Al Fresco Permanent Program: Dallas vs Mesquite
How do al fresco permanent program rules compare between Dallas, TX and Mesquite, TX?
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas City Code Chapter 43 governs permanent sidewalk cafes through a license from the Department of Transportation, replacing temporary COVID-era patios with a year-round program that requires ADA clearance, liability insurance, and an annual fee.
View full Dallas rules →Mesquite, TX
Dallas County
No data available yet for Mesquite.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | Ch. 43 Streets and Sidewalks | - |
| Issuing department | Dallas DOT | - |
| Pedestrian clearance | Four feet minimum | - |
| Insurance | $1M general liability | - |
| Term | One year, renewable | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Can I serve alcohol on a Dallas sidewalk patio?
Yes, with a separate TABC permit endorsement listing the sidewalk area. The city sidewalk-cafe license alone does not authorize alcohol service. The TABC subordinate permit must list the licensed footprint matching the city diagram.
Did Dallas keep COVID parking-lane patios?
Some converted to permanent parklets through Dallas DOT, others returned the parking spaces. Sidewalk-only cafes became a permanent program under Chapter 43, but in-street parklets require the separate parklet permit with engineered barriers.
Mesquite FAQ
No FAQs available.
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