Notification requirements - All sidewalk applicants must:

1. Notify abutters within 300 feet of the proposed premises by first class mail or email. Request an abutters list. The City requires a copy of the notice that is sent to abutters.
   
   
2. Notify the three City Councilors of the Ward where the restaurant is located.
   
   
3. Display a window placard from Health and Human Services to inform the public that a sidewalk seating application has been submitted and is under review.

Alcohol Service - For outdoor service of alcohol, the dining area must be enclosed per State law.

Clear Zone - A minimum 48-inch-width “clear zone” (unobstructed pedestrian path) must be maintained on the sidewalk at all times. Tables and chairs cannot block access to any fixed objects (hydrants, parking meters, benches, bus stops, entrances to buildings, etc.). Sidewalk dining cannot block access to parked vehicles from the public sidewalk.

Frontage - Sidewalk seating must abut the front, rear or side of the restaurant and may not extend beyond the frontage of the restaurant.

Seating Capacity - Seats in the public way do not count towards a restaurant’s City-approved seating capacity relative to parking requirements. However, seating may be constrained by:

• The building's frontage and obstacles in the public way (such as hydrants), and
  
  
• The Uniform Plumbing Code, which limits the number of seats relative to the number of plumbing fixtures available to patrons. In addition, the Architectural Access Board requires a ratio of the plumbing fixtures to be accessible. 

Accessibility: On-street dining must be accessible from adjacent sidewalk. Raised platforms are the most efficient way to ensure on-street dining area is accessible to the sidewalk. Movable temporary ramps will not be allowed to provide access to on-street dining. If raised platforms will not be used to provide an accessible route to on-street dining, plans must be approved in advance.

Locations: Public Works will review and approve or reject all requests. Staff will consider public safety, parking demand, and other factors when reviewing requests for one or more spaces.

Spaces will not be approved within bus stops, crosswalks, accessible parking spaces, or adjacent to fire hydrants. Legal spaces within 20’ of an intersection may be approved after careful review.

Platforms and temporary surfaces: Temporary surfaces may be placed on the street provided they leave no permanent marks. Storm drains must not be blocked or covered.

Vertical elements: Any continuous vertical elements must not exceed 42” total height along the three outside edges of the dining areas, including fencing, poles, or plantings.

Visibility: Placement must allow for adequate visibility for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, as determined by Public Works. Fencing, poles, and planters on barriers must be approved in advance, as they can block sight lines or pedestrian access.

Seating Capacity: Seats in the public way do not count towards a restaurant’s City-approved seating capacity relative to parking requirements. However, seating may be constrained by:

• Emergency access requirements.
  
  
• Obstacles in the public way (such as hydrants), and
  
  
• The Uniform Plumbing Code, which limits the number of seats relative to the number of plumbing fixtures available to patrons. In addition, the Architectural Access Board requires a ratio of the plumbing fixtures to be accessible. 

Barriers may be purchased or rented from many commercial vendors.

Barriers may be water-filled (plastic) or concrete. A typical barrier is 24" wide at the base and 32-42" high. An 8' water-filled barrier may weigh ~100-200 pounds empty and ~1,100-2,000 filled. An 8' concrete barrier may weigh 3,000+ pounds.

Restaurants should use barriers of different lengths to protect the parking space(s) from moving vehicles. A typical parking space (19' x 9') may be protected by two 8' barriers along the travel lane and two 6' barriers perpendicular to the curb. Public Works staff can provide guidance for specific locations. 

Requirements

• Barriers must fully enclose the three street-facing edges of the dining area, unless otherwise specified by City staff. If alcohol will be served, a non-protective barrier must separate the dining area from the public sidewalk.
  
  
• Water-filled barriers must be filled to the capacity specified by the manufacturer at all times when deployed during the outdoor dining season. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation to prevent the water freezing during cold temperatures. 
   
• Barriers cannot encroach into the adjacent travel lane or into adjacent parking spaces.
  
  
• Height: 32” minimum, 42" maximum.
  
  
• Length: 48" minimum. (To maximize space for dining, restaurants should use 4' or 6’ barriers for the side perpendicular to the sidewalk.)
  
  
• Width: 18" minimum.
  
  
• Reflective elements must be incorporated on the street-facing side of each barrier to increase visibility. This can be accomplished with reflective tape, plastic reflectors, or other reflective material.
  
  
• Any decoration of the barriers cannot advertise the business through images or text, nor should the decoration cover any of the reflective materials.

Vendors

Many companies offer barriers for sale or rent. The following examples are provided solely for reference. The City does not recommend or require restaurants use any of the vendors listed below. (If you know of other vendors that should be included, please let us know.)

• Crowd Control Warehouse: concrete and water-filled barriers for purchase. 
  
  
• Interstate Rental Service: water-filled barriers for rent.
  
  
• Shea Concrete Products: concrete barriers for rent.
  
  
• ULINE: water-filled barriers for purchase.
  
  
• United Rentals: concrete and water-filled barriers for rent.

Alcohol Service - For outdoor service of alcohol, the dining area must be enclosed per State law.

Emergency Access - The seating arrangement must not obstruct the Fire Department access lane, egress from the restaurant or from adjacent buildings, fire hydrants, etc.

Parking Space Requirements - Removal of parking for outdoor dining cannot reduce parking below minimum requirements as per zoning, special permits, and/or accessibility laws. All accessible parking spaces must be maintained but can be moved within the parking lot to accommodate seating.

Seating Capacity - The number of outdoor seats may be constrained by:

• Emergency access requirements.
  
  
• A City-issued special permit governing the restaurant's operation.
  
  
• The Uniform Plumbing Code, which limits the number of seats relative to the number of plumbing fixtures available to patrons. In addition, the Architectural Access Board requires a ratio of the plumbing fixtures to be accessible.
  
  
• The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) if alcohol is being served.