Parklets

Do you want to build a permanent space in a curbside parking area adjacent to your business?

The Public Works Department can now issue permits for permanent installations to expand outdoor restaurant dining, create a customer waiting area, display art, or plant a garden.    

 

Photograph of outdoor dining installation in city street along street curb, showing tables, benches and plants in planter boxes, covered by trellis, with woman with yellow backpack walking by.

 

  • Permits are issued on a case-by-case basis

Parklet permits are issued on a case-by-case basis after consideration of the intended use, competing interests, and safety concerns, allowing the City to balance user needs with the safety of patrons, employees, pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists.

  • Permit costs and requirements vary

Permit fees and requirements vary depending on the specifics of the property. Installation expenses are paid by the individual businesses.

 


Apply for a Parklet Permit

Get Started

Site Visit and Pre-Application Materials

The first step is to determine if the location of the proposed site is eligible to build a parklet. If eligible, then a site visit is required at the start of the application process to determine if your proposed site is suitable for a parklet installation and to confirm eligibility to apply.

View Learn More below, where you can find information about parklet site eligibility, as well as parklet design and construction requirements and other resources.

Step 1.Prepare Pre-Application Materials

Prepare the following materials:

  • Rough conceptual plan drawing
  • Collect a selection of images depicting examples of the type of installation you wish to install and the intended design and use
  • Location map
  • Photographs documenting the existing site conditions, including sidewalks, curb conditions, nearby utilities, nearest crosswalk, streetscape, traffic signs, parking meters, street trees, bike racks, etc

Step 2.Contact Us and Submit Pre-Application Materials

Contact the Public Works Department Mobility and Traffic Engineering Division to request a no-fee site visit to your proposed site

(310) 253-5634

Staff will be in touch after the site visit and submission of pre-application materials to discuss next steps

Submit

Step 1.Review Guidelines

Review the Parklet Design Guidelines(PDF, 467KB), which outline eligibility and application requirements, fee schedule, and other information

Step 2.Complete Application Form

If your site is determined to be suitable for installation of a parklet, you may proceed with the application

Download and Complete the Parklet Street Use Permit Application(PDF, 277KB)

On the application form, include both the legal entity name of the business and the name of the contact person and their email and phone number 

Step 3.Prepare Attachments

The following materials must be submitted with Parklet Street Use Permit Application form
  • Signed petition indicating adjacent property/business owners agreement to dedicate the curbside parking space(s) for your use
    • Petition form template is included in Parklet Street Use Permit Application form
    • Petition must include 100% of the adjacent property owners and business owners located within 100’ of each side of the applicant’s business, on the same side of the street or to the end of the block (whichever is less)
  • Traffic Control Plan to implement while the parklet is being constructed, which is consistent with provisions of the CA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 
  • Summary description of your business operation and the intended use of the parklet
  • Photographs of the business front, each side of the proposed parklet area, and an aerial view of the parking space(s)
  • Site plan, dimensioned and to‐scale, accurately depicting the total square footage, the total number of metered curbside parking spaces used (if applicable), and the total number of seats (if any)
  • Complete set of construction drawings, materials, and furnishings (see requirements under resources)

Step 4.Submit Application & Required Attachments

Submit your completed Parklet Street Use Permit Application with all required attachments to

Public Works Counter at City Hall, 9770 Culver Blvd, 2nd Floor, Culver City, CA 90232

Submit both hard copies and a complete digital set of the entire permit application package (pdf preferred) 

 

Step 5.Pay Application Fee

Application fee is $780, which includes the base fee of $750 and a 4% Tech Surcharge Fee

Application fee can be paid when you submit your application, or alternatively, if you wish, you may take advantage of the 12-month payment plan option


 

After submission a staff member will contact you to:

  • Confirm receipt of your application and attachments
  • Guide you through the application review and completion of additional steps
  • If missing, to request additional information or materials
  • Send invoices and arrange payment plans for fees
  • Let you know once the application has been approved, or if denied, provide guidance on how to proceed
  • Answer any questions

Permits for approved applications will only be issued after completion of the steps outlined in the Additional Steps tab and payment of all fees

    Fees

    Fee Schedule

    After application is submitted, remaining fees will be invoiced and include instructions on payment process

    View Learn More to find out about fee payment plans

    Step 1.Application Fee

    $750 (one-time)

    • Paid when application is submitted
    • Must be paid before application will be reviewed
    • Application fee will not be refunded if permit application is denied

    Step 2.Tech Surcharge Fee

    $32 (one-time)

    • Paid when application is submitted
    • 4% of issuance + application fees

    Step 3.Public Right-of-Way Restoration Fee and Maintenance Deposit

    $2,000 (one-time, refundable)

    • Paid before issuance of permit
    • The street maintenance deposit shall be applied by the City to repair or replace any broken or damaged property and to perform required maintenance of the public right-of-way not otherwise performed by permittee after permittee’s removal of the parklet and restoration of the public right-of-way to its original condition (pursuant to CCMC Section 9.08.035.C.2 and 9.08.035.E).
    • If the permittee restores the public right-of-way to its original condition upon permittee’s removal of the parklet, the street maintenance deposit shall be fully refunded. 

    Step 4.Sewer Facility Charge

    Calculated (one-time)

    • City of Los Angeles Sewer Fee of $302.50 per seat is paid before issuance of permit
    • Culver City Sewer fee of $339 per seat may be paid at time of permit issuance or over 12 months  
    • Calculated by number of dining seats and square footage
    • Fee established and amended from time to time in part by the City of Los Angeles

    Step 5.Rental Fee

    Calculated (recurring annually)

    • Calculated by square footage of parklet interior area ($13.00 /sq ft)
    • Initial annual fees paid mid-year will be prorated
    • Recurring fees can be paid annually, bi-annually, or monthly (processing fees apply to monthly billing)

    Step 6.Parking Meter Fee

    Calculated (recurring annually)

    • Calculated by number of metered spaces used, if any ($1,000 per space)
    • Only charged in years 2 - 5, the first year is waived
    • Only applies to parklets using currently metered parking space(s)
    • Initial annual fees paid mid-year will be prorated
    • Recurring fees can be paid annually, bi-annually, or monthly (processing fees apply to monthly billing)

    Additional

    Additional Steps & Requirements

    Once you receive notice that your permit is ready to be issued, pay all required fees and complete ALL of the following additional steps before your permit can be issued. Failure to do so will delay the issuance of your permit.

    Step 1.Certificate of Insurance

    Provide a Certificate of Insurance and insurer endorsement for the applicant business 

    Provide evidence of:

    • Workers compensation coverage as required by State law
    • Comprehensive general liability coverage with minimum $2,000,000 per occurrence and minimum $2,000,000 aggregate
    • Create an endorsement that names additional insured as follows: "The City of Culver City, members if its City Council, boards and commissions, officers, agents, and its employees" 

    View a full list of insurance requirements for Parklet Street Use Permit(PDF, 70KB)

    View an example of an acceptable Certificate of Insurance(PDF, 306KB)

    Step 2.Culver City Business License

    Provide or obtain an active Culver City Business License

    Learn more about obtaining a Culver City Business License

    Step 3.License Agreement

    Execute an Parklet Street Use Permit License Agreement with the City

    A Parklet Street Use Permit and License Agreement will be provided by City after your Application is approved to sign and return.  Once it is signed and returned to the City, the permit becomes effective.

    View a sample of a completed Parklet Street Use Permit License Agreement(PDF, 292KB)

    Step 4.Other Requirements

    Additional measures may be required of applicant businesses depending on case-by-case circumstances.

    Culver City must balance the needs of competing uses of the public right-of-way and consider the safety of everyone in the vicinity.

    For example, businesses must comply with American Disability Act (ADA) requirements, including a minimum 48” unobstructed path of travel for wheelchair access on adjacent public sidewalks, and if ADA accessibility isn’t provided elsewhere, then into and out of dining areas, however, more space may be required depending on pedestrian traffic.

    Examples of other issues considered by Public Works:

    • Adjacent sloped sidewalk surface area
    • Sidewalk drainage
    • Available lighting
    • Driver sightline impacts from planters and shade structures
    • Adequate fire fighting clearance
    • Trash and utility services access
    • Contiguous allocations of street areas
    • Area traffic patterns, turn lanes, bike access, pedestrian flow, and other mobility issues
    • Impacts on local parking supply

    Businesses requesting outdoor expansion must also adhere to all laws and regulations, as well as all health and safety guidelines adopted by Culver City and the County of Los Angeles. Learn more about current Covid-19 guidelines. 

    Learn More

    Parklet Site Eligibility

    Restaurants, retailers and other businesses may apply for the temporary closure and use of one or more metered or unmetered parking space(s) that are located immediately in front of their property limits for outdoor dining or other business uses (a “parklet”).
     
    Approvals
    • Where the applicant does not own the property in which their restaurant or business is located, then the property owner’s approval is required.
    • Eligible applicants must submit a Parklet Petition, signed and approved by 100% of the adjacent property owners and business owners that are located on the same side of the street within 100’ of both sides of the proposed parking space(s) or to the end of the block (whichever is less).
     
    Usage
    • Parklets are to be used only to place tables, chairs, a platform with railings/enclosure, landscaping, lighting, speakers, planter boxes, a roof or other equipment and devices necessary for the purpose of creating open space for public use, a small garden, to create a customer waiting area, a stage for acoustic musicians to perform, or for serving food to outdoor dining customers.
    • Parklets may not be used to display or conduct retail product sales, or to render personal or other services.
     
    Streets
    • Parklets are permitted on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or lower, however streets with speed limits over 25 mph will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
     
    Size
    • Generally a parklet may occupy a maximum of three adjacent parking spaces.
    • Larger parklets will be considered on a case-by-case basis for up-to the length of a business frontage.
     
    Location
    • Proposed parklets cannot interfere with view preservations of historic buildings and landmarks or public art.
    • Architectural design of the parklet structure(s), and their materials and colors, must be compatible with the scale and character of surrounding development and other improvements on the site.
    • Parklets may be placed in non-restricted, on-street metered and unmetered parking spaces in commercially zoned areas
    • Parklets may not be placed within a blue, green, red, yellow, or white painted curb.
    • Parklets must be located a least one parking space (which is approximately 20 feet) from an intersection with a crossing road. The allowable distance is subject to review. Staff will consider the type of intersection, type of control, crosswalk and other pavement markings, etc.
    • Parklets may not be located within designated turn lanes, tapers or bike lanes. 

     

     Image of diagram showing parklet location in relation to street corner, showing two parking spaces, demonstrating requirement is at least on parking space away from corner

     

    Running Slope

    • Parklets are generally permitted on streets with a running slope (grade) of five percent or less

     

    Image of diagram showing streets with a running slope (grade) of five percent or less, including arrows showing running slope, sidewalk cross slope, 2% max cross slope, and 6in curb
     
     
    Access
    • 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.

    Parklet Design Requirements

    Example parklet diagram: street name; sponsor; neighbor businesses; existing meters, lights, trees, bike rack; standard size 40ft L x 7 ft W, interior 32ft L with 4ft setbacks and 6ft W with 1ft setback streetside; exterior wheel stops and bollards

     
    Parklet Footprint
    • 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 
    Adjacent Parking
    • 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.
    Wheel Stops
    • 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.
    Enclosure
    • 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.
    Lighting
    • 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.
    Speakers and Music
    • 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.
    Heaters
    Width
    • 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.
    Reflectivity
    • 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. 
    Easy Removal
    • 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.
    Advertising/Signs
    • With the exception of one menu sandwich board, advertising, marketing, promotional activities or any other signage is prohibited in the parklet.
    ADA Compliance
    • 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.
    Access
    • 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.
    Surface Materials
    • 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.
    Platform Cross Slope
    • Parklet platform cannot exceed two percent cross slopes.
    Platform Edge
    • 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. 

    Construction Drawings/Site Plan Requirements

    Parklet construction plans should be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer, with experience preparing site plans, elevations, perspective views, and section drawings.
    The construction drawings and site plan must include details that depict the seating deck and material, floor supports, stormwater drainage, accessibility provisions, etc. The construction drawings and site plan shall include all features located within 100 feet of the proposed parklet, and at a minimum contain the following:
    • 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
     
    Create and submit the following exhibits with your completed application form
    • 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

    Fee Payment Plans

    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

    Parklet Regulations

    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.).

    Why do I need a Certificate of Insurance?

    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.


    Learn About Other Types of Outdoor Dining Permits

    Expand Dining Outdoor into a Public Area

    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

     Photograph showing trees and people seated at outdoor dining tables with umbrellas located in sidewalk area along Culver Blvd with retail building in background Photograph showing people seated at outdoor dining tables and umbrellas located in closed street area along Culver Blvd with City Hall in background

    Expand Dining Outdoors onto Private Property

    Do you want to add of expand an outdoor dining area for your restaurant on private property?

    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 of the Planning & Development Department.

    Learn more about Outdoor Dining on Private Property.

    Contact Us

    Current Planning Division
    (310) 253-5725

    Host an Outdoor Special Event

    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


    Contact Us

    Business License Division
    (310) 253-5870

    Learn About Special Permitting During Covid-19 Pandemic

    On June 1, 2020, the Culver City Council issued the 16th Supplement to the Public Order in response to the Covid emergency establishing a no-fee, Temporary Public Right-of-Way Permit with the goal of assist local businesses, allowing outdoor dining establishments to expand business activities into adjacent sidewalks and public street areas. 

    Unless extended, all Temporary Public Right-of-Way Permits will terminate 12/31/2021. These temporary permits will not be renewed and new temporary permits will not be issued.


    Learn More