Temecula, CA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Cafe Rules (2026)

Outdoor dining in Old Town Temecula is a key part of the historic district experience and is regulated through a coordinated permitting framework. Required approvals include: a Sidewalk Cafe Outdoor Dining Permit through Planning and the Old Town Steering Committee; an Encroachment Agreement with Public Works granting use of the public sidewalk and specifying maintenance responsibilities; modification of the existing Type 41/47 ABC license through California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control if alcohol service extends to the outdoor area, with diagram and posting requirements; certificate of insurance (typically $2 million general liability) naming the City as additional insured; and design review under the Old Town Specific Plan to ensure compatibility (typical requirements: wrought iron railings or planters defining the cafe boundary, materials matching historic character, no fixed structures encroaching beyond agreed area). Operations must maintain ADA-compliant clear sidewalk passage of typically 6 feet (Old Town's enhanced sidewalk areas have slightly different layouts) and must not block storefronts of adjacent businesses or fire access. Hours typically match restaurant hours but cannot extend past Old Town quiet hours (generally 10 PM weekdays, 11 PM weekends per noise ordinance for outdoor amplified or significant patio activity). Renewal is annual.