Battle Creek, MI Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Chapter 845 applies only to the public sidewalk on Michigan Avenue between Division Street on the east and Carlyle Street on the west in downtown Battle Creek, and Section 845.02(b) prohibits sidewalk cafes everywhere except as the chapter permits. A sidewalk cafe is an outdoor dining area tied to an adjacent restaurant or food service business, with waiter or counter service and readily removable tables, chairs and railings, open to the air apart from awnings, canopies or umbrellas.

The application goes to the Community Services Department with the fee set in the fee, bond and insurance schedule approved by the City Commission, a site development plan, and proof of general liability insurance of $2,000,000 naming the City as additional insured. The form lists dates and hours of occupancy, capacity, area in square feet, any musical instruments or sound systems, whether alcohol will be served (with proof of Michigan Liquor Control Commission authorization), and a copy of any County Health Department food permit. Written authorization is required from the property owner if the applicant is not the owner, and from the adjacent owner if that sidewalk is used. The site plan goes on an 8 ½ by 11-inch sheet and shows the property and surroundings for twenty-five feet in all directions. Community Services circulates it to the Chief of Police, Fire Chief, City Clerk, City Engineer, Traffic Engineering Manager and Chief Building Official, then approves, approves with conditions, returns it for changes, or denies it.

Section 845.06 sets the design standards. A minimum of five feet, six inches of clear pedestrian space must remain beside the cafe, and the cafe area is separated from foot and vehicle traffic by an approved, fixed barrier, with wrought iron or decorative ironwork acceptable. Furnishings must be readily removable and cannot be attached to the sidewalk. Employees must continuously supervise areas serving alcohol, and those cafes post a sign reading "No Food or Beverage Allowed Beyond Railing." A parking-lane platform needs a building permit and comes out within one week of the season closing.

Section 845.07 sets operating limits. Hours cannot exceed those of the indoor restaurant. Alcohol is prepared indoors and served only to seated patrons. The only signage is a menu board no taller than six feet with no face larger than twelve square feet, and the permit must be prominently displayed. The City can suspend a cafe for festivals, parades or street, sidewalk or utility repairs.