PRIVATE PROPERTY

SIDEWALK

ON-STREET

Ordinance for Al Fresco on Private Property

A: The City Planning Department released a draft Ordinance for public review in late 2022. Initial outreach to stakeholders and interested parties was conducted in January and February 2023, including an informational webinar and public hearing to gather feedback. A revised version of the Ordinance reflecting the feedback that was gathered was released in April 2023. In May 2023, a City Planning staff report was submitted, along with the revised Ordinance, to the City Planning Commission for consideration. In June 2023, the Ordinance was submitted to the Planning and Land Use Management Committee. Subsequently, the item was considered by the full City Council for amendments and approval in November/December and transmitted to the Mayor for her signature by late December 2023. At each step, public comment and community feedback was taken into consideration to ensure the Ordinance was reflective of the concerns of both businesses and surrounding communities.

Al Fresco in the Public Right of Way (Sidewalk and On-Street)

A: The Board of Public Works (BPW) Policy on Sidewalk Dining was established under Revocable Permit prior to the adoption of the Al Fresco Program. On May 11, 2022, the BPW authorized the streamlined transition process for Al Fresco Sidewalk Dining and authorized the BOE to use the Special Engineering fee for the automated transition to Revocable Permits. All standard conditions and rules that apply to the temporary LA Al Fresco Sidewalk Dining Program are proposed to be automatically transferred to the Sidewalk Dining Revocable Permit conditions which will be automatically issued to LA Al Fresco participants that submit an application, acknowledge to comply with the disability access requirements, and pay the application fee (the Special Engineering fee). Applicants will be required to complete the Sewer Facility Charge (SFC) fee, Waiver of Damages, and liability insurance requirements within 6 months of permit issuance. LADOT also developed processes for On-Street Dining. LADOT released their rules for permanent on-street dining in January 2024. These processes do not need to be adopted by City ordinance. Additional information can be found here.

A:

ON-STREET DINING

All fees associated with sidewalk dining and on-street dining can be found on the Al Fresco website (see ‘Estimated Costs’ section). All fees are collected one time and will not be renewed.

PRIVATE PROPERTY DINING

As part of the LADBS plan check review process, a clearance summary worksheet will be provided to the permit applicant that will list all of the required clearances which need to be approved by other agencies along with their contact information. Additional fees may be required by other agencies within the permitting process known as clearances.

A: For businesses with temporary authorizations for sidewalk or on-street dining, you have until the end of January 2026 to apply for a revocable permit. However, businesses are highly encouraged to apply early, as the process, including plan review and inspections, need to be completed by January 31, 2026. If not complete by this time, you will not be able to operate starting February 1, 2026.

All businesses which obtained an “LA Al Fresco Temporary Use Authorization” within private property must now obtain a Building Permit from the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and secure a Certificate of Occupancy to maintain their operation before January 31, 2026. If this process is not completed by this time, you will not be able to operate starting February 1, 2026.

For alcohol permits, you have 6 months from the time your temporary permit expires on January 31, 2026, to obtain the deemed approved status for alcohol. Applying during this period provides you a fee waiver - you do not have to pay the clearance fee to obtain it. If you cannot obtain it by January 31, 2026, you may still apply after, and the process will be the same, but a clearance fee will be applied.

A: If a business has not received their permanent permit before January 31, 2026, they must cease their outdoor dining operations beginning February 1, 2026 until the time they receive their permanent permit, as the temporary permit will no longer be valid.

A: Sidewalk and on-street dining revocable permits do not have an expiration date and do not need to be renewed. They will remain valid until the time in which the permit is revoked (voluntarily or due to enforcement action), or if there is a change in ownership.

LADBS Certificates of Occupancy are issued in perpetuity and do not need to be renewed unless revoked.

A:

ON-STREET DINING

Businesses can expect to be contacted within 1-2 weeks of submitting their application. The amount of time to complete an application will depend on the type of items you have have in your dining area, the clearances and plan reviews those items will require, and how quickly businesses provide plans, make required modifications to their dining area, and pay invoices. As this new application system launched on 2/1/24, we do not have enough applications submitted and completed to provide a trendline. For this reason we encourage businesses to apply early, which will provide you with plenty of time to complete the process.

SIDEWALK DINING

For sidewalk dining, applicants who received the temporary L.A. Al Fresco authorization need to apply for a Revocable Permit (R-Permit). After the applicant acknowledges to comply with the disability access requirements and pays the required fees, the Revocable Permit will be issued immediately. However, it is required to complete the Sewer Facility Charge, Waiver of Damages, and liability insurance requirements within 6 months. If the requirements are not met within 6 months, the R-Permit can be revoked. For new sidewalk dining applicants, they are required to submit a plan/sketch and a copy of the lease agreement (if applicable). After receiving a complete application, BOE will perform a technical review and generate a list of Permit Requirements which include the Sewer Facility Charge, Waiver of Damages, and liability insurance requirements among others as applicable. The R-Permit will be issued after all Permit Requirements are completed. The majority of the process will depend on how quickly the applicant completes the Permit Requirements.

PRIVATE PROPERTY DINING

All businesses which obtained an “LA Al Fresco Temporary Use Authorization” within private property must now obtain a Building Permit from the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and secure a Certificate of Occupancy.

Depending on the scope and size of the project, there are three types of plan check available:

Counter Plan Check and Expanded Counter Plan Check are available for small projects in which plan check review can be completed between one to five business days, and corrections, if any, are issued at the end of the review.

Projects that do not qualify for either Counter or Expanded Counter Plan Check review are considered Regular Plan Check. This process typically takes 5 to 8 weeks for corrections to be issued. Applicants can also request and pay an additional fee for Expedited Plan Check which can reduce that time frame by 2 to 3 weeks.

Permit issuance is dependent upon how quickly applicants address any comments/corrections and how quickly applicants obtain the necessary clearance approvals from other City departments. Counter or Regular Plan Check correction verification appointments can be scheduled in 2 to 5 business days.

After permit issuance, inspection is required to ensure the work and site are in compliance with the approved plans and permit conditions. Inspection can be scheduled in 1 to 2 business days. Applicants have up to two years to complete all work associated with the permit and receive final inspection approval from LADBS.

A: As the temporary Al Fresco program launched in May of 2020 and the application portal for temporary authorizations was open until September 30, 2023, businesses had over 3 years to apply for the Al Fresco temporary program. Businesses without temporary authorizations can still apply for the new program, but will not be provided the financial assistance and flexible terms provided to businesses that properly acquired their authorizations to operate an Al Fresco area.

The Sewer Facilities Charge (SFC) is collected by the Bureau of Engineering (BOE) and the Bureau of Sanitation (LASAN) to pay for sewer system improvements. The SFC is charged to businesses when construction and use triggers a net increase in flow and or sewage strength. Additional seating in a restaurant is an example of a trigger due to a net increase in flow in a sewage system. The City’s Engineer, with approval of the Board of Public Works, sets the SFC fees for each business use type. Refer to Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 64.11.3 for more information.

The SFC for food establishments varies depending on if the establishment is full-service or limited-service. The SFC fee is calculated based on the number of seats requested in your outdoor dining area and will be invoiced to the applicant as part of the Revocable Permit application process.

A: A Revocable Permit does not provide permanent full-time use of the space. A Revocable Permit can be revoked at any time by the City for a variety of reasons. City staff, utilities, and permitted contractors may need temporary access to the streets and sidewalks for construction, utility work, or for emergency access. Businesses will be responsible for removing all furnishings during this time and re-installing after the work is completed. This will be at the sole cost of the business. For this reason, the City encourages furnishings that are easily movable, and keeping to a number of furnishings that the business can reasonably store.

A: StreetsLA’s Investigation and Enforcement Division is the enforcing agency for on-street and sidewalk dining in the public right-of-way. StreetsLA will be notified to investigate any complaints. Citations may be issued for non-compliance and permit violations may result in revocation of the permit. Businesses must comply with all rules found on their Revocable Permit.

A:

SIDEWALK DINING

Since the Al Fresco rules are consistent with the Sidewalk Dining Policy, the business can keep their sidewalk dining area as is if they comply with the Al Fresco rules and disability access requirements.

ON-STREET DINING

The final adopted rules for on-street dining will, for the most part, apply to both new and existing participants. This may require you to make modifications to your existing dining areas. Certain policies are proposed to be waived for existing participants if the City has not previously received a complaint regarding the issue. LADOT is also allowing delayed compliance of certain policies for existing participants.

A:

SIDEWALK DINING

Since a Sidewalk Dining Revocable Permit is for restaurants, you can only apply for a permit for an existing restaurant. However, BOE can work with you if a Building Permit from LADBS is in process to open a new restaurant. If there is no change to the layout, the new applicant will need to pay the Special Fee of $149, sign and notarize a new waiver of damages form, and provide a new proof of insurance. If changes have been made to the layout, the new applicant will need to provide the new layout to BOE for review/approval, pay the Tier 1 fee of $556, and also provide a new waiver of damages and proof of insurance.

ON-STREET DINING

An On-Street Dining Revocable Permit will only be reviewed and issued to a business that is open and operational. This is due to the fact that on-street dining replaces parking spaces on the street that are used by the public and the City wishes to minimize impact to the public. A restaurant owner/tenant is the intended applicant for an on-street dining permit, rather than an owner.

A: A business may qualify for two angled or parallel parking spaces, assuming they are both directly in front of the business.

A:

SIDEWALK DINING

For sidewalk dining, a change in property or restaurant ownership shall require a new sidewalk dining permit. If there is no change to the layout, the new applicant will need to pay the Special Fee of $149, sign and notarize a new waiver of damages form, and provide a new proof of insurance. If changes have been made to the layout, the new applicant will need to provide the new layout to BOE for review/approval, pay the Tier 1 fee of $556, and also provide a new waiver of damages and proof of insurance.

ON-STREET DINING

On Street dining revocable permits are not transferable, and restaurant owners are required to talk down all furnishings and restore the public right of way to its original condition if the business is sold or permanently closes.

A: For transitioning applicants that want to transition both sidewalk and on-street dining, they will need to go to the online BOE Revocable Permit application which will guide them to answer the pre-screening questions and go through the appropriate process. The website is engpermits.lacity.org and click on the “Online Service Available” link under the Revocable Permit section.

A: It would depend on the type of violation. You can reach out to City staff to discuss your particular situation through the "Al Fresco Assistance Helpline" section on our Al Fresco website.

A: The insurance policy will need to show the BOE permit reference number, scope of work or encroachments, and site location to make sure the insurance covers the outdoor facilities.

For sidewalk dining, please see the Revocable Permit Insurance Submittal Instructions at https://dpw.lacity.gov/permits-bids-insurance-and-business-certification.

A: A map of the streets that qualify for Curbside Dining can be found here. This map will soon be available online at buildla.lacity.org/alfresco and https://ladot.lacity.gov/al-fresco

A: LADOT has design requirements for on-street dining which are available here. These describe what dining areas on the street must look like and all requirements for barriers. The City is currently developing a visual manual which will show these policies, along with the policies for sidewalk and private property dining, through photos and diagrams. This will be available in the future at buildla.lacity.org/alfresco.

A: For sidewalk dining, the transitioning applicants are required to have the existing dining facilities comply with the disability access requirements. For new applicants, BOE will perform the accessibility review as part of the technical review. For On-Street Dining, BOE will be supporting accessibility review for the new and transitioning businesses.

A: We don’t have a document at this time that describes the application workflow. However we are in the process of finalizing the flow charts. They will be posted at buildla.lacity.org/alfresco.

A: Bike parking cannot be included in an Al Fresco space on the sidewalk or on the street, and dining areas must be placed away from bike racks so that they can still be accessed by people.

A: All electrical receptacles used for outdoor dining must be properly permitted by the Department of Building & Safety. Electrical wiring and/or cords are only allowed within the public right-of-way when specifically requested and approved as a part of the R-Permit.

For on-street dining, LADOT has specific rules on lighting that can be found in their on-street dining policy.

A:

SIDEWALK DINING

For sidewalk dining, businesses can apply for a permit while the restaurant is under construction. BOE can work with you if a Building Permit from LADBS is in process to open a new restaurant.

ON-STREET DINING

For on-street dining, businesses must be open and operational before they would be considered and approved for on-street dining, in order to minimize the amount of time that parking spaces are displaced from the public.

A: If you have an on-street dining area, you will have to pay a structural review fee, as this will be the City's first review of what you may have built during the temporary program, as plans were not previously reviewed by the City.

A: After you apply, you will eventually be asked to submit plans to the City for review, which is how we will review to determine if your dining area meets our standards.

A: An Ocean Front Walk Outdoor Dining Permit or ODP is essentially a permit issued in Venice that allows a business to encroach on RAP property (Ocean Front Walk). All other City/state permits will still apply, including the City Al Fresco permit. Please reach out to mayor.business@lacity.org if additional clarification is needed.

A: Please reach out to ladot.alfresco@lacity.org so LADOT can discuss with you on your specific situation and provide the best response.

A:

SIDEWALK DINING

For sidewalk dining, the transitioning applicants can operate with the current seating as long as it complies with the Al Fresco rules and disability access requirements. There will be no plan check for the transition process. However, for the new applicants, a seating plan will be required as part of the application submittal.

ON-STREET DINING

For on-street dining, applicants will need to submit a seating plan for the street. This will apply to both new and transitioning businesses.

A: For sidewalk dining, please visit the online permit manual at https://engpermitmanual.lacity.org/revocable-r-permits/technical-procedures/02-al-fresco-sidewalk-dining

More information will be available in the future for on-street dining.

A: It is recommended to identify the number of seats as accurately as possible when applying for a Revocable Permit. If there is a reduction in the number of seats as a result of a change in the layout after receiving a SFC certificate, the applicant can contact BOE for a new SFC certificate in which a credit amount will be provided. The credit dollar amount is not refundable and will stay as a dollar credit to the land.

However, if there is an error on the SFC certificate, the applicant should contact BOE as soon as possible in order to file for a claim for refund and receive a new SFC certificate.

A: The Sewer Facility Charge fee per seat is a one time fee which is tied to the lot.

A: A full service restaurant typically has a table service and a team of waiters that offers meals on the premises for immediate consumption. A limited service restaurant typically has a checkout counter for ordering, paying, and picking the meals.

It is recommended to identify the type of restaurant and number of seats as accurately as possible when applying for a Revocable Permit. For new applications, BOE will verify and confirm the type of restaurant and number of seats before collecting the SFC fee. If there is an error on the SFC certificate related to the type of restaurant, the applicant should contact BOE as soon as possible in order to file for a claim for refund and receive a new SFC certificate.

A: The clearance requirements are from the Board of Public Works Sidewalk Dining Policy and federal and state disabled access requirements which are intended to provide unobstructed and safe access to all diners and pedestrians, including those with disabilities.

A: We are aware that the portal for applying for revocable permits was down a couple of times in the first week after it was opened. Please try again as we believe these issues should have now been resolved.

If you are having issues with the permanent permit application locating your temporary permit information, please reach out to ladot.alfresco@lacity.org so we can resolve the issue.

A: For sidewalk and on-street dining, it should include the property line, all existing street furniture, configuration of tables and seats, exits, aisle widths, and all disabled access features. It is not required to be drafted by a professional architect.

For private property all plans and written records of computations submitted for a permit are required to be signed by either a California Professional Engineer or California Licensed Architect with the following exemptions as permitted by Section 2308 and Section 2309 of the Los Angeles Building Code (LABC); Section R301 of the Los Angeles Residential Code (LARC); or Sections 5537, 5538, 6737.1, and 6745 of California’s Business & Professions Code (CBPC). Refer to information bulletin IB/P/BC 2023-073 for further information on Policy for Stamped Plans by Engineer or Architect.

A: Businesses can apply for sidewalk dining and on-street dining at once, however, if they only applied for on-street dining, and are later denied, they can apply again for a sidewalk dining permit. A new application will need to be submitted.

A: Temporary permits are NOT automatically converted to permanent permits. For the Al Fresco Outdoor Dining on private property to become permanent, Applicants are required to obtain a Building permit with the Department of Building and Safety by submitting a building permit application with a complete plan set, paying all required fees, and making any necessary modifications to their dining area to comply with current code requirements prior to the issuance of a permit. Applicants who will be serving alcohol in the outdoor dining area will be required to obtain alcohol authorization from the Department of City Planning.

A: We recommend submitting a Customer Service Request (CSR) to request for the application status. Please use the following link to submit the request. https://engpermits.lacity.org/public

A: For sidewalk and on-street dining, there are no sample site plans. However, the plan is not required to be drafted by a professional architect if there are no fixed railings. The plan should include the property line, all existing street furniture, configuration of tables and seats, exits, aisle widths, and all disabled access features. In addition to that, the Bureau of Engineering has created the LA Al Fresco Disabled Access Toolkit to assist applicants to guide businesses in meeting their obligations to provide equal access to customers with disabilities. The toolkit can be found by using the following link. https://engpermitmanual.lacity.org/sites/default/files/documents/Al%20Fresco%20Guide_1.1.pdf

There are no sample site plans for Outdoor Dining for private property. Please reference LADBS Outdoor Dining IB, Site plans are required to meet the following: Fully dimensioned site plan drawn to scale showing all existing buildings. Indicate the uses, occupancy and number of stories of each building. For the new covered structure, plans shall also specify the type of construction and size as well as information regarding fire sprinkler and/or fire alarm systems when provided. Plans shall show lot dimensions, property lines, street(s), alley locations, easements, the distance between the new covered structure and interior property lines, the centerline of adjacent streets and alleys, as well as to other adjacent buildings on the lot (building code fire separation distance).

A: For private property All plans and written records of computations submitted for a permit are required to be signed by either a California Professional Engineer or California Licensed Architect with the following exemptions as permitted by Section 2308 and Section 2309 of the Los Angeles Building Code (LABC); Section R301 of the Los Angeles Residential Code (LARC); or Sections 5537, 5538, 6737.1, and 6745 of California’s Business & Professions Code (CBPC). Refer to information bulletin IB/P/BC 2023-073 for further information on Policy for Stamped Plans by Engineer or Architect.

A: This program is specific to all neighborhoods within the City of Los Angeles. A map of our city boundary can be found here: https://geohub.lacity.org/datasets/lahub::city-boundary/about. Please note, most parts of Marina Del Rey are not in the City of Los Angeles but are in unincorporated Los Angeles County. We encourage you to visit the map before applying

A: For outdoor dining in the public right-of-way, as part of the permit process, the plan checkers will review the proposed outdoor dining area and verify whether or not it will be in conflict with the Metro project prior to issuing the permit. For outdoor dining that falls within the Street of Significance per the LAMC 62.250, approval from the Transportation Construction Traffic Management Committee (TCTMC) will be required.

A: No. Establishments with a valid Conditional Use Permit (CUB) with conditions relating to outdoor dining areas are not required to apply for an Al Fresco Alcohol Authorization. The CUB conditions relating to outdoor dining areas apply. If the approved outdoor dining area is located on the sidewalk, the operator must obtain a Revocable Permit from the Bureau of Engineering.

A: No, the City is not able to recommend private businesses like permit expediters. No list is available.

A: If you already have the sidewalk dining permit, there is no need to do anything on your end if you don't have any changes in the location and scope of work. In addition to that, if you want to request for on-street dining, then a new R-Permit application will need to be submitted which will need LADOT approval as part of the permit process.

A: There is no requirement in the Sidewalk Dining Policy to put away tables and chairs at night.

A: For sidewalk dining, transitioning applicants can pay for the Sewer Facility Charge (SFC) fee in the R-Permit portal as the invoice will be generated automatically. For new applicants, the SFC invoice will be generated after the plan checker accepts/approves the design. The invoice can also be paid in the R-Permit portal.

A: For a mobile coffee cart, it will be subject to a different permit process which is under the sidewalk vending program managed by the Bureau of Street Services (StreetsLA). Please see the following link for more information. https://streetsla.lacity.org/vending.

A: For sidewalk dining, encroachments will need to have a minimum 5-ft clearance from the fire hydrant. For on-street dining, encroachments will need to have a minimum 15-ft clearance from a fire hydrant.

A: The Waiver of Damages form will be drafted by the BOE plan checker after all other Permit Requirements have been completed. Please submit a Customer Service Request (CSR) to request for the Waiver of Damages form and include the Application Reference Number as part of the request. Please use the following link to submit the CSR request. https://engpermits.lacity.org/public.

A: That is not currently part of our sidewalk or on-street dining policies

A: Yes.

A: Depending on the scope and size of the project, there are three types of plan check available:

Counter Plan Check and Expanded Counter Plan Check are available for small projects in which plan check review can be completed between one to five business days, and corrections, if any, are issued at the end of the review.

Projects that do not qualify for either Counter or Expanded Counter Plan Check review are considered Regular Plan Check. This process typically takes 5 to 8 weeks for corrections to be issued. Applicants can also request and pay an additional fee for Expedited Plan Check which can reduce that time frame by 2 to 3 weeks.

Permit issuance is dependent upon how quickly applicants address any comments/corrections and how quickly applicants obtain the necessary clearance approvals from other City departments. Counter or Regular Plan Check correction verification appointments can be scheduled in 2 to 5 business days.

After permit issuance, inspection is required to ensure the work and site are in compliance with the approved plans and permit conditions. Inspection can be scheduled in 1 to 2 business days. Applicants have up to two years to complete all work associated with the permit and receive final inspection approval from LADBS.

Restaurant owners and operators may utilize LADBS' complementary Restaurant and Small Business Express Program (RSBEP), which was implemented in 2010. The goal of the RSBEP is to make the permitting and inspection process more efficient by enhancing coordination between permitting, construction, and inspection. The RSBEP helps expedite the approval process by providing assistance to business owners as well as their design and construction teams. The RSBEP program is open to all restaurants and bars regardless of scope, valuation, or participation in the Al Fresco program.

A: Yes. The adopted Ordinance developed by City Planning balances the interests of restaurants using parking lots for outdoor dining with the interests of nearby residents. The Ordinance contains several “good neighbor” policies to address these concerns. These policies include hours of operation, prohibition of noise producing activities, and maintenance requirements.

Outdoor Dining Areas and adjoining sidewalks should be cleaned and maintained by the Restaurant. Outdoor Dining Areas shall operate no later than 10:30 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and 11:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, if abutting or across an alley from a residential zone, not including the RAS zone. The Restaurant must post a visible City-issued identification in the Outdoor Dining Area indicating the area is subject to Al Fresco standards, and includes information to contact the City’s MyLA311, a LADBS hotline, and a restaurant operator or manager. A good neighbor sign reminding patrons to be respectful of neighbors must also be posted in the Outdoor Dining Area.

All forms of television monitors, live music, and live entertainment are prohibited in Outdoor Dining Areas. Background music and speakers are permitted with conditional use approval. Noise levels of the Outdoor Dining Area shall not exceed the standards set forth in the Noise Ordinance.

Violations of the Outdoor Dining Area standards may result in inspection and enforcement actions. Four or more issued citations may result in revocation of Certificate of Occupancy and/or Al Fresco permit.

At least one parking space must be provided, unless the Restaurant contains 3,000 square feet or less of floor area; the Outdoor Dining Area is 1,000 square feet or less; or as otherwise prohibited by state or federal law.

A: Restaurants pursuing permanent approvals for outdoor dining within the City’s Coastal Zones will require City Planning review as described above, and may also require compliance with the State California Coastal Act. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Coastal Commission issued Coastal Act waivers for outdoor dining. However, a Coastal Development Permit may be required for any proposed permanent outdoor dining program moving forward. City Departments are consulting with the California Coastal Commission to investigate regulatory relief for operators in a Coastal Zone.

A: If a structure was constructed on private property without a building permit from LADBS, a permit will be required to maintain operation once your temporary authorization expires on January 31, 2026. LADBS recommends all Al Fresco applicants to apply as soon as possible.

A: If your outdoor dining is located on private property, you do not need a revocable permit but you will need a building permit issued by LADBS. If your outdoor dining is located on the sidewalk or in the street, you will need a revocable permit issued by BOE or LADOT.

A: Private property operators are required to provide only one parking space, unless the business meets one of the three exemptions. Those exemptions are:

A: No. Since the Al Fresco ordinance’s main goal is to create a permanent use, only permanent structures will be allowed within private property when proposed for outdoor dining. Any structure proposed within private property has to comply with LABC, tents have a particularly hard time complying with LABC Ch 16 Structural design. Canopies (which include wind and shade sails) are required to comply with LABC section 3105 Awnings and Canopies. Definition of Canopy per LABC: A permanent structure or architectural projection of rigid construction over which a covering is attached that provides weather protection, identity or decoration. A canopy is permitted to be structurally independent or supported by attachment to a building on one or more sides.

A: All plan check types including (Over the Counter) OTC and ECPC services are available through eplanLA. All permit applications for outdoor dining areas are required to be submitted via the e-plan process through ePlanLA (eplanla.lacity.org). ePlanLA, the Electronic Plan Review system, provides a streamlined and efficient online method for customers to apply for building permits and submit their building plans for review.

A: Outdoor dining areas create an increase in occupant load and must provide plumbing fixtures per the Los Angeles Plumbing Code.

A: You can sign up through our website using this link: https://ladbs.org/services/core-services/inspection/inspection-special-assistance/restaurant-small-business-express-program.

A: Per the ordinance, all patrons using the outdoor dining area need to be seated. In order for you to deviate from this, you will need a Zone Variance Application with the Planning Department. A Zone Variance can be started at the LA Department of City Planning’s Development Services Center. You will need to prepare an application packet. We have an informational sheet that lists all the required materials. After the case is filed and the fee is paid, a project planner is assigned to your case. It will need to go through a public hearing process, as well as a CA Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process. Once that is done, the zoning administrator will be able to render a decision.

A: As the status of City lots are uncertain, and they may be converted for different use in the future, they cannot count toward a restaurant’s own parking capacity.

A: Yes, BOE sewer fee is a typical clearance which will be added to outdoor dining building permit applications. Please refer to the DBS Information Bulletin “GUIDELINES FOR PLAN CHECK AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR AN OUTDOOR DINING AREA (AL FRESCO) ON PRIVATE PROPERTY” to see what typical clearances are added to outdoor dining areas.

A: In order to provide an accurate occupant load calculation, yes, existing dining room floor plans will be required.

A: There is no one on staff who can help with plans, and we cannot recommend an expediter or an architect. As for getting the same space, it depends on your location and what was constructed. Every restaurant will be different, and handled case-by-case. The Mayor’s Office is currently exploring potential partnerships with community partners to help educate businesses, but not with a business’s specific plan.

A: Yes, all outdoor dining areas will be subject to the Coastal Act, including the Coastal Development Permit. Please contact our Project Planning team for detailed information: https://planning.lacity.gov/odocument/43b8bb84-3324-4006-8175-2bbb0ca42c62/Assignment%20List.p.

A: Breweries that serve both food and drinks can have an outdoor dining area subject to the requirements in the permanent ordinance.

A: Bars that serve both food and drinks can have an outdoor dining area in their private property subject to the requirements in the permanent ordinance.

A: If it expires and you do not have a permit in hand, or a certificate of occupancy, the code enforcement inspector will still see that you have an application in process. They will then determine whether an order is necessary or appropriate on a case by case basis. Code enforcement is complaint-based and reactive. After January 31, 2026, you do not have authorization to operate. Code enforcement will not proactively investigate whether or not you have a permit.

A: All outdoor dining areas on private property need to obtain a permit from Building and Safety to continue operating, even if they had temporary authorization during COVID. If a location previously obtained a DBS building permit and CofO for outdoor dining or outdoor eating predating this ordinance, those areas are permitted in perpetuity. Please check for the validity of previous permits with the Department of Building and Safety.

A: If the bar needs to be constructed, building permits may be associated with this. You will need to submit plans clearly indicating the outdoor space, in relation to the restaurant or bar that you already own. If you are adding a physical bar, only fixed or portable bars not used as a point of sale are permitted. A Zone Variance must be requested to allow the use of physical bars as point of sale and to allow TV in an outdoor dining area. A Zone Variance can be started at the LA Department of City Planning’s Development Services Center. You will need to prepare an application packet. We have an informational sheet that lists all the required materials. After the case is filed and the fee is paid, a project planner is assigned to your case. It will need to go through a public hearing process, as well as a CA Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process. Once that is done, the zoning administrator will be able to render a decision.

A: Yes, any outdoor dining will require permanent permits to continue operation after the temporary authorizations expire in January 2026. Businesses are encouraged to apply as early as possible to LADBS for outdoor dining on private property.

A: Outdoor dining areas will be routed to designated staff. It is important to submit your application under "Outdoor Dining Area (Al Fresco)" through the eplanLA module to have it assigned to our designated staff.

A: A Plan Approval is only required if you are seeking to deviate from the coverage and enclosure standards and you have an existing Conditional Use Permit for the business. If your business complies with all the Al Fresco standards, planning approval is only required for alcohol service expansions.

A: Yes, minimum plan requirements for uncovered outdoor dining areas are listed on the LADBS information bulletin. https://ladbs.org/docs/default-source/publications/information-bulletins/general/p-gi-2023-035-outdoor-dining-ib---final-1.30.2024.pdf?sfvrsn=dae3df53_11.

A: Yes, The change of use from mall walking area to outdoor dining area must be recorded along with the increase in occupant load to the main restaurant. Minimum plan requirements for uncovered outdoor dining areas are listed on the LADBS information bulletin. https://ladbs.org/docs/default-source/publications/information-bulletins/general/p-gi-2023-035-outdoor-dining-ib---final-1.30.2024.pdf?sfvrsn=dae3df53_11.

A: In order to serve alcohol in the City of Los Angeles, you need your local authorization in addition to your state license. We understand that ABC does have an extension on their licenses until 2026. However, the local authorization under the temporary Al Fresco program will expire on January 31, 2026. You will still need to get your local authorization before this expiration to continue serving alcohol outdoors.

A: Yes, this option is available. The approval will consist of a stamped site plan. When the applicant goes to the LA Department of Building and Safety to request a building permit for outdoor dining, the building clearance summary will be transferred to the Department of Planning unit overseeing alcohol permitting, and they will clear it. You are able to submit either independently or at the same time as your Al Fresco permit application.

A: The Department of City Planning (DCP) will perform extensive research to establish the sale of alcoholic beverages was legally established. If no records are available, DCP we need confirmation from the CA Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) that the license was granted prior to March 1, 1977. We will also need evidence that the restaurant was operating prior to 1977. We strongly encourage the applicant to submit any authorization to DCP establishing the sale of alcoholic beverages was established prior to March 1, 1977.

A: LADBS staff will be adding the DPH clearance per the instructions within the Building Permit Clearance Handbook, which states any alteration to food services must get a sign-off from the LA County Department of Public Health.

A: The wage claim is a required form as there is a section in the Al Fresco ordinance that states if a restaurant has a wage claim, they are not eligible for the Al Fresco program. This was a result of the review by the Planning Commission. The office of wage claims will work with applicants with disputes, to work towards potential solutions on an individual, case-by-case, however the form is required for a permit to be issued.

A: The local emergency period ended on January 1, 2023. The City has prolonged the end of this temporary program until January 31, 2026 to help ease businesses into the permanent ordinance requirements. Additional extensions are not possible at this time.

A: For Private Property, there won’t be a transition. All applications should be submitted to LADBS as a new application. The first webinar in March, 2024 has a detailed video on how to apply and the minimum plan requirements.

A: All Al Fresco public and private space use triggers a fire department sign-off. The use of the public area brings concerns to LAFD as it pertains to life safety and would require LAFD notification from the department processing the application approvals.

Triggers for use of private property for Al Fresco to LAFD will be generated through LADBS. The increase of occupancy is one of the triggers but also the change of use for a space would require LAFD approval.

A: Although an Outdoor Dining Area under the Al Fresco rules does not require review under most of the City’s Specific Plans and zoning overlays, related work under the same permit application outside of the Outdoor Dining Areas are still subject to otherwise applicable procedures. Projects in Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZ) are still subject to the provisions and review procedures of the applicable HPOZ.

A: After January 31, 2026, LADBS code enforcement will respond to complaints as per usual protocol. If LADBS code enforcement staff sees that you are in process of obtaining a building permit for the outdoor dining area, they will work with you. While the City is looking to support businesses, LADBS must respond to complaints and potential safety issues.

A: Yes, LADBS staff is aware of the new LID area threshold, refer to the Building Permit Clearance Handbook.

A: If a restaurant intends to operate an outdoor dining area, appropriate permits from LADBS and/or BOE will be required. However, a City Planning application is not required if the project conforms to applicable zoning standards. Projects in the Coastal Zone and within a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone may still require a City Planning application. If a restaurant intends to serve alcohol in the outdoor dining area, whether on private property or within the public right-of-way, City Planning alcohol authorization is required, and may be obtained through the streamlined administrative Al Fresco Alcohol Authorization process.

A: The streamlined alcohol authorization process in the permanent Al Fresco program is available to restaurants. An operation that does not serve food is not eligible for an Al Fresco Alcohol Authorization. However, a bar may request alcohol service through a Conditional Use Permit process with the Department of City Planning.

A: Contact the LA/Metro district office of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for questions related to their licensing procedures and standards.They can be reached at (213) 833-6043 or LAMetro@abc.ca.gov.

A: In order to serve alcohol anywhere in the City of Los Angeles, a restaurant needs two things: 1) a local City authorization, and 2) an alcohol license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The City and State agencies have different requirements and procedures.

For local Al Fresco Alcohol Authorization, a restaurant is required to have an existing primary alcohol authorization through one of three ways: 1) a Conditional Use Permit, 2) a Restaurant Beverage Program authorization, or 3) existing legal non-conforming status to serve alcohol. If a restaurant has one of those, it may request to extend alcohol service onto an outdoor dining area through an All Fresco Alcohol Authorization clearance, without requiring additional City review.

The City’s Al Fresco temporary use authorizations from LADOT expire on January 31, 2026. In order to continue serving alcohol in an outdoor dining area after this date, a restaurant must obtain a new City authorization, which may be done through the streamlined Al Fresco Alcohol Authorization process.

For questions about alcohol licensing procedures and requirements from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, please reach out to the LA/Metro district office of the ABC at (213) 833-6043 or LAMetro@abc.ca.gov.

A: A coastal clearance and Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is only required for properties located in the Coastal Zone. Please visit ZIMAS.lacity.org and search the property address or Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) to verify the Coastal Zone boundary.

A: Yes, the CDP Waiver is only effective until June 30, 2026 and only applies to operators with an Al Fresco temporary authorization. Operators transitioning from the temporary authorization to the permanent ordinance will need to obtain a Coastal Development Permit prior to June 30, 2026.

The Programmatic CDP (P-CDP) may be an option for transitioning operators to satisfy the CDP requirement, however, the outcome of the P-CDP is uncertain. Operators are encouraged to file for a Coastal Development Permit as soon as possible to ensure timely processing of their application. For more information on the Coastal Development Permit entitlement process, please contact the Department of City Planning at planning.figcounter@lacity.org.

A: Yes, the City currently offers in person consultations by appointment. The City also offers same-day Virtual Counter services – each department’s hours vary. To check hours, speak with City staff, or to schedule an appointment, please visit appointments.lacity.org and choose the department you are interested in speaking with. You are required to have an active Angeleno account to use this free service.

A: On-street dining: For transitioning applicants, 12/31/24 is the deadline to have your requirements completed and a revocable permit issued to prevent any impacts to your outdoor dining operations. Transitioning applicants will need to have their site plan (which includes a seating plan), and their landscaping plans reviewed and approved before 12/31/24, in addition to other requirements such as payment of fees, insurance uploaded, and modifications made to your dining area.

Private Property: For applicants with a temporary Al Fresco Authorization, 12/31/24 is the deadline to obtain a building permit and inspection finalized to prevent any impacts to your outdoor dining operations. After January 31, 2026, LADBS Code Enforcement will respond to complaints as per usual protocol. If LADBS Code Enforcement staff sees that you are in the process of obtaining a building permit for the outdoor dining area, they will work with you. While the City is looking to support businesses, LADBS must respond to complaints and potential safety issues.

A: There are no rental fees or square footage fees for on-street dining. On-street dining applicants will be invoiced three types of required fees throughout the application process, which can be found at https://buildla.lacity.org/alfresco (see ‘Estimated Costs’) and can also be found here. These fees are collected one time only and there are no annual fees.

A: Portions of Westchester - Playa Del Rey are located in the Coastal Zone. Applicants can check the coastal zone boundaries in ZIMAS.lacity.org by collapsing the tab labeled ‘Additional’ on the left hand side and locating the “Coastal Zone” designation as illustrated below. You may also email the Department of City Planning at planning.figcounter@lacity.org; please be prepared to share your address(es) or Assessor’s Parcel Number(s) (APN) for staff to confirm.

A: For Sidewalk Dining, the Bureau of Engineering has not received any comments/complaints from applicants regarding the insurance requirements. The R-Permit Insurance Submittal Instructions can be found in HERE.

For On-Street Dining, the Mayor’s Office will look into this matter and provide updates if any changes are made.

A: Any reduction in parking will be reviewed as part of the Coastal Development Permit application. The Coastal Development Permit must analyze any potential impacts in regards to the loss or reduction in parking and may need to identify alternatives or justification to allow the change. Please contact planning.alfrescoCDP@lacity.org to schedule a pre-application review with the Project Planning Team.

A: The City of Los Angeles and the California Coastal Commission have a specific list of operators with temporary authorizations who are covered by the CDP waiver. Please contact us with the name and address of your business, and we can verify whether or not your business is covered by the CDP waiver. Contact the Department of City Planning Development Services Center (DSC) Metro Counter: planning.figcounter@lacity.org.

A: If you have any questions or need clarification on any plan check corrections, please contact your plan check engineer. For general questions relating to outdoor dining within private property, please email LADBS-OutdoorDining@lacity.org. If you have questions regarding the Department of City Planning Clearance for a Coastal Development Permit, please contact planning.figcounter@lacity.org.

A: Per LAMC 64.11(3)(b), the basis for the SFC fee is based upon a share of the equity of the City’s sewer system. The share of system equity included in the SFC is proportional to the flow, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solids (SS) of the wastewater discharged into the sewage system from the premises as compared with the total flow, BOD and SS discharged by all system customers.

For transitioning applicants that are small businesses with outdoor dining in the public right of way (streets and sidewalks), the City is subsidizing sewer fees for a limited number of seats for businesses that apply before January 31, 2026. More information about the fee reduction program can be found below in the Al Fresco Small Business Fee Reduction Program Section.

A: Department of City Planning staff at the Development Services Center are available to answer any questions about the Coastal Development Permit case filing process. The City offers same day Virtual Counter services, and City Planning’s Development Services Center’s hours are from 9-11am Mondays through Fridays that do not require an appointment. There are other City Departments that also offer same day Virtual Counter Services, but each has different hours. To check hours and speak with City staff, please visit appointments.lacity.org and choose the department you are interested in speaking with. You are required to have an active Angeleno account to use this free service.

A: Any reduction in parking will be reviewed as part of the Coastal Development Permit application. The Coastal Development Permit must analyze any potential impacts in regards to the loss or reduction in parking and may need to identify alternatives or justification to allow the change. Please contact planning.alfrescoCDP@lacity.org to schedule a pre-application review with the Project Planning Team.

A: Street vendors should comply with the vending program requirements listed in this website: https://streetsla.lacity.org/vending.