Outdoor Dining on Private Property

Overview of Permitting Process  

Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Current Planning Division in person or by phone at (310) 253-5710 for an initial consultation on a proposed outdoor dining proposal.  

1. Applicant reads and understands all steps and requirements:

• Review the Submittal Checklist for Outdoor Dining AUPs.(PDF, 169KB)
• Contact the Planning Division at (310) 253-5710 with any questions. 
• Prepare and gather all required documents, plans, and information.

2. Applicant submits Outdoor Dining AUP Application Materials and Fees.

3. City staff provides instructions to applicant for preparation of public notification materials. 

• Applicant must submit all required public notification materials and pay public notification fees prior to Step 7.

4. City staff reviews application and plans.  

5. City staff provides a list of comments that must be addressed prior to approval of the AUP. 

• Comments may consist of requests for additional items or information, required changes to the outdoor dining plans, potential concerns related to impacts of the outdoor dining area, code requirements that have not been met, and any other applicable requirements.

10. Applicant completes additional steps required after AUP approval:

• After approval of an Outdoor Dining AUP, applicants must apply for a building permit, during which additional requirements and fees apply. 
• Consult Building Safety at (310) 253-5800 or building.safety@culvercity.org for more information about Plan Check and Permit requirements. 

Planning Division Fees 

Payable upon AUP application submittal:  

• $4,410.64 – AUP Application Fee.  
• $230.00* – Environmental Assessment Fee (*typical amount, subject to change upon application review).

Payable during AUP application review:  

• $1.00 per mailing label – Public Notification Fee for AUP (Typically ranges between $200-$800. Actual fee may vary depending on public notification radius). 

Building Safety and Public Works Fees 

Payable after approval of an AUP, as part of the Building Permit plan check process: 

• Building and other Plan Check and Permit Fees, assessed by the Building Safety Division (per permit fee schedule). 
• Sewer Facility Fees, assessed by Public Works Department (fee varies; calculated by number of dining seats and square-footage). Consult the Public Works Engineering Division at (310) 253-5600 with questions regarding this fee. 

What standards apply to an outdoor dining area? 

Outdoor dining AUPs are subject to compliance with all applicable CCMC standards, including but not limited to the following standards outlined in CCMC Section 17.400.070.C, 

• Outdoor dining areas shall be located directly adjacent to the food service establishment is serves. 
• When located immediately adjacent to a residential use, provisions shall be made to minimize noise, light, and odor impacts on the residential use.
•  All outdoor dining areas shall include some landscaping (e.g., planter boxes or permanent vegetation).
•  Outdoor dining areas and associated structural elements, awnings, covers, furniture, umbrellas, or other physical elements shall be compatible with the overall design of the main structures. 
• Outdoor dining areas shall not inhibit vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow. 

The following additional standards may apply to outdoor dining areas at the discretion of the Director if deemed necessary to mitigate impacts on the surrounding area. 

• Amplified sound and music may be prohibited within the outdoor dining area. 
• A sound-buffering, acoustic wall may be required along property lines adjacent to the outdoor dining area. The design and height of the wall shall be approved by the Director. 
• Separation by a physical barrier to define the limits of the outdoor dining space may be required, with the design to be approved by the Director. 

Additional municipal code standards may apply, and additional requirements be imposed on a case by basis if determined necessary to comply with the required Findings.  

Can I use some or all of my business’ parking lot for outdoor dining? 

Generally speaking, restaurants and other food service establishments may replace existing surface parking spaces adjacent to the restaurant or food service establishment with outdoor dining areas (subject to approval of an AUP). 

However, applicants should consider how the outdoor dining area may impact any parking spaces that will remain, including driveway and drive-aisle access, parking space dimensions, and parking space back-up clearances. Changes or impacts to parking lot layout or access resulting from a new outdoor dining area are subject to certain municipal code standards which will be reviewed as part of the AUP. In the event the existing parking lot design and layout does not meet current code standards, a new outdoor dining area should not further reduce compliance with standards.