San Antonio, TX Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Cafe Rules (2026)

The City of San Antonio Center City Development and Operations (CCDO) Department administers the Sidewalk Cafe Permit program for street-level restaurants seeking outdoor dining on public sidewalks. Requirements include: a minimum 5-foot unobstructed pedestrian path adjacent to the curb or building face; a current food establishment permit from SAMHD; general liability insurance (minimum $1 million) naming the City of San Antonio as additional insured; an annual permit renewal; and an encroachment agreement with the City. The sidewalk cafe area must be delineated by removable barriers (planters, chains, or bollards) and must not obstruct fire hydrants, utility access, ADA ramps, or bus stops. All furniture must be removable and stored inside when the restaurant is closed. Sidewalk cafes in the River Walk area are subject to additional CCDO guidelines. The permit fee varies by location and square footage of the outdoor dining area. Alcoholic beverage service in the sidewalk cafe area requires a separate TABC permit with outdoor premises designation.