Los Angeles County, CA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Annual outdoor dining permit
- Issuing office
- Public Works Commissioner
- Sidewalk clearance
- 5-foot minimum pedestrian path
- Penalty
- Up to $500 per day
- Scope
- Unincorporated LA County only
Summary
Restaurants in unincorporated Los Angeles County must get an annual outdoor dining permit from the Public Works Commissioner before placing tables on a sidewalk, on-street parking space, or alley, and must keep a five-foot clear pedestrian path.
Any person desiring to erect, construct, place, or maintain an encroachment upon a highway (as defined in Section 16.04.100 of this Division 1 of Title 16), including a public sidewalk, a public alley, or a public street, for outdoor dining, must first obtain an annual outdoor dining permit from the Commissioner pursuant to this Chapter.
Full Breakdown
The permit covers a highway encroachment - a sidewalk, on-street parking space, or public alley - used for tables and chairs next to a restaurant holding a valid County business license and Public Health permit. Applicants pay a nonrefundable fee, renew annually at least 30 days before the permit expires, and must carry liability insurance naming the County. Dining hours are capped at the restaurant's own operating hours, live entertainment and amplified music are barred, and equipment blocking the required five-foot-wide pedestrian path can be impounded. Violating the permit, clearance, or fee provisions is punishable by a fine of up to $500 per day.
Violations & Fines
Operating outdoor dining without a permit, blocking the five-foot clearance, or violating other Chapter 16.27 rules draws a notice of violation and fines up to $500 per day; equipment can be impounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside the City of Los Angeles?
How wide must the walkway stay?
Can a restaurant play music in the outdoor dining area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
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