COVID-19 Reopening Permits

In response to the business re-openings, the City has implemented a temporary administrative process for approval of alcohol licenses for qualified restaurants. Projects which fall into the following threshold will be qualified for an administrative CUP approval which shall be completed within five (5) business days from the date of submittal, without a public hearing, for the serving of alcohol for on-site consumption.

1. New restaurants wanting to serve alcohol for on or off-site consumption.
2. Existing restaurants wanting to begin serving alcohol for on or off-site consumption that were not before. 
3. Restaurants wanting to modify an existing alcohol CUP.
4. Businesses that operate as or plan to operate as a bar without a restaurant component are not eligible for this administrative CUP approval. (Refer to the definition for ‘restaurant’ in Section 17.80.020 of the Zoning Code.)

Qualified applicants can begin the CUP process online using this portal. Under the Administrative CUP for Alcohol Sales process, qualified restaurants with complete and code-compliant CUP applications will be reviewed within five business days. To begin the process, complete the following information and upload your application and the required supplemental forms. You will be contacted once your case has been entered with the amount due for the application fees; these fees must be paid in order for the review process to commence.

Fees: $ 5,875 application fee + $236 Categorical Exemption fee + a 3% records management fee will be collected after your application is received. Refer to Planning fee schedule. For modification of an existing alcohol CUP, please contact the Planner of the Day at ZoningQuestions@cityofpasadena.net for applicable fees.

Until further notice, Expedited Design Review applications are currently being accepted for existing and new retail businesses and restaurants that are proposing the following types of projects:

1. Signs (except building identification signs, new/amended Master Sign Plans Creative Sign Permits or Sign Exceptions)
2. Awnings
3. Exterior Paint
4. Storefront Alterations within existing openings that do not affect historic features such as mullions, bulkheads, doors, and transom windows.
5. Alterations to create new openings in non-historic buildings
6. Other minor alterations at the discretion of the Director.

To discuss whether a project not on this list may qualify for Expedited Design Review, or for any other questions about the process, please call 626-744-4009 to speak to a Design & Historic Preservation staff member.

Prior to submitting an application, please review the following Expedited Consolidated Design Review Submittal Requirements to ensure that your application is complete.  Incomplete applications will be delayed.

Fees: Fees will vary depending on the scope of work proposed. Fees will be calculated after the application is submitted. Design Review fees for  signs, awnings, painting and similar minor projects is $285; any projects that include storefront/window/door modifications would be $679.  A 3% surcharge applies.

The City of Pasadena has implemented the following procedures and regulations to facilitate the re-opening of dining establishments while granting them the ability to temporarily expand dining areas in order to comply with COVID-19 related public health and safety protocols and social distancing requirements. Any dining establishment seeking to expand its dining area within private property shall comply with the following:

Eligible Uses

• Businesses that are legally allowed to serve food in a sit-down format (does not include drive-through establishments).

Application Process

• Refer to the application requirements form..
• Once you have all required documents and are ready for submittal, complete the online application at https://mypermits.cityofpasadena.net/EnerGov_Prod/SelfService. (Select ‘Apply’ and then select the ‘Private Property Outdoor Dining’)

Additional State License Requirements for Businesses Serving Alcohol

• In addition to a Type 41 or a Type 47 license, the business must also obtain a COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorization from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (Form 218 and Form 253). These forms must be submitted directly to ABC. Additional information regarding these forms is available at: https://www.abc.ca.gov/abc-218-cv19-instructions/

Fees

• There is no fee for this permit.
• Depending on the scope proposed, additional permits, approvals or inspections may be required for which fees may apply (i.e., tent permit, plan check fees to install permanent shade structures, etc.)

Operating Standards

• See operating standards in this application form.

The City of Pasadena has implemented the following procedures and regulations to facilitate the re-opening of dining establishments while granting them the ability to temporarily expand dining areas in order to comply with COVID-19 related public health and safety protocols and social distancing requirements. Any dining establishment seeking to expand its dining area into a City-owned (municipal) parking lot shall comply with the following:

Eligible Uses

• Businesses that are legally allowed to serve food in a sit-down format (does not include drive-through establishments).

Application Process

• Complete this application.
• Obtain a valid Certificate of Insurance with an endorsement for the City of Pasadena, see requirements attached.
• For uses that obtain a legal right to serve alcohol, refer to Question 5 on the application form and contact Planning staff for further direction on alcohol regulations.
• Submit copy of food menu, if alcohol will be served in outdoor dining space.
• Submit application form, food menu (if applicable) and Certificate of Insurance via this online portal (see link at the bottom of this section).

Compliance with Local Guidance Documents and Protocols

• The proposed outdoor service area shall comply with the most updated City of Pasadena Guidance Documents and Protocols

Fees

• There is no fee for this permit.
• Depending on the scope proposed, additional permits, approvals or inspections may be required for which fees may apply (i.e., tent permit, plan check fees to install permanent shade structures, etc.)

Operating Standards

• Refer to operation standards contained in this application.

The City of Pasadena has implemented the following procedures and regulations to facilitate the re-opening of barbershops, hair salons, personal care service establishments, gyms, fitness facilities, yoga and dance studios, and personal training in order to comply with COVID-19 related public health and safety protocols, social distancing requirements and guidelines established by the State of California, California Department of Public Health, California Department of Industrial relations (Cal/OSHA), and all applicable regulatory agencies. Any applicant seeking to expand its non-dining outdoor space in a City-owned (municipal) parking lot shall comply with the following (this application does not apply for dining establishments):

Eligible Uses

• Businesses legally allowed to conduct business within the City of Pasadena which operate as a barbershop, hair salon, gyms, fitness facilities, yoga and dance studios, personal training, massage establishments and personal care service establishments (except tattoo establishments).

Application Process

• Complete this application.
• Obtain a valid Certificate of Insurance with an endorsement for the City of Pasadena, see requirements in attached.
• Submit application form and Certificate of Insurance via the link at the bottom of this section.

Compliance with Local Guidance Documents and Protocols

• The proposed outdoor service area shall comply with the most updated City of Pasadena Guidance Documents and Protocols.

Fees

• There is no fee for this permit.
• Depending on the scope proposed, additional permits, approvals or inspections may be required for which fees may apply (i.e., tent permit, plan check fees to install permanent shade structures, etc.)

Operating Standards

• See operating standards in this application.

The City of Pasadena has implemented the following procedures and regulations to facilitate the re-opening of businesses while granting them the ability to temporarily expand into approved outdoor areas in order to comply with COVID-19 related public health and safety protocols and social distancing requirements. Any business seeking to expand its operating area with the use of a tent or canopy on the sidewalk, street, alley or parking lot shall comply with the following:

Eligible Uses

• Businesses that are legally operating outside with a City issued outdoor dining or non-dining permit

Application Process

• Complete this application form
• Submit application form and proposed site plan:
  • Location and dimensions of the tent
  • Property lines and business frontage
  • Location of patron entry and exit
  • Location of planned electrical and mechanical equipment
  • Locations of all-surface improvements such as street light and traffic signal poles, trees, tree wells, parking meters, news racks, bus benches, and trash receptacles which are located within the public right-of-way in front of the business
  • The existing and proposed pedestrian circulation patter. Show compliance with ADA requirements
  • The location of all utility connections to be used in the sidewalk dining operation

Fees

• There is no fee for this permit

Operating Standards

• See operating standard guidelines

Tents and Canopies

• There is no distinction between tents, canopies or umbrellas with or without walls
• 12 foot Fire break required for every 70 linear feet of 10 x 10 tents
• Anchorage is required (ropes,  weights) to withstand weather and prevent collapsing
• Small Tents (under 10 occupancy) – conform to CPAI 84 for fabric fire resistance
• Large Tents (over 10) – conform to SFM fire resistive standard
• Fire Resistance Tag/Seal of Registration must be intact, legible and securely affixed
• Occupancy load, egress width, chair, table and aisle requirements mirror other assembly uses
• Tents must be maintained free of combustible materials
• A minimum distance of 20 Feet is required for any open flame device, heating appliance, generators or parked vehicles
• If the address number on a building is not visible from the street, signage must be added to the street side of the tent
• If any fire department connections are not visible from the street, signage must be added to the street side of the tent identifying such
• Fire hydrants may not obstructed
• Tent walls are to be clear for vehicular and pedestrian traffic when located in the street, alley or sidewalk.  Non-clear walls are not permitted

Fire Extinguishers

• The minimum legal size is 2A 10BC with an annual inspection (by Cal SFM registered company) must be noted on tag or label
• Fire extinguishers are required every 75 feet of foot travel

Propane

• The use and storage of propane shall be approved under permit from the Pasadena Fire Department and the Pasadena Municipal Code. Contact Kim Yu, kyu@cityofpasadena.net with any inquiries
• Propane cylinders shall be DOT approved, in serviceable condition and used in accordance with manufacturer’s documentation
• Storage of cylinders, full or empty, shall be outside and secured within suitable enclosures with approved placards, signs and labels installed in an approved manner
• Storage and use of cylinders shall be a minimum of ten feet from weeds, grass, brush, trash and other combustible materials
• Approved vehicle impact protection shall be installed in storage areas adjacent to or near any vehicular driving surface
• Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of propane
• Approved signs stating “No Smoking” shall be conspicuously posted near the storage area
• The storage area shall be no closer than 25 feet to any source of ignition
• Cylinders in storage and in use shall be positioned with the pressure relief valve in direct communication with the vapor space of the container
• Equipment associated with propane cylinders, including hoses, shall be in serviceable condition and used in accordance with manufacturer’s documentation
• Propane cylinders and appliances shall be located outside and not be placed closer than 10 feet from tents or canopies and 5 feet from buildings and means of egress
• Pressure relief devices shall be pointed away from the public, heat producing appliances, sources of ignition, tents, membrane structures and temporary special event structures
• Propane cylinders shall not be positioned closer than five feet from heat producing appliances
• Safety devices on cylinders shall not be tampered with or rendered ineffective
• Propane shall be used with approved fire extinguishers in close proximity
• Location of tanks shall provide protection from physical damage or other hazards
• Propane cylinders shall be secured in place, in an approved manner
• Propane is not allowed inside tents
• Mushroom type propane heaters are not allowed inside of or within 10 feet of tents
• Ducted propane heating systems may be permitted when installed per the PMC and manufacturers specifications

Electrical Heaters

• Electrical heaters may be permitted when installed and operated per the PMC and manufacturers specifications
• Electrical cords must be covered in an approved manner to avoid any trip hazards and heaters from tipping over

The City of Pasadena has implemented the following procedures and regulations to facilitate the re-opening of businesses while granting them the ability to temporarily expand into approved outdoor areas in order to comply with COVID-19 related public health and safety protocols and social distancing requirements. Any business seeking to enhance its permitted operating area with the use of propane on a sidewalk or parking lot shall comply with the following:

Eligible Uses

• Businesses that are legally operating outside with a City issued outdoor dining or non-dining permit

Application Process

• Complete this application form
• Submit application form and proposed site plan
• Provide a SITE PLAN and include the following:
  • Proposed location of propane heaters
  • Location and distances of heaters from tables and chairs
  • Property lines and business frontage
  • Location of patron entry and exit
  • Locations of all-surface improvements such as street light and traffic signal poles, trees, tree wells, parking meters, news racks, bus benches, and trash receptacles which are located within the public right-of-way in front of the business
  • The existing and proposed pedestrian circulation pattern
  • The location of all utility connections to be used in the dining or non-dining operation
  • Proposed location of the storage cage for propane tanks

Fees

• There is no fee for this permit

Operating Standards

• See operating standard guidelines

Propane Guidelines

• The use and storage of propane shall be approved under permit from the Pasadena Fire Department and the Pasadena Municipal Code. Contact Kim Yu, kyu@cityofpasadena.net with any inquiries
• The storage and use of propane shall be used as specified in the California Code of Regulations, Titles 8, 19, 24, the Pasadena Municipal Code and NFPA 58
• Propane cylinders shall be DOT approved, in serviceable condition and used in accordance with manufacturer’s documentation
• Storage of cylinders, full or empty, shall be outside and secured within suitable enclosures with approved placards, signs and labels installed in an approved manner
• Storage and use of cylinders, full or empty, shall be a minimum of ten feet from weeds, grass, brush, trash and other combustible materials
• Approved vehicle impact protection shall be installed in storage areas adjacent to or near any vehicular driving surface
• Smoking is not allowed within 25 feet of propane
• Approved signs stating “No Smoking” shall be conspicuously posted near the storage area
• That storage area shall be no closer than 25 feet to any source of ignition
• Cylinders in storage and in use shall be positioned with the pressure relief valve in direct communication with the vapor space of the container
• Equipment associated with propane cylinders, including hoses, shall be in serviceable condition and used in accordance with manufacturer’s documentation
• Propane cylinders and appliances shall be located outside and not be placed closer than 10 feet from tents or canopies and 5 feet from buildings and exits
• Pressure relief devices shall be pointed away from the public, heat producing appliances, sources of ignition, tents, membrane structures and temporary special event structures
• Propane cylinders shall not be positioned closer than five feet from heat producing appliances
• Safety devices on cylinders shall not be tampered with or rendered ineffective
• Propane shall be used with approved fire extinguishers in close proximity
• Location of tanks shall provide protection from physical damage or other hazards
• Tanks shall be secured in place, in an approved manner
• Propane is not allowed inside tents