Parklets

• Parklets are not permitted in front of, or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or over a fire hydrant shut-off valve.
• Parklets constructed with irremovable materials may not be constructed over any utility access covers. Applicants are required to photograph and take a thorough inventory of any utility access covers in the proposed parklet area to ensure none are present, which may require looking under parked cars.
• Temporary access must be provided to any City staff or other public utility company from time to time that have underground conduits running beneath the parklet area. Applicants understand and agree that City crew roadway restriping, resurfacing and utility company access may require the temporary removal of all, or a portion of the constructed Parklet to provide access. Accurate reinstatement of the parklet or its components will be the responsibility of the applicant.

• Most parklets are the size and length of one, two, or three adjacent parking spaces including the required buffer areas. The City will consider larger Parklets depending on the existing site conditions, and requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• All parklets are required to include a minimum 4 ft setback on either end to buffer the parklet from adjacent on-street parking spaces and a minimum 1 ft buffer adjacent to the auto or bike travel lane. Parallel parking spaces typically range between 18 to 20 ft in length. With a standard 4 ft setback on both ends and a 20 ft typical parking space length, parklet lengths would be as follows: 
  • 1 Parking Space: 8 ft setback, 12 ft parklet
  • 2 Parking Spaces: 8 ft setback, 32 ft parklet 
  • 3 Parking Spaces: 8 ft setback, 52 ft parklet 

• Parklets may not use any part of an adjacent parking space. In areas where parking is not striped, the Parklet shall not leave an “orphaned” space that is too small to park a full-sized passenger vehicle.

• For parklets located within parallel parking spaces, a 4 ft concrete, rubber, or metal wheel stop shall be installed at least 1-foot from the curb at the 4 ft edge of each perimeter parking space.
• When parklets are installed adjacent to parallel parking spaces, wheel stops should be setback 4 ft from the parklet structure.
• For angled parking spaces and parklets located adjacent to driveways, city staff will work with the applicant to determine the appropriate location for placement of wheel stops.

Bollards

• Concrete bollards 6 ft long containing a ½ in steel sheath that are placed 4 ft above grade and buried 2 ft below grade are to be placed 4 ft apart from one another along the perimeter of the parklet and a maximum of 2 ft away from any corner.
  • Performance Standard: All vehicle impact protection devices shall be engineered and determined to be in compliance with the low-speed vehicle impact testing standards F3016 (S20 or S30) prescribed by ASTM International. Compliance with the ASTM F3016 S20 or S30 standard shall be confirmed and certified by a bollard manufacturer or licensed professional engineer. If the vehicle protection device is not S-rated, an analysis of the site conditions, approach routes, topography and type of proposed vehicle impact protection device(s), including size and depth of footings, shall be submitted showing the vehicle impact device(s) to be equivalent to an S20 or S30 standard.
  • Loads on Vehicle Barrier Systems: Loads on Vehicle Barrier Systems. Vehicle barrier systems for passenger vehicles shall be designed to resist a single load of 6,000 lb. (26.70kN) applied horizontally in any direction to the barrier system, and shall have anchorages or attachments capable of transferring this load to the structure. For design of the system, the load shall be assumed to act at heights between 1 ft 6 in (460 mm) and 2 ft 3 in (686 mm) above the floor or ramp surface, selected to produce the maximum load effect. The load shall be applied on an area not to exceed 12 in by 12 in (305 mm by 305 mm) and located as to produce the maximum load effects.

• The tops of parklet walls shall not be higher than 36 in above the ground, however, narrow support pillars or posts may be built above 36 in to support a roof or to mount lighting fixtures, lighting strings, or speakers, provided the roof is no lower than 7½ ft high and provided the roof sustains a minimum wind speed of 110 mph.
• The height of the parklet may be increased with clear plexiglass or other material that does not obstruct visibility.

• Applicants interested in lighting should consider solar-powered lighting that use a rechargeable battery.
• Parklets may have lighting fixtures or lighting strings installed on poles, with or without a roof, provided they are rated for outdoor use and their power cord is plugged into an enclosed Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet located on the face or roof of the building.
• Running conduits or extension cords along the ground to the parklet from the building to provide electrical power is prohibited and can be a tripping hazard.

• Parklets may have speakers mounted within them provided they are rated for outdoor use and their cords are connected in an aerial fashion to equipment located inside or outside of the building that is owned or occupied by the Applicant.
• Alternatively, speakers may be mounted directly upon the face of the building that is owned or occupied by the Applicant.
• Running conduits or speaker wire along the ground to the Parklet from any building is prohibited.
• Unamplified acoustic musical instruments and electric sound reproduction systems shall be operated at sufficiently low volumes so as not to create a public nuisance or unduly intrude on neighboring businesses, residents, or users of the public right-of-way beyond the parklet area.

• Parklets should be a minimum width of 6 ft (or the width of the existing parking lane including the minimum 1 ft buffer).
• Parklets generally entail the conversion of one or more parallel parking spaces, but may vary according to the site, context, and desired character of the installation.

• Reflective elements/devices are required at the outside corners of all parklets. Soft-hit posts equipped with reflective surfaces are a typical solution deployed along the perimeter, however, the City will consider other reflective elements incorporated into the parklet design to enhance visibility of the structure including at night.

Driveways

• Parklets located adjacent to driveways must be set back 20 ft from the outside edge of the driveway apron, however, the City may consider shorter separation requirements for smaller driveways. 

• Since parklets will be placed atop critical infrastructure and utilities such as gas lines, sewer and water mains, they must be designed for easy removal in case emergency access is required.
• No Parklet component may weigh more than 200 pounds per square foot.

• With the exception of one menu sandwich board, advertising, marketing, promotional activities or any other signage is prohibited in the parklet.

• If other areas of the business do not achieve minimum ADA accessibility requirements, then the parklet design shall be accessible to the disabled in accordance with ADA standards.
• Parklet access shall adhere to the Uniform Building Code and Title 24 (California Building Standards Code) of the California Code of Regulations and include:
  • Use of slip resistant surface materials, maximum allowable slopes and other provisions.
  • The ability for wheelchair users to access the parklet.

Platform Deck

• Each parklet requires a platform that is flush with the curb.
• Construction drawings must be submitted for the seating deck so that the City can review the structural base for the Parklet.
• In designing the deck, the following provisions apply: 
  • The parklet base should be a freestanding structural foundation that rests on the street surface.
  • The frame should not be permanently attached to the street, curb or adjacent planting strip.
  • The applicant may use pin bolts to attach the parklet to the curb and street below.
  • Parklets may include buried bollards and bolted platforms to the existing curb, provided the curb and roadway are restored to their original condition upon their removal.
  • The surface of the parklet platform shall be fabricated from durable, non-reflective, slip resistant, aesthetically pleasing materials designed to withstand outdoor conditions. Surface materials shall not be prone to corrosion and shall be able to withstand power-washing when needed.

• Parklets may not be built over existing utility access points unless the utility agrees, in writing, that creation of a hinged door on the platform to access them is acceptable.

• With the exception of soil contained inside planter boxes, loose particles, such as sand, gravel or loose stone are not permitted in the parklet.

Drainage

• Parklet cannot impede the flow of curbside drainage on all sides and underneath the platform directly over the gutter.
• Designers are required to cover openings at either end of the Parklet with screens to prevent blockage from debris while allowing water to flow along the gutter and into the storm drain.
• The platform shall contain a minimum 4 in high x 1 ft long unobstructed cutout along the entire length of the gutter to provide unimpeded storm water flow to the storm drain.

• Parklet platform cannot exceed two percent cross slopes.

• The platform requires a positive edge or railing along the open sides of the deck surface that is parallel to the vehicular traffic lane, to inhibit people who, while lingering, may inadvertently wander into vehicular traffic.
• A positive edge along vehicular traffic lane and parking space may be achieved by providing a railing of no less than 36 in high with openings of no more than 4 in, or by other means as described in the next paragraph.
• Handrails, guardrails, and their supports must be designed for 50 lbs per linear foot, applied in any direction at the top of the top rail, and a concentrated load of 250 lbs applied in any direction at any location along the top of the top rail.
• Guardrail infill and bottom rails are to be designed for 100 lbs acting on a projected area of 1 sq ft, including the open space between components. Where required, guardrail height must be a minimum of 36 in above the leading edge of the tread or walking surface.
• Open guards shall have balusters or ornamental patterns such that a 4 in diameter sphere cannot pass through any opening up to a height of 36 in.
• Other means for achieving this positive edge may include raised planters no less than 24 in high and 12 in deep, built-in seating or other built-in furnishings no less than 24 in high and no less than 12 in deep, dense plantings that visually enclose the space and discourage pass through, or some other such similar means.
• In some instances, such as residential streets, alleys, shared public ways or other non-arterial streets, other barriers may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
• At other areas, for example where the edge is perpendicular to the vehicle traffic lane, where any portion of the deck surface’s perimeter is ½ in or more above the street, curb, or sidewalk level, the edge shall be positively marked by a vertical element or barrier that is 24 in minimum in height. These vertical elements shall have visual contrast with the Deck Surface material: either light on dark or dark on light. 

• Parklet dimensions, including the requested parking space(s) setback dimensions from adjacent parking spaces (a minimum of 48” inches from adjacent parking spaces - front and back setbacks - and 12” inches from an adjacent bike lane or auto traffic lane are required – side setback).
• Width of the adjacent sidewalk
• Name and address of the immediately adjacent businesses
• Distance to the nearest crosswalk and intersection
• Depiction of above-ground street fixtures located within 20 feet of the parklet area (this is along and from the limits of the Parklet and shall include items such as trees, fire hydrants, traffic sign poles, parking meter, bike racks, streetlights, meter cabinets, utility cabinets, etc.)
• At-grade roadway markings (colored curbs, lane striping, parking stall markings, etc.)
• At-grade utilities (panels, storm-drains, sewer maintenance hole, electric covers, etc.)
• Street addresses for each parking space contained in the Parklet
• Tables, chairs, planter boxes, and other furnishings
• Total number of metered parking spaces (if applicable) and total number of seats (if any) and a tabulation of the total square footage within the parklet
• Photographs of the proposed Parklet area taken 20 feet away from each direction (north, south, east, and west)
• Parklet design elements to meet applicable accessibility requirements
• Elevations of parklet, sidewalk, pavement, etc. and provisions that eliminate impacts on drainage

• Exhibit A: Site plan depicting the items listed above, with dimensions of the parklet area
• Exhibit B: Photographs of manufacturers’ cut sheets depicting any physical barriers, design, planters, bollards, lighting, speakers, wheel stops, etc., which will be used in the parklet area
• Exhibit C: Photographs of the furniture that will be used in the parklet area
• Exhibit D: Front, left and right-side detailed elevation drawings depicting placement of the items listed above including the parklet platform, wheel stops, bollards, planters, seating, lighting, speakers and furniture placement, elevations including dimensions

With exception of City of Los Angeles sewer fees that must be paid in full upfront, applicants may take up to one full year to pay off the remainder of their startup parklet fees. Indicate in your parklet application if you wish to set up a payment plan

To reduce parklet startup costs, the City will waive the first-year of metered parking space rental fees entirely (where applicable). This fee amounts to $1,000 per metered parking space per year annually. Metered parking space rental fees will resume upon the first-year anniversary of the parklet installation and continue through year five.

Annual recurring fees can be paid annually, bi-annually, or monthly (processing fees apply to monthly billing)

Find the fee schedule under the Fee tab above

Maintenance

• Parklets are required to be well maintained and be in good condition.
• Parklet owners are required to develop a maintenance plan for keeping the Parklet free from debris, grime, and graffiti, and to ensure any plants remain in good health and not grown in a manner that would obstruct visibility of the adjacent travel lane and/or intersections.
• Parklet owners are required to sweep the sidewalk and roadway area immediately surrounding the parklet and to keep it litter-free as City street sweepers are unable to do so.
• Any area beneath a parklet platform shall be cleaned and rinsed out at least once a month.

Permit Renewal

• The Parklet Street Use Permit and License Agreement will automatically be renewed upon payment of the annual license fee, including the metered parking fee (when applicable) and submittal of a renewed certificate of insurance.

Change of Ownership

• The Parklet Street Use Permit and License Agreement is non-transferable.
• If the applicant’s business changes ownership or ceases to operate, the permit will be automatically terminated and the installations shall be removed by the applicant and the parking space(s), parking meter(s), bike rack(s), and any other impacted road elements will be restored. An exception can be made if the applicant is a tenant on the premises and the property owner of these premises agrees, in writing, to assume the responsibility of removing the parklet if the new tenant of these premises or new owner of applicant’s business does not wish to use the parklet.
• Any new tenant or new operator of applicant’s business will be required to apply and obtain a new Street Use Permit and License Agreement from the City. 

Parklet Removal

• If the applicant decides to no longer use the parklet, or the permit has expired, the applicant is responsible for removing the parklet and all related elements and restoring the public right-of-way to its original condition. Removal and restoration of the parklet area requires an additional permit, which may be obtained from the Department of Public Works Engineering Division. Failure to remove the parklet and/or restore the road will result in forfeiting the maintenance deposit and pay additional fees if restoration cost exceeds the deposit amount.
• In some instances, such as a street repaving or utility work, the City may require the applicant to remove their parklet temporarily. Parklet removal and reinstallation shall be performed at the sole cost of the permit holder.
• Because Parklets may be placed atop utilities, there may be instances when the the City or other public utility will require immediate removal with little notice (such as a gas leak, water main break, sewage pipe break, etc.).

• View the Parklet Design Guidelines(PDF, 467KB)
• Learn about Parklet Eligibility(PDF, 178KB)
• View the fillable Parklet Street Use Permit Application(PDF, 277KB)
• View the Culver City Ordinance establishing the Parklet Program(PDF, 410KB)
• View the Culver City Council Resolution establishing Parklet Fee Schedule(PDF, 210KB)
• View an example of a completed Parklet Street Use Permit License Agreement(PDF, 292KB)  

Permitted business must indemnify and hold the City harmless from liability for personal injury or damage to property that may arise from the use of the public right-of-way.  Certificate and endorsement demonstrate that the coverage amount meets minimum requirements.

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

All events open to the public require a permit from Culver City's Committee on Permits and Licenses. Applications must be made in person at the Finance Department at City Hall.

Download the Special Permit Application

Learn More

• Learn about the Committee on Permits and Licenses

• View Culver City Municipal Code Chapter 17.520 governing special event permits

Contact Us

Business License Division
(310) 253-5870