Sidewalk Cafe Rules: Arlington Heights vs Chicago
How do sidewalk cafe rules rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL?
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
No data available yet for Arlington Heights.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago requires a sidewalk cafe permit under Municipal Code Chapter 10-28, Article XII (Sections 10-28-805 et seq.). Permits are valid for one year (March 1 through the last day of February). Operating hours are 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight unless further restricted. A 6-foot pedestrian clearance must be maintained on the sidewalk. Operators must carry $500,000/$1,000,000 commercial general liability insurance. Three or more violations in a permit period may result in permit revocation.
View full Chicago rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Period | - | March 1 through end of February (1 year) |
| Operating Hours | - | 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight |
| Pedestrian Clearance | - | Minimum 6 feet on sidewalk |
| Insurance Required | - | $500K per occurrence / $1M aggregate |
| Revocation Trigger | - | 3 or more violations per permit period |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
No FAQs available.
Chicago FAQ
How do I get a sidewalk cafe permit in Chicago?
Apply through the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. You need aldermanic approval, commercial general liability insurance ($500K/$1M), and must maintain a 6-foot pedestrian clearance. The permit runs March 1 through the end of February.
What are the hours for sidewalk cafes in Chicago?
Sidewalk cafes may operate no earlier than 8:00 AM and no later than 12:00 midnight, subject to additional restrictions specified on the individual permit.
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