Ann Arbor, MI Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Annual (Jun 1–May 31) or daily
- Annual fee
- $1.00 per square foot
- Min. sidewalk clearance
- 6 feet
- Issuing authority
- City Administrator
- Obstruction fine
- Up to $1,000 plus costs
Summary
Ann Arbor restaurants must get a City Administrator sidewalk occupancy permit before setting up outdoor tables, and street-level businesses get first right each April to renew the space directly in front of their storefront.
The City Administrator may issue revocable permits to occupy a portion of any city street or sidewalk if the Administrator determines the occupancy will not: ... Reduce any sidewalk width to less than 6 feet. ... Annual sidewalk occupancy. Permits run from June 1 to May 31. From April 1 to April 30 of each year, the owner or manager of a business located at street level shall have first opportunity to apply for an annual permit that starts June 1 to occupy sidewalk space directly adjacent to that business.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
The City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, issues annual sidewalk occupancy permits (June 1–May 31) and daily permits letting businesses place tables, chairs or dining enclosures on the public sidewalk. Street-level owners or managers get first opportunity to apply for the space adjacent to their storefront during April; anyone can apply after April 30. Permits require at least 6 feet of clear sidewalk, liability insurance, and can't sit in front of a residential-zoned property. The annual fee is $1.00 per square foot; daily permits cost $0.05 per square foot per day. The City Administrator issues and can revoke permits.
Violations & Fines
Obstructing pedestrian passage is a civil infraction punishable by a fine up to $1,000 plus costs; the Administrator can also revoke the permit for violating any condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ann Arbor require a permit for sidewalk dining tables?
Who gets priority for sidewalk seating space each year?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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