Outdoor Dining

Outdoor dining is a vibrant and essential part of our community. To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and accessible experience for everyone, we've developed clear standards for businesses and residents. Whether you're setting up outdoor dining on private property or on the sidewalk, these regulations provide the necessary steps to comply with city standards.

Our goal is to balance the needs of businesses, patrons, and the public, while maintaining safety, cleanliness, and accessibility. From permit requirements to seating arrangements, our guidelines are designed to help you create inviting outdoor spaces while respecting city rules.

For information on the design, development, and operational standards, as well as the application and Ordinance language, please visit:

APPLICATION PROCESS

The review of outdoor dining applications is a task shared between the Public Works and Community Development Department. Please see below for application:

Encroachment Permit (Outdoor Dinning on the Public Right of Way) Ordinance No. 1734

Encroachment Permit (Outdoor Dining on the Public Right of Way) Ordinance No. 1734(PDF, 514KB)
Application Shall Include:
  • Application Form
  • Site Plan
  • Colors and Materials Sheet
  • Application Fee ($920)
  • One- time Sewer Capital Facility Fees
Application Process:
  1. Engineering will review application
  2. Route to Planning if parking required
  3. Inspection
  4. Final Approval

 

Planning Review Application (Outdoor Dining on Private Property) Ordinance No. 1732

Planning Review Application (Outdoor Dining on Private Property) Ordinance No. 1732(PDF, 978KB)
Application Shall Include 
  • Application Form
  • Site Plan
  • Floor Plans
  • Elevations
  • Colors and Materials Sheet
  • Application Fee
Application Process:
  1. Planning Division will ensure application complete
  2. Route to Building Division
  3. Route to PW to determine sewer fees
  4. Approve
Next Steps:
  1. Building Permit or Mechanical, Electric, Plumbing Permits if applicable
  2. Pay sewer fees
  3. Inspection
  4. Final Approval

 

DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN, & OPERATIONAL STANDARDS

Ordinance Nos. 1732 and 1734 establish design, development, and operational standards for outdoor dining on both private property and within the public right-of-way. Please review the ordinance language in full before submitting an application.

Development Standards

  • A minimum 4-foot-wide unobstructed path of travel must be maintained:
    • Private property: Must preserve required building egress per the Uniform Building Code.
    • Public right-of-way: Path must lead directly from building exits to the sidewalk.
    • Outdoor furniture must not be permanently affixed to the ground or public infrastructure.
    • Furniture must be placed only as shown on the approved site plan.
    • Moveable barriers to define the dining area are recommended.
    • Outdoor dining areas must be accessible to individuals of all abilities.  

 

Design Standards

  • A colors and materials sheet must be submitted with the application, detailing the design, materials, and dimensions of all furnishings, barriers, lighting, and landscaping.
  • Furniture may not be attached to trees, lampposts, street signs, hydrants, or any public infrastructure.
  • Barriers (fences, ropes, planters, etc.) must be visually appealing and clearly define the dining space.
  • Furniture must be made of durable, outdoor-appropriate materials.
  • Items such as plastic, folding, deteriorated, UV-damaged, or splintered furniture are not allowed.
  • Sealed or painted metal or wood tables are preferred.
  • Awnings and umbrellas are permitted but may not function as permanent shelters.
  • Signage is limited to the business name and a required “No Smoking” sign.
  • No other banners or advertising are permitted. 

Prohibited Materials

  • Fabric inserts of any kind
  • Chain-link fencing, chicken wire, or similar materials
  • Improvised items such as buckets, food containers, tires, pallets, or vehicle parts
  • Umbrellas with branding, bold colors, or patterns
  • Unapproved signage

 

 

Operation Standards

  • Hours of operation:
    • Citywide: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
    • SP-5 Downtown District: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
  • On private property, equipment may remain in place when not in use, but must not be stored in view of the public right-of-way or public plazas.
  • All outdoor dining areas must remain clean and litter-free. Waste receptacles are encouraged.
  • Smoking, vaping, and tobacco use must comply with San Fernando Municipal Code Chapter 23.
  • The following are prohibited in outdoor dining areas: live entertainment, screens/TVs, dancing, pool tables, adult entertainment, or cover charges.
  • Alcohol Service:
    • Public Right-of-Way: Alcohol service and consumption are prohibited.
    • Private Property: Alcohol service must comply with LA County Health Department, California Building Code, and LA City Fire Code regulations.

 

 

To view the full ordinances, including all requirements and standards, please see below.

Ord No 1734-Establishing-Regulations-for-Outdoor-Dining-on-Public-Right-of-Way(PDF, 325KB)

Ord No 1732 - Repeal & Replace Zoning Codes(PDF, 3MB)

Contact Information

Community Development Department
(818) 898-1227 | CommunityDevelopment@SanFernando.gov

City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340

Public Works Department
(818) 898-1222 | PublicWorks@SanFernando.gov

City Hall | 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340

New Planning Counter Hours

Monday through Wednesday | 8 am to 12 pm | Or by Appointment

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