Irvine allows sidewalk dining via its outdoor dining screening program. Restaurants need Community Development approval and an encroachment permit for public right-of-way seating.
The City of Irvine permits outdoor dining for restaurants through its outdoor dining screening application process, administered by Community Development. Restaurants seeking to place tables, chairs, or barriers on sidewalks or other city property within the public right-of-way must obtain an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department. Outdoor dining areas must maintain minimum ADA-compliant pedestrian clear passage on sidewalks. Screening and barriers must meet city design standards and may require Planning Division review depending on the zoning district. The city expanded its Open Outdoor Dining and Services program to help businesses recover from pandemic restrictions, allowing expanded use of parking areas, common areas, and landscape areas for dining. Restaurants in private commercial centers (such as Irvine Spectrum or Woodbury Town Center) may also need approval from the property management company. Alcohol service in outdoor dining areas requires separate ABC licensing compliance. Food establishments must maintain Orange County Health Care Agency permits covering the outdoor service area. Contact Community Development at (949) 724-6000 for the outdoor dining screening application.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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