Bryan, TX Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Special use license fee
- $250.00
- Minimum liability coverage
- $1,000,000 per occurrence
- Cancellation notice
- 90 days
- Approving body
- Site development review committee
Summary
Bryan requires a special use license before placing awnings, sidewalk cafes, decorative columns, or other private encroachments in the public right-of-way, backed by a $250 fee and mandatory liability insurance.
The city may grant a special use license for use of public right-of-way. The city, however, may cancel the license after the grantee has been given 90 days' notice. This provision shall not apply to right-of-way which is designated as county, state or federal highway or road. ... No special use license shall be granted unless the licensee files with the planning and development services department a certificate of liability insurance as hereinafter set forth. If the policy is not kept in full force and effect throughout the term of the license, the special use license shall automatically become void and the encroachment must be removed at that time.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 106-177, the city may grant a special use license covering aerial encroachments (banners, overhead structures), surface encroachments (decorative columns, arches, neighborhood gateway signs), and downtown uses like awnings and sidewalk cafes with removable chairs and planters. Applications go to the planning and development services department and are decided by the site development review committee. The city can cancel a license on 90 days' notice, and the rule doesn't apply to county, state, or federal highway right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
A license lapses automatically if required liability insurance isn't kept in force, and the encroachment must then be removed. Doing right-of-way work, including encroachments, without the required permit is separately unlawful under Sec. 106-170(a).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a sidewalk cafe in Bryan?
What happens if my encroachment license lapses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bryan
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bryan to another location·View the Texas sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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