Indianapolis regulates sidewalk cafes under Revised Code Chapter 961 (Sidewalk Carts and Cafes). Businesses must obtain permits from the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. Four types of carts are designated: food, frozen food, flower, and merchandise. Pedestrian clearance requirements apply.
Indianapolis sidewalk cafes and carts are regulated under Chapter 961 of the Revised Code of the Consolidated City and County (Sidewalk Carts and Cafes). The Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) issues permits for sidewalk dining and cart operations. The code designates four types of carts: food carts, frozen food carts, flower carts, and merchandise carts. Each type has specific licensing requirements. Restaurants seeking sidewalk cafe permits must maintain adequate pedestrian clearance on the sidewalk, typically at least 4 feet of clear path. Furniture must be commercial quality and stored when not in use during non-operating hours. The dining area must be adjacent to the restaurant. Barrier or delineation of the cafe area may be required for ADA compliance. The outdoor dining area must comply with the establishment's health and liquor license conditions. Indianapolis expanded outdoor dining options during and after COVID-19. Downtown Indianapolis, Mass Avenue, Broad Ripple, and Fountain Square are popular sidewalk cafe districts. Vendors operating carts on sidewalks must contact BNS at (317) 327-4316 or licensing@indy.gov for specific requirements. Annual permit renewal is required.
Operating without a permit: citations from BNS. Blocking pedestrian paths: immediate enforcement. ADA violations: subject to federal accessibility requirements. Health code violations: MCPHD enforcement.
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