R-Permits


How to Apply for Revocable (R) Permits
  1. Applicant submits an online Revocable Permit application through the online Revocable Permit portal here.
  2. Applicant submits a sketch showing the encroachment with dimensions. (Can be scanned and uploaded through this online application as an attachment).
    1. The plan or sketch should show the encroachment with dimensions, elevations, details, property line, north arrow, and adjacent street names. It should also include all existing street furniture protruding above the finished surface of the sidewalk such as streetlights, power poles, fire hydrants, news racks, street trees and tree wells, parking meters, street signs, etc. If possible, photos showing curb to building line taken at both sides of the property adjacent to encroachment should be submitted and uploaded.
  3. Applicant submits a copy of grant deed or lease agreement if Applicant is lessee. (Can be scanned and uploaded through this online application as an attachment).
    1. The lease agreement is typically required for sidewalk dining and/or on-street dining.
    2. If Applicant is not the property owner, an authorization letter from the property owner allowing Applicant to apply for Revocable Permit on their behalf will be required.
  4. After receiving an invoice, Applicant pays the appropriate fee per LAMC Section 62.118.2. Note: fees have been updated per Ordinance 188752 (PDF), effective December 7, 2025.
    1. Applicant must submit the application first. Applicant pays appropriate fee in the online R-Permit application after receiving an invoice which can be paid by credit card or e-check. When checking the status of the application online, Applicant will see the fees assessed for the R-Permit application. At this time, a payment of those fees is required in order to continue processing the permit application.
    2. Fee Information
    3. A Revocable Permit process is a discretionary process. Completing the permit fee payment does not guarantee permit issuance.
  5. Bureau of Engineering will perform technical review, conduct field investigation, and prepare a report to the Board of Public Works, as applicable.
    1. Bureau of Engineering will review the R-Permit application, perform technical plan review, conduct a field investigation (as applicable), and determine conditions of approval or Permit Requirements.
    2. If necessary, Bureau of Engineering will prepare a report to the Board of Public Works recommending either approval or denial of the encroachment request.
  6. Bureau of Engineering presents the report to the Board of Public Works, if required.
    1. After preparing the report to the Board of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering will inform Applicant of the meeting date and time.
    2. If denial of the encroachment request is adopted by the Board of Public Works, the R-Permit application status will be changed to "denied". This concludes the R-Permit process.
  7. Applicant must complete Permit Requirements, provide proof of Liability Insurance, execute Waiver of Damages Agreement, and complete Covenant & Agreement (as applicable). Other special conditions may apply.
    1. After the report is adopted by the Board, a copy will be sent to Applicant. If the encroachment request is granted, the report will include a list of conditions (Permit Requirements) which must be satisfied before the R-Permit is issued.
      1. If the request for an encroachment does not require a report to the Board of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering will send Applicant a list of conditions (Permit Requirements) which must be satisfied before the R-Permit is issued.
    2. Standard conditions or Permit Requirements will include:
      1. Providing proof of liability insurance (instructions will also be sent to Applicant on the R-Permit portal)
        1. Instructions and Information on Complying with City Insurance Requirements (PDF)
      2. Execution of Waiver of Damages Agreement and Covenant & Agreement forms (instructions will be included with copy of report and sent to Applicant on the R-Permit portal).
        1. Bureau of Engineering will prepare the Waiver of Damages form and Covenant & Agreement form (as applicable) which will require notarization and recordation. For some cases as determined by Bureau of Engineering, recordation may not be required.
        2. Take all copies of the Waiver of Damages form, Covenant & Agreement form, and appropriate additional sheets for completion by notary public.
        3. After notarization, return all copies of the forms to Bureau of Engineering for further processing.
        4. After acceptance by Bureau of Engineering, for cases that require recordation, take all copies of the forms to the County Recorder. Pay the recording fee and have the Waiver of Damages and Covenant & Agreement recorded. The County Recorder will retain the original and return the copy with a recording stamp on it to Applicant.
        5. Upload copies of the recorded forms to Bureau of Engineering on the R-Permit portal and keep a duplicate copy for your own files.
          1. For cases that do not require recordation, Applicant can upload copies of the notarized forms on the R-Permit portal.
        6. Resubmit the R-Permit application in order to allow Bureau of Engineering to finalize the permit process.
      3. Other special conditions may apply.
    3. After all of the conditions or Permit Requirements are completed and satisfied, the R-Permit will be issued by Bureau of Engineering.
  8. Obtain any necessary City permits to construct the encroachment (as applicable).
    1. In addition to the Revocable Permit, Bureau of Engineering may direct Applicant to obtain appropriate construction permits in order to begin construction and inspection.
Reference Materials
Revocable 'R' Permits Overview Technical Procedures Checklists and Sample Documents