Eric Richardson [Flickr]

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The Scientologists are back out in front of Macy's Plaza today with their stress tests and copies of Dianetics. They seem to be there fairly regularly, though not as often as the guy selling cds. This photo is actually from November of last year, but they're set up in the same spot.

That got me wondering, what are the rules for setting up a table on the sidewalk? It's a public way, so I assume you need to get some sort of permit. Do property owners have to sign off if you want to set up in front of their building? Are you allowed to sell things?

Just curious.