Sacramento County, CA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum dining area width
- 8 feet
- Minimum sidewalk clear path
- 5 feet
- Governing section
- Zoning Code § 5.7.3.B.4
- Applies to
- Mixed-use zoning districts only
Summary
Outdoor dining areas in Sacramento County's mixed-use zoning districts must sit next to the building, be at least eight feet wide, and keep the required pedestrian clear path open under the zoning code's streetscape standards.
Outdoor dining areas may be located adjacent to the building and shall be a minimum of eight feet in width and shall be required to comply with the clear area provisions, specified in Section 5.7.3.B.4.a.(ii).
Landscaping and Street Trees. Landscaping shall be provided and designed to comply with landscaping standards in Section 5.2.4, and the following standards:
In residential areas, projects shall comply with the street tree standards for multifamily residential development in Section 5.2.4.B.6.
In commercial or mixed-use areas, large canopy street trees shall be required for sidewalks and spaced on average of 30-foot on center and coordinated with the bay spacing and storefront design of the project.
Consultation with the County Tree Coordinator on tree species is recommended to achieve the best health and environmental benefits of tree planting.
5. Neighborhood Compatibility for Mixed-Use Centers (NMC and CMC) Section titled “5. Neighborhood Compatibility for Mixed-Use Centers (NMC and CMC)”
Transitions between mixed-use centers and adjacent development shall be provided by utilizing a combination of the following techniques, as applicable:
Incorporating lower-intensity housing types (i.e. attached or detached townhomes, rowhomes, and duplexes, etc.) along a shared street frontage. Aligning roof top or first-story cornices to generally match those of adjacent buildings, when applicable.
Full Breakdown
Sacramento County's Zoning Code sets the design standard for sidewalk cafes and outdoor dining in the county's Neighborhood, Community-Regional, and Corridor Mixed-Use zoning districts. Under Section 5.7.3.B.4, Streetscape Design and Character, outdoor dining areas must be located next to the building, be at least eight feet wide, and comply with the minimum five-foot clear pedestrian path required along the adjoining sidewalk. Sidewalks fronting a storefront must themselves be at least eight feet wide, with 12 feet or more encouraged where dining, furniture, and landscaping are planned. Any deviation from these standards requires review through the county's Design Review or Special Development Permit process.
Violations & Fines
Placing dining furniture in the required clear path violates the Zoning Code's Chapter 6 enforcement rules; each day a violation continues is a separate misdemeanor offense under Section 6.6.9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to my restaurant anywhere in unincorporated Sacramento County?
How wide must an outdoor dining area be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.