City Council Approves Starting Valet Operator Requirements

By City News Service

Valet parking operators will pay $314 for a permit and attendants pay $70, according to an ordinance approved by the Los Angeles City Council aimed at regulating curbside parking services.

The council voted 10-0 Tuesday to establishing requirements for valet parking operators. Under the ordinance, which awaits signature by the mayor, valet parking operators must apply for a master permit, check employees' criminal backgrounds and carry liability insurance.

It also prohibits parking on public streets without permission from the Board of Police Commissioners. Operators must get permission from owners before parking cars on private property. 

Various concerns about parking and valet services at businesses along Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley have cropped up in recent years.

The ordinance dictates the content on valet signage and claim tickets and requires that attendants carry identification at all times.

The permit program will be overseen by the Board of Police Commissioners.

Some valets have been accused of damaging vehicles and failing to cover the costs of repairs, while other have been accused of stealing valuables from vehicles.

Some valets have drawn the ire of people who say they have found valets parking across driveways, taking up all the meters and speeding in reverse.