Valet Zone

Process

Step 1: Initial Review (Outreach/Consult) – LADOT
Contact the LADOT Parking Meters Division (PMD) to determine whether your proposed valet operation is feasible and to discuss the requirements. Do not proceed with any other steps until you’ve confirmed with LADOT.

This initial review is provided by LADOT as a courtesy. Any guidance at this stage is advisory only and may change after the full review in Step 3.

Contact LADOT to get started: (213) 473-8270 or email

Step 2: Submit LADOT Valet Operations Application Packet & Fee
After LADOT confirms that you can proceed to submit an application, you will be provided an application form and instructions to submit the complete package along with the required non-refundable fee. This fee covers the processing of the application and an engineering review of the proposed valet operation.

 ● Application Packet Must Include:

1. Completed Valet Application Form

2. Copy of contract between valet operator and served business

3. Copy of contract between valet operator and vehicle parking lot

4. Valet Route Plan (download sample)

5. Proof of Online Payment of Application Fee

 ● How to Submit: Email the completed packet to ladot.valetop@lacity.org for processing.

 ● Application Fee: $427.00 (non-refundable, no exceptions).

Pay by check or online at the LADOT payment website. Enter the full address in the “Invoice Number” field.

 ● Changes to Applications: Any requested changes will require submitting a new application and paying a new application fee.

 ● Denials: If LAPD denies the VPO permit or if LADOT denies the Valet Operations Application, you may resubmit a new request with all required documents, but a new application fee must be paid.

Step 3: LADOT Review
LADOT staff will review your submitted valet application packet and, if applicable, calculate the potential Meter Usage Fee (MUF) for using public curb space.

● If the review indicates your proposed valet operation is feasible, LADOT will provide you with the Meter Usage Fee information.

● If the valet operation involves the pick-up and drop-off of vehicles from an on-street curb space, you will also be required to collect petition signatures (See Step 4). LADOT will provide the petition form.

● If pick-up and drop-off of vehicles will only take place on private property, you may receive preliminary approval at this stage and may skip Steps 4 and 5.

Step 4: Collect Petition Signatures
If your valet operation uses public curb space, you must collect petition signatures from neighboring properties to demonstrate support.

● Petitions must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the petition form. Late or incomplete petitions may result in a denial.

● Signatures must represent

○  All Properties that front at least 10 feet of the proposed on-street valet loading zone (if applicable),

○  At least 50% of the number of businesses on the affected block, and

○  At least 67% of the linear frontage.

Step 5: Petition Verification and Preliminary Approval
LADOT will review your petition to confirm the signatures meet the minimum requirements. Once confirmed, LADOT may provide preliminary approval and the documentation needed to apply for a Valet Parking Operator (VPO) permit from the LAPD.

Step 6: LAPD Police Commission Review
After receiving LADOT’s preliminary approval, you must apply to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Board of Police Commissioners for a Valet Parking Operator (VPO) permit.

● VPO permit applications must be submitted to LAPD within the deadline set by LADOT (approximately 15 days from the date of preliminary approval).

● LADOT’s preliminary approval is only valid for approximately 45 days. The VPO permit must be granted by LAPD’s Board of Police Commissioners before LADOT’s preliminary approval expires.

● After the LAPD Board of Police Commissioners grants a Valet Parking Operator (VPO) permit, you must provide a copy of the VPO permit to LADOT.

For more information, visit the LAPD’s website or contact their permit division directly.

Step 7: Pay Final Fees
Once you have secured LADOT’s preliminary approval and obtained LAPD’s Valet Parking Operator (VPO) permit, LADOT will issue an invoice for the Meter Usage Fee (MUF) and the Passenger Loading Zone Installation Fee ($660). You must make full payment online or by check.

Step 8: LADOT Approval and Installation of Passenger Loading Zone
After all payments are received, LADOT will provide approval of the passenger loading zone, which can be used for the valet operation. LADOT will schedule and complete the installation of the valet zone.

● Temporary parking signs will be posted until the permanent signs are fabricated and installed.

● The applicant is responsible for covering the cost of temporary signs.