Dining Out NYC (Local Law 121 of 2023) replaced the old sidewalk cafe license system. DOT administers sidewalk and roadway cafe permits seasonally April–November, with application fees tiered by type and location.
Local Law 121 of 2023 created Dining Out NYC, NYC's permanent outdoor dining program replacing the pandemic-era Open Restaurants and the prior DCWP Sidewalk Cafe License system. Administered by NYC DOT, the program allows sidewalk cafes (year-round) and roadway cafes (seasonal, April 1–November 29). Applications are reviewed by DOT with community board input, and food service establishments must already hold a DOHMH permit and meet accessibility requirements (36 in wide clear path; 8 ft pedestrian zone). Fees are tiered: sidewalk cafes pay a revocable consent fee based on square footage and neighborhood zone (Brooklyn is typically a low to mid-tier). Roadway cafes must use DOT-approved modular furniture and be removed in the off-season. Brooklyn has thousands of sidewalk cafe applicants across Williamsburg, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, and Downtown.
Operating without permit: DOT summons $500–$1,000 per day. Obstructing ADA clearance: $500+. Failure to remove seasonal roadway cafe: $250/day plus DSNY removal costs.
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