A Sidewalk Cafe Permit allows food establishments to expand their dining area onto public sidewalks, offering an outdoor dining experience that can attract more customers. This setup is prevalent in urban areas where space is limited and dining al fresco can be a significant draw for patrons. An increase in indoor-outdoor dining has also seen rising popularity since the international pandemic in 2020.
Obtaining a Sidewalk Cafe Permit
- Application Submission: The business must apply to the local government or relevant authority. We recommend doing an online search for your city or town's local government website. This application typically includes basic details of the proposed outdoor seating area, such as sizing and service time frame, so be prepared with that information.
- Site Plan: A site plan might also need to be provided, showing the detailed layout of tables, chairs, barriers, and any other elements, ensuring they meet the required specifications for safety and accessibility.
- Insurance: Proof of liability insurance is often required to cover potential accidents or damages occurring in the outdoor dining area. The space should be included under the existing insurance policy.
- Fees: Payment of application and permit fees is usually required. The fee can vary based on the size of the proposed outdoor area and the municipality. Generally, anticipate budgeting the equivalent cost of any other licensing you'd get through the municipality, like a general business license.
- Approval Process: The application and site plan are reviewed by various departments, such as zoning, public works, and health departments, to ensure compliance with all regulations.
- Public Notification: In some cases, there may be a requirement to notify neighboring businesses or residents about the application to address potential concerns.
- Renewal: Often needs to be renewed annually. The city may do on-site compliance checks before approving the renewal.
Remember that in addition to the Sidewalk Cafe Permit itself, local municipalities may require a business to comply with other requirements concurrently. They will likely also have other regulations, like food & safety licensing or business licenses, to be addressed.
Compliance and Regulations
- Safety Standards: The outdoor seating must not obstruct pedestrian traffic, emergency exits, or access to fire hydrants.
- Accessibility: Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or equivalent local accessibility standards ensures the area is accessible to all patrons, including those with disabilities.
- Aesthetic Guidelines: Adhering to specific design and aesthetic guidelines that maintain the character and visual appeal of the neighborhood.
- Noise and Nuisance Regulations: Ensuring the outdoor dining area does not create excessive noise or disturbances to the surrounding community and observes reasonable hours.
Benefits of a Sidewalk Cafe Permit
- Increased Seating Capacity: Allows businesses to serve more customers, increasing capacity and potentially revenue.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Offers an enjoyable dining experience, especially during pleasant weather and fair-weather climates.
- Community Engagement: Outdoor seating can create a vibrant streetscape, encouraging more foot traffic and community interaction. Millennials, a growing buyer pool in the U.S., are more likely to buy property in and patronize areas with a more lively mixture of land usage.
- Visibility and Marketing: An outdoor dining area can attract passersby and increase the restaurant or cafe's visibility.
Examples
- Urban Cafes: In bustling cities such as San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood, cafes with limited indoor seating can use sidewalk permits to expand their capacity and offer patrons a chance to enjoy the city ambiance.
- Restaurants in Tourist Areas: Establishments in tourist-heavy areas like Chicago's Navy Pier can benefit significantly from outdoor seating, drawing in visitors looking to enjoy local cuisine while people-watching.
- Seasonal Pop-Ups: Some businesses may set up temporary outdoor dining areas during festivals or special events to cater to increased crowds and boost sales. Think South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, TX during the spring.
Preparing for a Sidewalk Cafe Permit
- Plan Ahead: Start the process well in advance of the desired opening date for your outdoor seating area.
- Consult Professionals: If you live in a more populated urban area, work with architects or designers who are familiar with local regulations to create a compliant and attractive site plan. Smaller municipalities may not be as stringent, and a layperson in-house could probably complete the application.
- Engage the Community: Notify neighboring businesses and residents about your plans to address any potential concerns early in the process.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of any changes in local regulations or seasonal adjustments to ensure ongoing compliance.
