Outdoor dining for restaurants or other food service establishments on private property (such as in an adjacent parking area or patio) requires review and approval of an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) through the Current Planning Division. After approval of an AUP, a building permit is required for all outdoor dining areas through the Building & Safety Division.
Review the Submittal Checklist for Outdoor Dining AUPs(PDF, 166KB)
An AUP is a type of permit that allows for a specific activity (land “use”) on private property, such as outdoor dining, that needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the use is suitable for the property and compatible with the surrounding area. As part of an AUP application, the City reviews the design, layout, location, and potential impacts of the proposed use, and may impose conditions of approval to ensure any potential impacts are minimized. Approval of an AUP is subject to the discretion of the Planning & Development Director, and based on criteria (“Findings”) described in Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Section 17.530.020 - Findings and Decision.
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.
2. Applicant submits Outdoor Dining AUP Application Materials and Fees.
3. City staff provides instructions to applicant for preparation of public notification materials.
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.
6. Applicant addresses staff’s comments and provides updated application materials to City staff.
* Repeat steps 4-6 until there are no further comments from staff.*
7. 15-Day Public Notification Period.
9. City approves or denies AUP.
10. Applicant completes additional steps required after AUP approval:
Fill out the online Outdoor Dining AUP Application
Submit Online Application
After you submit your application, usually within 1-2 business days, you will receive an email with a link to pay for your application.
Once payment is received, the Current Planning Division, will review your application within 30 days. The assigned Planner will reach out via email with further instructions.
If you were assigned a Case Planner prior to submittal, please let that person know that you have submitted your AUP application online.
Outdoor Dining AUP Application(PDF, 152KB)
Submit the Outdoor Dining AUP Application with all documents and plans listed in the above referenced submittal checklist to the Planner on Duty at the Planning Division public counter on the second floor of City Hall (9770 Culver Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232).
Applicants who submit their application in person must pay fees in person via credit/debit card or check made out to City of Culver City.
A digital copy of the plans shall be provided via flash drive or link emailed to the Case Planner.
If you were assigned a Case Planner prior to submittal, please schedule an appointment with that person to submit your application.
The Current Planning Division, will review your application within 30 days. The assigned Planner will reach out via email with further instructions.
Planning Division Fees
Payable upon AUP application submittal:
Payable during AUP application review:
Building Safety and Public Works Fees
Payable after approval of an AUP, as part of the Building Permit plan check process:
How long does an Outdoor Dining AUP take to process?
Generally, 3-5 months. Actual time frames may vary.
An overview of the AUP process can be found under the “Process” tab.
How long does an AUP last?
Once an Outdoor Dining AUP has been approved, the permit remains valid for as long as the outdoor dining area continues to be in use. If an outdoor dining use is discontinued for a consecutive period of at least one year, the AUP will expire and become null and void. A minor modification to the AUP is required for a change in the tenant occupying the outdoor dining area.
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,
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.
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.
In addition, an outdoor dining area located in a parking area may be required to provide a permanent barrier from the surrounding parking area for safety, and may be required to provide landscaping or other improvements such as changes to the surface/flooring within the outdoor dining area to enhance the visual appeal of the use.
I have an AUP for alcohol sales. Do I need a separate AUP for outdoor dining?
Yes.
I have an AUP for alcohol sales. Will I be able to sell alcohol in my new outdoor dining area?
To sell alcohol in the new outdoor dining area, the business will be required to submit an application to modify the AUP for alcohol to expand the alcohol sales/service area.This may be applied for concurrently with an application for a new or expanded outdoor dining area, subject to additional fees.
Can I make changes to my outdoor dining area after an AUP is approved?
Changes to the outdoor dining area may require approval of a minor or major modification to the AUP, subject to approval by the Planning & Development Director. AUP modifications are subject to fees.
Please call the Planner on Duty at (310) 253-5710 with any other questions.
Do you want to expand your dining outdoors onto the sidewalk, the street, or other public area adjacent to your business?
The Public Works Department regularly issues permits for outdoor dining on public property and in the public right of way. Outdoor dining permits are issued on a case-by-case basis. Permit fees and requirements vary and installation expenses are paid for by the individual business.
Apply or Learn More about Outdoor Dining Permits
Contact: Public Works Department (310) 253-5621
Do you want to build a permanent space for outdoor dining in a curbside parking space or street shoulder?
Parklets are a special type of permanent installation established in the street without involving lane closure. Approval of design and construction of permanent parklets can take a few months. Fees apply and implementation is funded by individual businesses.
Apply or Learn more about Parklets
Contact: Public Works Department (310) 253-5634
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