Pompano Beach, FL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

V defines outdoor seating broadly to include Sidewalk Cafes, which it describes as 'outdoor seating areas permitted on public sidewalks in front of the establishments,' as an accessory to an eating or drinking establishment. ii, any seating located within or adjacent to the public right-of-way or sidewalk cannot obstruct pedestrian movement, must keep at least five feet clear of any alley, crosswalk, fire hydrant, or similar access feature (more if needed), and cannot place objects that form a physical or visual barrier. iii confines a sidewalk café to the sidewalk directly in front of the host business unless the adjoining property owner agrees in writing to let it extend further.

g requires the permit for a sidewalk café to expire annually every September 30, and the operator must sign a hold-harmless agreement carrying $1,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance per occurrence naming the city as an additional insured, plus liquor liability coverage of the same amount if alcohol is served. Furnishings cannot be chained or bolted to trees, signs, or the sidewalk itself, and signage on tables, chairs, or umbrellas visible from the right-of-way is banned. Hours of outdoor seating operation must match the host establishment's own hours, and no food preparation may occur outdoors; it stays inside the enclosed principal building.