Fences & Gates
Selected fences or gates extending into the public right-of-way and conforming to applicable zoning requirements.
Independent Los Angeles permit guidance
Los Angeles R-PermitGuidance & Permit Support
Independent guidance for navigating Los Angeles Revocable R-Permit requirements, project documentation, related permits, and next steps.
Independent permit support — not affiliated with the City of Los Angeles.
Independent guidance
Project-specific preparation
Official-source grounded
Definition and purpose
What Is a Los Angeles Revocable R-Permit?
The Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering describes an R-Permit as the mechanism for granting conditional encroachment of the public right-of-way by private parties that are not otherwise authorized to occupy it.
The review checks the proposed encroachment against applicable requirements for design, use, materials, and inspection. BOE also explains that private structures generally should not be placed in the public right-of-way, though special circumstances such as topography or constraints on private property may be considered.
An R-Permit is discretionary. The final decision, conditions, fees, and related permit requirements remain under City jurisdiction.
Start with location and scope
Could Your ProjectInvolve an R-Permit?
An R-Permit question often starts where a private proposal meets public space. The project may need City review if it:
- extends into the sidewalk, parkway, curb area, alley, street, or another part of the public right-of-way;
- places or maintains a private structure, feature, or use in that area;
- uses non-standard materials, configurations, or improvements; or
- requires excavation, installation, alteration, or construction within the right-of-way.
Project-specific: These indicators help frame the question, but they do not determine permit eligibility or approval.
Common project types
Projects That May Require an R-Permit
BOE identifies many possible encroachments. These examples are simplified starting points, not a guarantee that a project is eligible or will be approved.
Sidewalk Dining
Tables, chairs, and related dining elements proposed in the sidewalk area.
Non-Standard Paving
Special pavers, art pieces, or non-standard groundcover proposed in the public right-of-way.
Awnings & Canopies
Architectural projections, awnings, canopies, steps, or equipment affecting public space.
Signs & Marquees
Certain pre-existing pole signs, wayfinding signs, marquees, and similar projections.
Retaining Walls & Structures
Selected walls, bridges, structural features, or portions of private structures in the right-of-way.
Conduits & Access Hatches
Commercial or electrical conduits, vaults, and access hatches serving private facilities.
Street Furniture & Improvements
Planters, decorative benches, bike racks, tree grates, lighting, and other privately maintained features.
Driveways & Curb Work
Driveway approaches, curb modifications, and related transitions affecting the public right-of-way.
Review context
What the City May Consider
The applicable City review may consider the proposed use, location, physical conditions, and effects on public access and infrastructure.
01
Pedestrian Access
Whether a continuous, unobstructed path of travel can be maintained.
02
Neighborhood Consistency
How the proposal relates to similar encroachments and conditions nearby.
03
Public Safety
Whether the proposed feature creates conflicts, hazards, or visibility concerns.
04
Maintenance Responsibility
How the encroachment will be maintained and permit conditions kept in effect.
05
Utilities & Infrastructure
Potential conflicts with public facilities, access, drainage, and future work.
06
Project-Specific Conditions
Topography, private-property constraints, design details, and other relevant facts.
Independent project support
R-Permit Support Services
Focused help organizing the facts and materials a project team may need to navigate the applicable City review.
R-Permit Eligibility Review
Frame the proposed encroachment, location, and relevant BOE guidance so the permit question is clearly stated.
Review the service →Application Preparation
Organize application information, ownership details, and the project narrative around the proposed work.
Review the service →Supporting Documents
Identify and structure sketches, dimensions, photographs, plans, and other available project records.
Review the service →Permit Coordination
Help track related permit questions, City comments, open items, and next steps across the project team.
Review the service →City Response Assistance
Organize information requested during review without representing City decisions or guaranteeing an outcome.
Review the service →A practical sequence
How the R-Permit Process Works
- 01ProjectDefine proposed work
- 02ApplicationPrepare project details
- 03City ReviewCity evaluates request
- 04RequirementsAddress review items
- 05PermitComplete permit steps
Identify the encroachment
Define what is existing or proposed within or affecting the right-of-way.
Prepare project documents
Assemble the location, description, ownership records, dimensions, plans, and photos.
Submit the application
Provide the project record through the applicable City intake process.
Address City requirements
Respond to review comments, conditions, related permit needs, and requested revisions.
Complete applicable permit steps
Satisfy the requirements determined by the City before the relevant work proceeds.
The actual process, sequence, and requirements vary by project and the applicable City review.
Application readiness
Prepare Before You Apply
A useful starting file may include:
- Property ownership or applicable lease documents
- The current R-Permit application form
- Project address and adjacent street information
- A clear description of the proposed encroachment
- Relevant dimensions and elevations
- Plans, sketches, surveys, or site diagrams
- Current photographs of the curb-to-property area
- Other supporting documents requested by BOE
BOE determines what is required. This checklist is preparation guidance, not a complete or universal application package.
Review R-Permit RequirementsOngoing conditions
Why the Permit Is Called “Revocable”
The permission is conditional rather than a permanent transfer of the public right-of-way.
BOE’s current guidance says an R-Permit generally remains valid while its terms and conditions—including maintenance obligations—continue to be met, unless the permit states otherwise. The permit may be revoked when an encroachment violates its conditions, and the applicable City process may require removal and restoration.
Read the official BOE R-Permit FAQ →Frequently asked questions
Los Angeles R-Permit Questions, Clearly Answered
General information based on current BOE materials. Your project may have additional or different requirements.
Official BOE R-Permit Manual →A Revocable R-Permit is a City of Los Angeles mechanism for conditionally allowing certain private encroachments in the public right-of-way. It is not ownership of public space and remains subject to City conditions.
An R-Permit may be considered when a private structure, improvement, object, or use encroaches into the public right-of-way. Eligibility and the correct permit path depend on the location, scope, and City review.
Yes. The BOE manual states that R-Permits are discretionary. The City reviews the actual encroachment, applicable standards, site conditions, neighborhood context, and required approvals.
Yes. BOE explains that other permits may be required in addition to an R-Permit. Construction or installation may involve an A-Permit, B-Permit, Excavation Permit, or another approval, depending on the work.
Current BOE procedures identify a completed application, grant deed, project sketch, photographs, and applicable fees as common starting items. A lease and additional project-specific documents may also be required.
According to the current BOE FAQ, R-Permits are valid indefinitely unless the permit states otherwise, as long as all terms and conditions, including maintenance, continue to be met.
BOE states that an R-Permit may be revoked for violations of its conditions. The City may issue a Notice to Comply and, if revocation occurs, require removal of the encroachment and restoration of the public right-of-way at the permittee’s cost.
The current BOE FAQ says the permit continues to be valid after a sale if its terms and conditions are met. It also states that the new owner needs to apply for a new R-Permit to ensure insurance requirements are recorded with the City.
These answers summarize the current Los Angeles BOE R-Permit FAQ and related official procedures. Confirm project-specific requirements with the applicable City office.
Start with the project facts
Need Help UnderstandingYour R-Permit Requirements?
Share the proposed location, encroachment, and any project information you already have. We can help you organize the questions and materials for the applicable review.