Sidewalk Cafe Rules: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do sidewalk cafe rules rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Chicago and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
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 →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Restaurants in Des Plaines may operate sidewalk cafes on the public right-of-way under a license from the City. Licenses require maintaining accessible passage, liability insurance, and removal of furniture during off-season.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| License Source | - | City of Des Plaines |
| Season | - | April - October typical |
| Min Passage | - | 5-6 feet |
| Insurance | - | Required, city additional insured |
| Off-season Storage | - | Off sidewalk |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can my Des Plaines restaurant set up sidewalk seating?
Yes, with a sidewalk cafe license from the city and maintenance of minimum accessible passage (typically 5-6 feet). Liability insurance is required.
Can I serve alcohol on my sidewalk cafe?
Only if your Illinois liquor license is amended to include the outdoor area. Apply through the local liquor commissioner with your sidewalk cafe license.
Do I need to take furniture in at night?
Most licenses require furniture be moved off the sidewalk overnight or at season's end. Confirm specific conditions in your license.
Compare other topics
See how Chicago and Des Plaines compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool