Lafayette, LA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

The permit requirement in Chapter 78, Article VII applies only within the "D" Downtown zoning district (Sec. 78-401); it does not create a general right-of-way encroachment permit citywide. Sec. 78-404 makes it unlawful for any person to display, exhibit, sell or offer for sale food, beverages, goods or wares "upon any sidewalk downtown" without a permit issued under the article, and any violator must remove the property when a law enforcement officer directs -- the officer can also remove or seize it if the violator refuses.

To apply, Sec. 78-406 requires the applicant's name, address, tax ID, and the activity's location, type and hours; Sec. 78-407 adds Louisiana Secretary of State incorporation or registration certificates where applicable, proof of state and local tax registration, and design drawings for the pushcart, dining area, display or parklet. Every applicant must carry general liability insurance and file a notarized hold-harmless statement before a permit issues (Sec. 78-410), and the certificate of insurance must stay on file or the permit is automatically suspended. 00 for a metered parklet space (Sec.

78-409). Permits run the calendar year, are issued by the designated permit manager, and are strictly personal -- Sec. 78-414 bars transferring, leasing or subleasing a permit to another person or moving it to a different sidewalk location.