Lexington, KY Special Events & Permits: Parklets (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- §17-29.1(b), §17-29
- Max spaces
- 2 on-street parking spaces
- Speed limit ceiling
- 25 mph roadway
- Barred locations
- Handicapped/disabled parking spaces
- Extra approval
- Lexington & Fayette Co. Parking Authority
- Combined fee
- $150/year (vs. $100 sidewalk-only)
Summary
Lexington lets a permitted outdoor cafe turn up to two on-street parking spaces directly in front of its business into dining space under section 17-29.1(b), the closest thing the code has to a parklet program. The spaces can't include handicapped or disabled parking, and the business still needs Parking Authority approval and crash-worthy barriers.
An establishment to encroach into up to two (2) on-street parking spaces located immediately in front of that establishment with appropriate permission and approval as provided herein. A permittee shall not be allowed to encroach upon or otherwise interfere with on-street handicapped or disabled parking locations. [Sec. 17-29 def.] On-street parking: That portion of the public right-of-way that is intended for vehicular parking along roadways with speed limits of twenty-five (25) miles per hour or less.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Republication | Zoning Ordinance: Republication).
Full Breakdown
1 authorizes exactly that concept: an establishment holding a valid permit may encroach into up to two on-street parking spaces located immediately in front of its business, converting curb parking into cafe seating, in addition to or instead of sidewalk space. Section 17-29 defines on-street parking as the portion of the right-of-way meant for vehicular parking along roadways posted twenty-five miles per hour or slower, which keeps the option to slower, lower-volume streets. A permittee cannot encroach on or interfere with on-street handicapped or disabled parking locations under any circumstance.
3, and payment of any parking-authority fees in addition to the permit fee. The combined sidewalk-and-parking permit costs one hundred fifty dollars a year, fifty dollars more than a sidewalk-only or parking-only permit. The urban county government can suspend or modify a parklet's footprint on short notice to reopen the parking for a festival or special event approved by the office of the mayor.
Violations & Fines
Encroaching onto handicapped or disabled parking spaces, using on-street parking without Parking Authority approval, or failing to erect the required crash-worthy barriers are each independent grounds to deny, suspend or revoke the permit under section 17-29.5, and continued unpermitted use of the parking spaces draws the same $250 to $500 daily fine that applies to any other violation of the outdoor cafe article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lexington have a parklet program?
Can a Lexington cafe take over a handicapped parking space for outdoor seating?
What's different about using on-street parking instead of just the sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lexington
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