The three BOE ranges
BOE says the City subcategorizes utility permits as small cuts of 1–99 square feet, medium cuts of 100–1,000 square feet, and large cuts of more than 1,000 square feet. These are the ranges stated in the Excavation U-Permit purpose and definition page.
The labels concern cut size in the manual’s utility-permit context. The source page does not make them a complete test for whether a project needs a U-Permit. It also does not provide a fee schedule, approval time, or promise based solely on the size band.
Why the area should be described carefully
A project conversation is clearer when the proposed excavation area is stated in square feet and tied to the actual work limits. The category boundary matters: 99 square feet is within BOE’s small range, 100 square feet begins its medium range, and an area over 1,000 square feet falls in its large range.
If the estimated area is still changing, identify it as an estimate rather than presenting it as a reviewed plan quantity. Do not infer a fee, inspection requirement, or approval outcome from these numbers without consulting current City material.
Keep classification separate from size
Before focusing on the cut category, confirm the basic U-Permit context: the entity, the proposed utility or telecommunication work, and the public right-of-way location. BOE also describes E-Permits and circumstances in which a U-Permit is not required. A square-foot calculation cannot resolve those questions on its own.
Use the current BOE manual for the exact category language, then verify project-specific requirements with the responsible authority.
Information should be verified against current City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering requirements. This guide is informational and is not a permit determination.