Place of assembly occupancy posting & LAFD public assemblage compliance: Los Angeles restaurant guide
LAFD — Public Assemblage Unit Confirm with the city
What it is
Dining rooms with 50 or more occupants are assembly (A-2) occupancies with stricter exiting, alarm and maximum-occupancy posting rules, enforced by LAFD's Public Assemblage Unit.
When a restaurant needs it
Occupant load of 50 or more in a room or space.
How to apply
Your architect calculates occupant load on the plans; LAFD reviews it in plan check and confirms the posted maximum occupancy at inspection. Contact the Public Assemblage Unit for any required assembly permit or special event.
Documents you’ll need
- Occupant load calculation and seating plan
- Exit plan
- LAFD application forms as directed
Good to know
The 50-person A-2 threshold comes from the California Building Code; LAFD's own permit triggers weren't published in text. Contact the Public Assemblage Unit ((213) 978-3650, lafdpau@lacity.org) for Metro, Hollywood, West LA and Harbor, or the Valley Public Safety Unit ((818) 374-1110, lafdvpsu@lacity.org) for San Fernando Valley locations.
Official source
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.