Scranton, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Article XI of Chapter 412, added in 2023 and amended in 2025, governs private encroachments onto Scranton's sidewalks and rights-of-way for outdoor dining and public seating. § 412-58 defines a 'parklet' as a platform or other encroachment extending into the City right-of-way, such as a sidewalk or parking space, designated as public space with amenities like tables, chairs, benches, plants, bike parking, umbrellas or canopies, and defines a 'sidewalk cafe' as an outdoor dining area on a sidewalk or other right-of-way where food is purchased and served for on-premises consumption. § 412-59A makes it unlawful to operate either a sidewalk cafe or a parklet without a permit from the Bureau of Code Enforcement.

The permit application under § 412-59B must include a plan delineating the area of operation on the right-of-way, an agreement to keep the premises free of rubbish and debris, confirmation that the applicant is current on all city taxes and fees, and an agreement that the installation will not encroach on the minimum pedestrian walkway and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.; sidewalk cafe applicants must also agree to have a full-time employee supervising the cafe during its hours of operation. § 412-60 sets the permit fee at $25 for either a sidewalk cafe or a parklet application.

Under § 412-59C, the Bureau of Code Enforcement can revoke, suspend or refuse to issue a permit for noncompliance, and § 412-62 separately reserves the city's right to order any furniture or encroachment removed from the right-of-way for a traffic problem, utility work, disorder, public safety issue, emergency, or other reasonable basis, regardless of permit status.