Rooftop dining approval (LADBS occupancy/structural review, LAFD exiting, Planning): Los Angeles restaurant guide
LADBS / LAFD / City Planning Confirm with the city
What it is
Putting guests on a roof changes the roof from an unoccupied surface into an assembly space: LADBS must approve the structural capacity, guardrails, two exits and accessibility and include it in the Certificate of Occupancy/occupant load, LAFD reviews exiting and any cooking or heaters, and alcohol or entertainment on the roof needs Planning (CUB) conditions.
When a restaurant needs it
Rooftop seating or bar.
How to apply
Your architect/structural engineer includes the roof deck in the LADBS plan check (change of use/occupancy of the roof) and the LAFD plan review; add it to the CUB application if you serve alcohol.
Documents you’ll need
- Structural calculations for live load
- Exit/egress plan from the roof
- Guardrail and accessibility details
- Noise/operations plan for Planning
Good to know
LADBS does not publish a rooftop-specific bulletin; treat it as a change of occupancy for the roof and raise it at the RSBEP kickoff meeting.
Official source
LADBS — change of use / occupancy requirements · LAFD — fire/life safety plan review
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.