord. 2024-0051 § 54, 2024; Ord. 2024-0034 §§ 71, 72, 2024; Ord. 2024-0002 §§ 61—63, 2024; Ord. 2023-0012 §§ 67, 68, 2023; Ord. 2022-0050 §§ 29— 31, 2022; Ord. 2021-0068 §§ 49, 50, 2021; Ord. 2021-0052 § 43, 2021; Ord. 2021-0027 §§ 49, 50, 2021; Ord. 2021-0005 §§ 47-49, 2021; Ord. 2020-0038 § 69, 2020; Ord. 2019-0071 § 23, 2019; Ord. 2019-0070 §§ 50, 51, 2019; Ord. 2019-0052 §§ 20-22, 2019; Ord. 2019-0047 §§ 55, 56, 2019; Ord. 2019-0041 §§ 69, 70, 2019; Ord. 2019-0035 §§ 45, 46, 2019; Ord. 2019- 0015 §§ 28, 29, 2019; Ord. 2019-0005 § 12, 2019; Ord. 2018-0050 §§ 53-55, 2018; Ord. 2018-0038 §§ 23, 24, 2018; Ord. 2018-0029 §§ 43, 44, 2018; Ord. 2018-0026 §§ 32-34, 2018; Ord. 2018-0023 § 82, 2018; Ord. 2018-0009 §§ 28, 29, 2018; Ord. 2017-0045 §§ 32, 33, 2017; Ord. 2017-0037 §§ 48-50, 2017; Ord. 2017-0026 §§ 65-68, 2017; Ord. 2017-0014 § 15, 2017; Ord. 2017-0011 § 26, 2017; Ord. 2017-0006 §§ 51, 52, 2017; Ord. 2016-0044 §§ 23-25, 2016; Ord. 2016-0041 §§ 54- 56, 2016; Ord. 2016-0030 §§ 71, 72, 2016; Ord. 2016-0021 § 13, 2016; Ord. 2016-0006 § 50, 2016; Ord. 2015-0047 § 33, 2015; Ord. 2015-0037 §§ 57-59, 2015; Ord. 2015-0031 §§ 13, 14, 2015; Ord. 2015-0019 §§ 64, 65, 2015; Ord. 2015-0015 §§ 25-27, 2015; Ord. 2015-0002 §§ 64, 65, 2015; Ord. 2014-0041 §§ 77, 78, 2014; Ord. 2014-0036 § 27, 2014; Ord. 2014-0026 §§ 82, 83, 2014; Ord. 2014-0018 §§ 22, 23, 2014; Ord. 2013-0038 § 10, 2013; Ord. 2013-0032 § 60, 2013; Ord. 2013-0021

§§ 65-67, 2013; Ord. 2012-0058 §§ 53, 54, 2012; Ord. 2012-0045 § 14, 2012; Ord. 2012-0035 §§ 42, 43, 2012; Ord. 2012- 0026 §§ 70-72, 2012; Ord. 2012-0023 § 19, 2012; Ord. 2012-0007 §§ 19, 20, 2012; Ord. 2012-0002 § 54, 2012; Ord. 2011- 0057 §§ 60-62, 2011; Ord. 2011-0036 §§ 73-75, 2011; Ord. 2011-0013 §§ 55-58, 2011; Ord. 2011-0004 §§ 7, 8, 2011; Ord. 2011-0003 § 52, 2011; Ord. 2010-0046 § 48, 2010; Ord. 2010-0037 §§ 4-6, 2010; Ord. 2010-0031 §§ 89, 90, 2010; Ord. 2010-0002 § 67, 2010; Ord. 2009-0047 § 8, 2009; Ord. 2009-0008 §§ 56-58, 2009; Ord. 2009-0003 §§ 17-19, 2009; Ord. 2008-0037 §§ 102, 103, 2008; Ord. 2008-0036 § 24, 2008; Ord. 2008-0005 § 85, 2008; Ord. 2008-0001 § 9, 2008; Ord. 2007- 0099 §§ 50-52, 2007; Ord. 2007-0096 § 80, 2007; Ord. 2007-0079 §§ 91-93, 2007; Ord. 2007-0069 §§ 16, 17, 2007; Ord. 2007-0059 § 51, 2007; Ord. 2007-0058 §§ 70-72, 2007; Ord. 2007-0030 § 27, 2007; Ord. 2006-0078 § 35, 2006; Ord. 2006- 0077 §§ 108, 109, 2006; Ord. 2006-0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

A.

1. In any case where the Chief Administrative Officer finds, upon investigation, that persons employed in any class in the construction, inspection or surveying groups are assigned to pioneer excavation work making original cuts and fills in high mountain roads, actively engaged in tunnel construction operations, operating equipment in the active suppression of fires, or actively engaged in removal of snow from mountain roads, he may authorize the payment of additional compensation to such persons during the periods of such assignments at the rate of $.50 per hour.

All other persons so assigned shall receive $.18 per hour.

B.

Where a person is employed in a position in a classification under this Chapter 6.109, the duties of which classification are not necessarily hazardous, but he is engaged in hazardous, high scale and rigging operations and the Chief Administrative Officer so finds he may authorize the payment of additional compensation to such person during the period of such assignment at the following indicated rates:

Persons employed in the following classifications shall receive $.50 per hour:

Except as otherwise specified and approved by the Board of supervisors, all other persons so engaged shall receive $.18 per hour.

All payments made under this provision are subject to prior approval annually by the Chief Administrative Officer, and report of payments made shall be submitted annually to the Chief Administrative Officer.

C.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code and in lieu of any payment made under subsection A of this section, when a person employed in the department of public works as Power Equipment Operator (Item No. 7374) is specially trained and regularly required to use his skills in fire-suppression duties, he shall be compensated at the first step, which provides a salary increase, in the salary range established for the classification of Firefighter Specialists (56 hours) (Item No. 0201) in Section 6.28.140 of this code for that portion of his time actually spent in such fire-suppression duties. A report of all payments made under this provision shall be submitted annually to the Chief Administrative Officer.

D.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, when a person employed in the department of public works as a Power Sweeper Operator (Item No. 7384) is assigned the duties of Power Equipment Operator (Item No. 7374) because of emergency conditions such as fires, floods or inclement weather, he shall be compensated at the first step, which provides a salary increase, in the salary range established for the classification of Power Equipment Operator (Item No. 7374) in Section 6.28.140 of this code, for that portion of his time actually spent in the performance of the duties of Power Equipment Operator, provided he is specially trained and regularly assigned such emergency duties. A report of all payments made under this provision shall be submitted annually to the Chief Administrative Officer.

E.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, any person employed in the department of public works in a permanent or monthly temporary position and assigned to inspections, materials testing, construction project management or planning who is required to work on a holiday, as defined in Section 6.12.040 of this code shall, in lieu of overtime compensation, accumulate holiday leave in each instance where such work is necessitated by construction activities on the part of a private contractor or any other public or private entity.

F.

The following positions may be required, by the director of public works, to perform standby and overtime service to the extent indicated below. The compensation fixed for these positions in Section 6.28.050 or Section 6.28.140 of the Los Angeles County Code is found to be adequate remuneration for all service required under this section, except as provided below:

Dam and Plant Operators. Any person employed in positions classified in the Dam and Pumping Plant Group who resides in district housing shall work five days of eight hours each, and stand by on call at his station and perform minor, routine duties 80 hours each week. Time in excess of this in any week, or actual ordered extra service during standby hours, is deemed to be overtime, to be compensated as provided for in Chapter 6.15 of the Los Angeles County Code.

Holidays. Persons subject to subsection F1 shall be allowed those holidays authorized by the director of public works.

G.

The county surveyor shall be known and referred to as the Director of Public Works (Item No. 3385), and shall be ex officio director of aviation, and shall serve as such without additional compensation.

H.

One of the positions on Item 7183A (Dam Operator) shall be paid $5.00 per pay period additional, providing it is on permanent assignment to be in charge of and operate San Gabriel Dam which is a major dam having more complex hydraulic equipment than those operated by other dam operators.

I.

In the event the board of supervisors finds existent in Los Angeles County conditions imminently endangering life or property and because thereof declares a state of emergency for the county, the Chief Administrative Officer may authorize the department of public works to pay persons employed on as-needed hourly positions, during the emergency only, the appropriate wage scale agreed to by the Associated General Contractors or other authorized employer associations, and as specifically designated by the Chief Administrative Officer. Persons employed on such as-needed hourly positions shall be employed in accordance with the rules of the Los Angeles County Civil Service Commission and only to perform force account work where nonperformance of the work could result in loss or damage to the county or to the public.

J.

Assignment bonuses.

a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, persons assigned to the Waterworks and Sewer Maintenance Division in the classes of Assistant Electro-Mechanic (Item No. 6490), Electro-Mechanic (Item No. 6492), Electro-Mechanic Working Supervisor (Item No. 6495), Electro-Mechanic Supervisor (Item No. 6498), Helper, Electrical (Item No. 6349), Public Works Laborer (Item No. 5922), Public Works Maintenance Worker (Item No. 5923), or Public Works Crew Leader (Item No. 5924) who are engaged on a permanent full-time basis in sewer maintenance duties shall be compensated at a rate two salary schedules higher than that otherwise provided for in Section 6.28.140 of this code. Such rate or rates shall constitute a base rate.

b.

Effective with the pay period ending April 15, 2012 and upon notification to the board of supervisors by the chief executive officer that the human resources management system implementing this provision is fully operational, all provisions in Section 6.109.020, subsection J.1.a shall remain in effect except that such persons meeting the aforementioned requirements shall be compensated at a rate 5.6468 percent higher than that otherwise provided for in Section 6.28.140 of this code. Such rate or rates shall constitute a base rate.

a.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, persons employed in classes listed under subsection 1.a of this section who are assigned to a crew engaged in the inspection, repair and maintenance of underground storm drains shall, for each pay period such employee is primarily engaged in such duties, as determined by management, be compensated at a salary two schedules higher than that salary otherwise provided for in Section 6.28.140 of this code. Compensation under this subsection 2.a shall not be established or paid for any period less than thirteen consecutive calendar days and shall not constitute a base rate.

b.

Effective with the pay period ending April 15, 2012 and upon notification to the board of supervisors by the chief executive officer that the human resources management system implementing this provision is fully operational, all provisions in Section 6.109.020, subsection J.2.a shall remain in effect except that such persons meeting the aforementioned requirements shall be compensated at a rate 5.6468 percent higher than that salary otherwise provided for in Section 6.28.140 of this code. Compensation under this subsection 2.b shall not be established or paid for any period less than thirteen consecutive calendar days and shall not constitute a base rate.

K.

License bonuses.

a.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, persons assigned to the Land Development or Survey/Mapping and Property Division, in the classes of Principal Engineer (Item No. 3438) who holds a valid California license as a land surveyor and registration as a civil engineer and who is assigned to duties requiring the direction and review of work requiring the knowledge and skill which are both certified and characterized by licensure as a land surveyor shall be compensated at a rate two salary schedules higher than that provided in Section 6.28.050 of this code. Such rate or rates shall constitute a base rate.

b.

Effective with the pay period ending April 15, 2012 and upon notification to the board of supervisors by the chief executive officer that the human resources management system implementing this provision is fully operational, all provisions in Section 6.109.020, subsection K.1.a shall remain in effect except that such persons meeting the aforementioned requirements shall be compensated at a rate 5.6468 percent higher than that provided in Section 6.28.050 of this code. Such rate or rates shall constitute a base rate.

a.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, persons assigned to the Traffic and Lighting Division in the classes of Principal Engineer (Item No. 3438) who holds a valid license as a registered traffic engineer and registration as a civil engineer and who is assigned to duties requiring the direction and review of work requiring the knowledge and skill which are both certified and characterized by licensure as a registered traffic engineer shall be compensated at a rate one salary schedule higher than that provided in Section 6.28.050 of this code. Such rate or rates shall constitute a base rate.

b.

Effective with the pay period ending April 15, 2012 and upon notification to the board of supervisors by the chief executive officer that the human resources management system implementing this provision is fully operational, all provisions in Section 6.109.020, subsection K.2.a shall remain in effect except that such persons meeting the aforementioned requirements shall be compensated at a rate 2.7846 percent higher than that provided in Section 6.28.050 of this code. Such rate or rates shall constitute a base rate.

(Ord. 2012-0017 § 83, 2012; Ord. 2011-0021 § 15, 2011; Ord. 2010-0002 § 68, 2010; Ord. 2007-0004 § 17, 2007; Ord. 2006- 0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

For each day during which he/she attends an official meeting of the building rehabilitation appeals board, each member (Item No. 9429) thereof shall be entitled to receive compensation at the rate of $75.00 per day for each official meeting attended, not to exceed 10 meetings in any calendar month or 36 meetings in any one fiscal year.

(Ord. 2012-0017 § 84, 2012; Ord. 2006-0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

For each day during which he/she attends an official meeting of the engineering geology and soils review and appeals board, each member (Item No. 9412) thereof shall be entitled to receive compensation at the rate of $25.00 per day, not to exceed 36 days in any one fiscal year.

(Ord. 2012-0017 § 85, 2012; Ord. 2006-0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

Each member of the water appeals board (Item No. 9433) shall be entitled to the sum of $25.00 for each official meeting attended, not to exceed four meetings in any one calendar month.

(Ord. 2012-0017 § 86, 2012; Ord. 2006-0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

Each member of the solid waste management committee (Item No. 9393), except ex officio members, shall be entitled to the sum of $25.00 for each official meeting attended, not to exceed one meeting in any one calendar month.

(Ord. 2019-0055 § 8, 2019; Ord. 2012-0017 § 87, 2012; Ord. 2006-0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

Each member of the Los Angeles County highway safety commission (Item No. 9418) shall be entitled to receive as compensation the sum of $25.00 for each meeting of the Los Angeles County Highway safety commission attended, not to exceed four meetings per month.

(Ord. 2012-0017 § 88, 2012; Ord. 2006-0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

Each member of the Los Angeles County Aviation Commission (Item No. 9390) shall be entitled to receive as compensation the sum of $25.00 for each meeting of the commission attended, not to exceed 15 meetings per year.

(Ord. 2025-0021 § 12, 2025; Ord. 2012-0017 § 89, 2012; Ord. 2006-0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

Each person appointed and serving as a member of an examining board, as provided by this code, shall receive $50.00 for each regular meeting attended by such person, not to exceed one meeting per week.

(Ord. 2006-0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

For each day during which he/she attends an official meeting of the board of appeals, each member thereof shall be entitled to receive compensation at the rate of $75.00 per day for each official meeting attended, not to exceed 10 meetings in any calendar month or 36 meetings in any one fiscal year.

(Ord. 2006-0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

Each appointed member of the accessibility appeals board (Item No. 9453) shall be entitled to receive $75.00 for each official meeting attended, not to exceed 36 meetings in any one fiscal year.

(Ord. 2012-0017 § 90, 2012; Ord. 2006-0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

A.

Allowance. Any person appointed to the permanent, full-time position of Civil Engineering Assistant (Item No. 3424), Electrical Engineering Assistant (Item No. 3482), or Mechanical Engineering Assistant (Item No. 3542), shall be eligible to receive reimbursement for moving expenses of household goods to a maximum of $500.00, and for mileage at the rate of $.10 per mile to a maximum of $300.00, subject to the following conditions:

The employee's principal place of residence is located outside a 200-mile radius of the county of Los Angeles prior to his/her appointment, and the employee's change of principal residence is made for the purpose of accepting county employment;

and

The employee submits original receipts or other proof of household moving expenses acceptable to the department.

B.

Mileage Determination. For purposes of determining reimbursable mileage, the department at its discretion may use the mileage standard established by the National Auto Club or Automobile Club of Southern California.

C.

Lump-Sum Payment. In lieu of actual reimbursable mileage, the employee may elect to receive an equivalent lump-sum payment.

D.

Restrictions. The relocation allowance established under this section may be claimed only once by the employee, and may not be claimed toward travel or moving expenses of family members, other than of household goods located at the employee's principal place of residence.

E.

Repayment. Except as the result of the employee's death, medically verifiable prolonged illness or disability, or similar circumstances beyond the employee's control as may be determined by the department, any person employed by the department for less than two years who receives a relocation allowance under this section shall repay the allowance, as follows:

100 percent if employed less than six months;

75 percent if employed six months but less than 12 months;

50 percent if employed 12 months but less than 18 months; or

25 percent if employed 18 months but less than 24 months.

(Ord. 2006-0053 § 2 (part), 2006.)

A.

Members and alternates of the Watershed Area Steering Committee who are not otherwise compensated to participate shall be entitled to receive as compensation the sum of $100.00 for each official meeting attended by that person, not to exceed 12 meetings in any one calendar year per committee.

B.

Members of the Regional Oversight Committee who are not otherwise compensated to participate shall be entitled to receive as compensation the sum of $100.00 for each official meeting attended by that person, not to exceed 12 meetings in any one

calendar year per committee.

C.

Members of the Scoring Committee who are not otherwise compensated to participate shall be entitled to receive as compensation the sum of $100.00 for each official meeting attended by that person, not to exceed 24 meetings in any one calendar year.

(Ord. 2019-0052 § 23, 2019.)