LA Al Fresco outdoor dining authorization: Los Angeles restaurant guide

LA BOE / LADOT / LADBS

What it is

The City's permanent outdoor dining program (launched Feb 1, 2024): sidewalk dining by BOE Revocable Permit, on-street dining by BOE with LADOT, and private-property dining (parking lots, plazas) by LADBS building permit.

When a restaurant needs it

Any seating on the sidewalk, in the street/parking lane, or in an outdoor area on private property.

How to apply

Sidewalk and on-street: apply in the BOE Engineering Permits portal (Angeleno Account). Private property: submit through ePlanLA (Fast-Track option for moveable furniture only). Serving alcohol outdoors also needs a City Planning clearance through OAS.

Documents you’ll need

Site plan with seating, clearances, property lines and exits
Liability insurance
Notarized Waiver of Damages (public right-of-way)
ADA accessibility documentation
Sewer Facilities Charge per seat

Fee

New applicants — sidewalk: $556 Revocable Permit + $504 initial fire inspection and plot plan review + Sewer Facilities Charge of $165/seat (full service) or $138/seat (limited service); on-street adds a $1,500 application review fee (LADOT; $1,200 for existing temporary participants). Outdoor alcohol clearance $398.52 (no fee for existing Al Fresco participants). A-Permit $314 + $95/hour inspection and structural review $215/hour if construction is needed. Private property: per LADBS fee calculator.

Processing time

Varies; sidewalk applicants can apply while under construction, on-street applicants must already be open

Renewal

One-time fees; Revocable Permits have no renewal fee

Who files

The operator or its designer/expediter applies.

Good to know

Temporary pandemic-era authorizations expire April 1, 2027; from July 1, 2026 restaurants still on a Temporary Authorization are automatically enrolled as Transitioning Al Fresco Operators. Restaurants in the Coastal Zone also need a Coastal Development Permit and, from July 1, 2026, must hold their Coastal Act approvals.

Official source

BuildLA — LA Al Fresco · LADOT — L.A. Al Fresco

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