Anaheim, CA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Anaheim Municipal Code Section 18.38.220 treats Outdoor Seating and Outdoor Dining as two distinct accessory uses, each with its own rulebook. Outdoor Seating (no table service) is capped at a cumulative maximum of seven tables and fifteen seats, and furnishings can't be placed on or hang over the public right-of-way, a required pedestrian walkway, setback, or parking area; a clear ADA-compliant pedestrian path must still run along the sidewalk. Portable furniture can't go out more than half an hour before opening or stay more than half an hour after closing, and at least one trash receptacle matching the building's design must be provided, with the owner responsible for keeping the area clean and trash-free.

Outdoor Dining (table service by restaurant staff) cannot encroach into any public right-of-way, required setback, yard, landscaping, or parking area. The area must be fully visible to and controlled by the restaurant, and if alcohol is served there it must sit immediately adjacent to and take access from the restaurant. It has to be enclosed by permanent improvements such as planters, fencing, decks, or patio structures at least 36 inches high (or higher if ABC requires it for alcohol service), and a conditional use permit is required for any outdoor entertainment. Alcohol sales in the outdoor area are allowed only if the restaurant already holds a valid on-site alcohol permit, and noise from the area can't disturb surrounding properties. One notable exception: restaurants in Commercial Retail Centers-Large can convert up to three legal parking spaces adjacent to the restaurant into outdoor dining if they obtain an Outdoor Dining Parking Permit under Chapter 18.42.130, which is reviewed and approved by the Planning Director based on a site plan, parking impact analysis, and compliance with the City's Outdoor Dining design guidelines.