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Philadelphia, PA Special Events & Permits: Parklets (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit name: Pedestrian Enhancement Permit
Issuing agency: Licenses & Inspections / Streets
Permit term: 1 year, renewable twice
Neighbor support needed: 2/3 or 3/4 of abutters
Sales inside parklet: Prohibited for consideration

Summary

Philadelphia parklets need a Pedestrian Enhancement Permit from Licenses & Inspections, valid one year, renewable twice, requiring abutting-owner support and a removable, traffic-shielded design.

Parklet. A removable platform made available for recreational use by pedestrians that occupies a portion of a parking lane that is closed to motor vehicle parking. ... The Department of Licenses and Inspections, upon recommendation of the Department of Streets, is authorized to issue permits allowing the temporary closure of roadway lanes for the purposes of construction and maintenance of Pedestrian Enhancement in the right-of-way, subject to the requirements of this Section. Such temporary street closure permits shall be known as Pedestrian Enhancement Permits.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Under Philadelphia Code Section 11-613, a parklet -- defined as a removable platform occupying part of a parking lane and closed to vehicle parking for pedestrian recreational use -- needs a Pedestrian Enhancement Permit issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections on recommendation of the Department of Streets. Applicants submit a detailed design plan and must show written support from two-thirds of abutting owners and commercial tenants, or three-fourths if four or more properties abut, shield occupants from traffic, agree to indemnify the City, and carry insurance set by the Office of Risk Management. Permits run one year, renewable for two more one-year terms, with a yearly fee set by regulation.

Violations & Fines

Operating a parklet without a valid Pedestrian Enhancement Permit, selling food or drink for payment inside it, or repeat permit violations lets the Department of Streets order the parklet removed at the operator's expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who approves a Philadelphia parklet?

The Department of Licenses and Inspections issues the Pedestrian Enhancement Permit on the Department of Streets' recommendation, per Code Section 11-613(1).

Can a parklet operator sell food there?

No. Section 11-613(6)(b) bars providing food, drink, or goods for consideration inside a Pedestrian Enhancement, though personal use is allowed.

How long does a parklet permit last?

One year, renewable for up to two additional one-year terms if the parklet is properly maintained and the yearly fee is paid.

Sources & Official References

[1]Philadelphia Code § 11-613 (amlegal)

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