New city of Los Angeles permits will enable vendors to legally sell food on sidewalks. (photo by Edwin Folven)

In keeping with its mission to ensure that the city’s sidewalks are safe and accessible for all Angelenos, the Los Angeles Department of Public Works is launching new permitting rules and procedures that will give property owners the opportunity to legally beautify public space in front of their properties and allow street vendors to legally sell food or other items on city sidewalks and in city parks.

Property owners wishing to install planters or other improvements in the public right-of-way can easily apply for a revocable permit through the city’s Bureau of Engineering at engpermitmanual.lacity.org/documents/type/89. The permitting process ensures that materials and installations pose no physical threat or safety hazard. 

Property owners that do not have permits for sidewalk obstructions will be cited and may be given an additional 30 days to apply for one. Unsafe obstructions may be cited for immediate removal. Illegal planters or other sidewalk encroachments are subject to citations and penalties, and will be enforced by StreetsLA, formerly known as the Bureau of Street Services.

The Sidewalk and Park Vending Program went into effect on Jan. 1. Under the new program, sidewalk vendors can apply for operating permits during a six-month enrollment period at a reduced fee of $291 through the end of June. Effective July 1, the fee will increase to $541, and permits will be mandatory. The new sidewalk vending rules will help vendors to protect their businesses, and enable the city to maintain safe, clean sidewalks and parks.

StreetsLA will oversee the vending program with support from the city’s Economic and Workforce Development Department, which will provide technical assistance to help vendors go through the permitting process. The assistance will be provided at eight of their BusinessSource Centers across the city.

For information, visit vending.lacity.org, or call 311 or (213)847-6000.