Create a Thriving Business District

SIDEWALK CAFES

Sidewalk cafés are an enjoyable addition to Seattle ’s vibrant collection of restaurants. The exact definition of a sidewalk café is an open-air fenced seating area on a public sidewalk provided by an eating or drinking establishment located on the adjoining property, where patrons can eat or drink.

New sidewalk cafés require two permits: a master use permit and a street use permit both are issued by Department of Planning and Development (DPD) for the first year. If you would like to set up a sidewalk café, both the DPD and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) provide advice and information. You may call SDOT Annual Permits Office at 206-684-5267 for questions on the sidewalk café design. They will assist you through the application process and help you determine whether sidewalk width, traffic and access considerations and pedestrian circulation will allow for location of a café.

To make an application appointment, call the DPD Applicant Services Center , 206-684-8850. For questions and information, call the DPD Public Resource Center, 206-684-8467 or the SDOT Annual Permits Office, 206-684-5267.

DPD issues the initial permits and collects the initial fees. For more information about DPD’s application process, contact the DPD Public Resource Center at 206-684-8467. You can obtain the application form and other important information online from the Client Assistance Memo ( CAM 225) at: http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/Publications/cam/cam225.pdf.

Things to consider:

• Only established and operating eating and drinking establishments can put up a sidewalk café.
• The first year that you are considering placing furniture outdoors, you must submit drawings to DPD. Drawings should include location of all furniture, platforms, measurement of boundary and existing sidewalk dimensions and amenities.

Frequently asked questions:

How far can the sidewalk café extend?

The dining area must leave a minimum of 5 feet or more of clear sidewalk space between the outer edge of the café and the back of the curb or sidewalk amenity. The dining area must be directly adjacent to and in front of the restaurant. Barriers are required.

Who can we call to register complaints about violations of the guidelines listed above?

Call SDOT Annual Permits Line at 206-684-5267 or DPD complaint line at 206-615-0808.

What is the cost to apply for the initial permit from DPD?

There is a minimum flat fee of $1,250 for DPD. The street use fees are $465 + $1.56/square foot of approved sidewalk café dimensions.

Can non-restaurant businesses get tables and chairs in front of their businesses?

Yes. You may apply for an annual Street use permit for Tables and Chairs. This permit may allow up to 4 small tables with 2 chairs per table, for “non-exclusive” use not to exceed 3’ into the right-of-way. This type of permit does not allow food and drink to be served and no fencing is to be installed. The application requires $150 for a field investigation to determine if the site is feasible. Once approved, the permit may be obtained from SDOT for $165 and proof of insurance is required. Call Annual Permits at 206-684-5267.

Please go to: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/cams/cam2102.pdf for more Insurance Requirements.

Benefits and challenges of sidewalk cafés:

• Adds a European atmosphere to business districts.
• Pleases customers: Seattle summers are ideal for outdoor dining.
• Provides additional places for seating and dining.

• May make sidewalks seem cluttered and reduce pedestrian traffic flow.
• Can become unattractive if outdoor furniture is not maintained properly.