Medford, MA Special Events & Permits: Parklets (2026)

Section 14-483 defines 'parklet seating' as public street seating located in the paved roadway, typically in the parking lane or other unused lane of the roadway, distinct from sidewalk seating, which stays on the pedestrian paved surface. Because a parklet occupies a metered or otherwise usable parking space, Sec. 14-485(d) builds a fee structure around that trade-off: the annual license fee for a platformed parklet, one that brings the seating area level with the curb, is set at one-half the fee charged for a parklet without a platform that leaves seating at street level, and the city adds a further fee for every parking space beyond the first that the parklet occupies.

That fee schedule is set by the building commissioner and approved by the city council and may be amended year to year with council approval. The same application package required for sidewalk seating applies to parklets: a worker's compensation affidavit, a certificate of insurance naming the city as additional insured, proof of a dumpster permit and pest control coverage, and a scaled plan showing furniture, fencing, umbrellas and the space needed for pedestrian and wheelchair passage. Applications route through the building department to the mayor's office, DPW, health, engineering, fire, the parking clerk and police for comment before the building commissioner can approve the license. Licenses run March 1 through October 31 and must be renewed every season.