Apply for a Sidewalk Cafe Permit

Step 1.Check your eligibility

To protect the city's historic districts, you may need to have additional reviews of your outdoor seating request.

Check to see if you need Appearance Review Board or Historic Preservation Board approval.

Step 2.Gather your materials

In addition to your application, you will need to provide:

• A fully dimensioned site plan, including the location of the sidewalk cafe tables and chairs and speakers.
• Detail drawing of the required railing or barrier, if you serve alcohol.
• Written authorization from the owner of the property allowing the sidewalk cafe adjacent to the eating and drinking establishment.
• Proof of comprehensive liability coverage against personal injury and property damage in the amount of $500,000. A Certificate of Insurance naming the city as an additional insured and requiring that the city be notified 30 days prior to any termination or decrease of coverage.
• Maintenance agreement from a pressure-washing company or letter from the business owner stating that they will be responsible for pressure washing the sidewalk cafe area on a monthly basis or more, if needed.
• The business tax receipt number of the public food service establishment. If you do not have a business tax receipt, you can get one here.

Step 3.Fill out an application

You will need to complete the application and upload the requested documents.

Complete the Application

Step 4.We'll review your application

Our staff will send an email confirmation to you when we receive your application. Within five business days, we will send you a billing summary once we have processed your application. It will include payment instructions.

Step 5.Make a payment

The city charges:

• $500 for a Sidewalk Cafe Permit up to 5 tables or 200 square feet in size.
• $750 for 6 tables or more or greater than 200 square feet in size.

Step 6.Remember to renew your permit

Don't forget to renew your permit every year. Renewals are $50 and it is only considered a renewal if there is an issued sidewalk cafe permit from the previous year in our system and no changes to the permit are proposed.