L.A. Al Fresco aims to help local businesses reopen safely, and allow customers and employees to maintain physical distancing, by temporarily relaxing the rules that regulate outdoor dining.
On May 29, Mayor Garcetti launched the first phase of L.A. Al Fresco to support outdoor dining opportunities for restaurants hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis, in coordination with the L.A. County Department of Public Health allowing dine-in service at restaurants. Through L.A. Al Fresco Phase 1, the City is offering streamlined, immediate approval for eligible businesses to provide outdoor seating in the following areas:
- Sidewalks
- Private Parking Lots
Through Phase 2, launched on June 26, the City is offering streamlined approval for outdoor dining in the following areas:
- Street Parking Spaces (Parklets)
- Lane Closures
- Street Closures
In this new stage of this effort, 55% of program resources will be directed to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) businesses or located in areas that have experienced disproportionate job loss due to COVID-19.
To determine which Al Fresco option is best for your business or group, and for instructions on how to apply, please see our LA Al Fresco Manual in English, Spanish, Korean, Japanese.
Watch this webinar to learn more about LA Al Fresco.
FAQ
What is L.A. Al Fresco?
L.A. Al Fresco is a temporary program that streamlines requirements and approvals across multiple City departments for outdoor dining on sidewalks, parking lots, and streets. The program aims to help local businesses reopen while allowing customers and employees to maintain the physical distance recommended by public health officials by temporarily relaxing the rules that regulate outdoor dining.
Who can apply?
The program will be available to all restaurants and permitted sidewalk food vendors and food trucks in the City of Los Angeles.
What options are available?
L.A. Al Fresco options currently include different types of public and private space that may be used for outdoor dining during the COVID-19 emergency:
- Private parking lots and other outdoor spaces on restaurant property
- Sidewalks
- Street Parking Spaces (Parklets)
- Lane Closures
- Street Closures
How soon after applying will I be able to use the space?
Eligible applicants will immediately receive approval for sidewalks and private property. LADOT will review applications for lane closures and street closures and respond to the applicant as soon as possible. Due to overwhelming demand, we have exhausted our initial allocation of resources for curbside dining areas (parklets). We are actively working to find other options to serve your needs.
How long will the program last?
Permits issued between May 29 and August 20 had an expiration date of September 1, 2020. As of August 21, the Mayor extended the L.A. Al Fresco program until December 31, 2020. Additional extensions will be granted throughout the duration of the Mayor’s Safer L.A. Order at no cost and with no limit on renewals. You can learn more about the stages of our response and recovery at Coronavirus.LACity.org/SaferLA.
How do I acquire a permit with the new program expiration date?
If you already have an L.A. Al Fresco Permit, you do not need to re-apply for a permit. You can access your new extended permit by logging into the L.A. Al Fresco Portal, opening your existing application, and clicking “Download Your Document.” You must print and post the permit with the new expiration date. If you are unable to access your existing permit, you can re-apply for a new permit, which will automatically include the expiration date of December 31, 2020.
What are the requirements/responsibilities for the restaurants?
Businesses will need to provide their own tables and chairs. For parklet and lane or street closures, the City will provide free traffic control equipment (barricades, planters, bollards) and shade umbrellas where needed, prioritizing impacted/BIPOC communities. Parklet, lane, and street closure applicants may also have access to pro bono architecture and landscape design services. Additional information on the specific requirements and responsibilities of restaurants is available in the application for the temporary allowance. Moreover, restaurants will be required to post their temporary allowance certificates for viewing by the general public.
Will restaurants be able to serve alcohol?
Yes, restaurants with existing alcohol permits will be allowed to serve alcohol within the approved area, subject to approval from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and compliance with a list of standard conditions from the Department of City Planning.
How can I report a business that is not complying with safety standards?
If you see a business operating in violation of the L.A. Al Fresco rules and without proper physical distancing, please call 311.
