Lake and Streambed Alteration Program

Notify Online

Online notification through the Environmental Permit Information Management System (EPIMS) Permitting Portal is currently limited to the following:

• Standard Agreement (Cannabis and non-Cannabis)
  • Notifications for Standard Agreements must use the EPIMS Permitting Portal.
• General Agreement for Cannabis Cultivation
  • Notifications requesting a General Agreement for Activities Related to Cannabis Cultivation must use the online submittal process.
• Self-Certification for Cannabis Cultivation
  • If you believe your Cannabis Cultivation project will not substantially modify any river, stream, or lake, you must complete the online self-certification.
• Notification for Emergency Work
  • Notifications for emergency work pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 1610 must use the EPIMS Permitting Portal.
• Gravel, Sand, or Rock Extraction Agreement
  • Notifications requesting a Gravel, Sand, or Rock Agreement (non-Cannabis) must use the EPIMS Permitting Portal.
• Routine Maintenance Agreement (Cannabis and non-Cannabis)
  • Notifications requesting a Routine Maintenance Agreement must use the EPIMS Permitting Portal.
• Master Agreement
  • Notifications for Master Agreements must use the EPIMS Permitting Portal. 
• Timber Harvesting Agreement
  • Notifications requesting Timber Harvest Agreement must use the EPIMS Permitting Portal.

Visit the EPIMS webpage for more information on submitting a notification through the EPIMS Permitting Portal or if you need to contact our EPIMS Help Desk.

Please Note - Only Permits submitted through EPIMS may request Amendments or Extension through Permitting Portal. Any paper Agreements may request Amendments or Extension through EPIMS Document Repository.

Notify by PDF

CDFW requests the use of Environmental Permit Information Management System (EPIMS) for online submittal of all notification types. Either the Permitting Portal or Document Repository will be able to facilitate electronic submittal of any notification form.

The following forms may still be downloaded, completed, and submitted via Document Repository with the appropriate fee to the CDFW Regional Office that serves the county where the project will take place. Amendment and Extension Request Forms for hard copy/paper agreements may be submitted through the EPIMS Document Repository.

• Lake or Streambed Alteration Notification Form (PDF Form)
  • Make sure to indicate the requested agreement type (Master Agreement for Timber Operations) and include the applicable Attachment below:
    • Attachment B - Timber Harvesting Operations (PDF Form)
  • Request to Extend an LSA Agreement (PDF Form)
  • Request to Amend an LSA Agreement (PDF Form)
• Visit the Environmental Permit Information System (EPIMS) webpage for information on submitting a completed paper notification (i.e., PDF) through the EPIMS Document Repository.

Fees​

CDFW is not required to determine whether an LSA notification is complete or otherwise begin processing the notification until the correct CDFW regional office has received the notification and correct notification fee.

• 2023 LSA Fee Schedule (PDF)
• 2023 LSA Fees Regulatory Text (PDF)

Pay by Credit Card

• Online License Sales and Services

NOTE: If paying the LSA fee online, the credit card transaction will include a 5% handling fee that is not refundable.

Cannabis

Cannabis cultivators applying for an Annual License from the Department of Cannabis Control must have an LSA Agreement or written verification that one is not needed.

• Learn about CDFW's Cannabis Program
• Cannabis Cultivation Permitting

Resources

Technical Resources

• California Natural Diversity Database A program that inventories the status and locations of rare plants and animals in California.
• California Salmonid Stream Habitat Restoration Manual This manual describes the CDFW approach to restoration of fishery resources and standardizes the descriptive terminology and technical methods.
• BIOS Viewer BIOS is a system designed to enable the management, visualization, and analysis of biogeographic data collected by CDFW and its Partner Organizations.
• Using Google Earth to Map your Property (PDF) Helpful resource and tips to assist in the development of quality PDF maps in Google Earth.

Informational Resources

• Lake and Streambed Alteration Rack Card (PDF) Information card to assist the public in understanding what the LSA Program is, when to notify for a project, and what to expect in an Agreement.
• Common Causes for Delayed Issuance of a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement (PDF) Informational handout to assist the public avoid the common reasons why a final LSA Agreement is delayed.
• Wildfire Reduction Tree or Vegetation Removal Flyer (PDF) Informational flyer to assist property owners in obtaining the necessary permits to remove trees or vegetation to reduce the risk of wildfire.
• Salvage Logging or Vegetation Management Flyer (PDF) Outreach flyer to assist landowners when conducting salvage logging or vegetation management operations in or near a waterbody.
• CDFW Biologist Resume Form (Word) Helps ensure the receipt of adequate information to expedite CDFW review of qualifications.