BOE Revocable (R) Permit for awnings, canopies or signs over the sidewalk: Los Angeles restaurant guide

LA Public Works — Bureau of Engineering

What it is

Anything private that hangs over or sits in the public right-of-way — awnings, canopies, projecting signs, planters, sidewalk tables — needs a Revocable Permit from the Bureau of Engineering, issued with the construction (A/B) permit.

When a restaurant needs it

An awning, canopy or sign projecting over the public sidewalk (sidewalk dining is handled by Al Fresco).

How to apply

Apply in the BOE Engineering Permits portal (Angeleno Account); BOE reviews clearances and may require a field investigation and insurance.

Documents you’ll need

Drawings showing projection, height and clearances
Property line survey or plot plan
Liability insurance naming the City

Fee

Tier 1 $556 (no field investigation); Tier 2 $1,854 (field investigation required); Tier 3 actual cost plus deposit (Board reports); an added $1,298 if a Tier 1 case later needs investigation

Processing time

Varies

Renewal

Revocable at the City's discretion; no renewal fee stated

Who files

Filed by the owner, architect or sign contractor.

Good to know

Coordinate the awning with the LADBS sign permit and any HPOZ review — BOE will not approve an encroachment the sign code or HPOZ board rejects.

Official source

BOE Permit Manual — Revocable (R) Permit purpose & definition · BOE Engineering Permits — R-Permits

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.