Bellevue, WA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Type D long-term right-of-way use permit
- Named use
- Sidewalk cafes, BCC 14.30.080(D)(3)(i)
- Apply
- 30+ days before planned start
- Fees
- Set by council fee schedule, BCC 14.30.100
- Violation
- Civil penalty or misdemeanor, BCC 14.30.260
Summary
A restaurant that wants to put cafe seating on a Bellevue public sidewalk needs a Type D long-term right-of-way use permit under BCC 14.30.080(D)(3)(i), which names 'sidewalk cafes' directly, on top of the general right-of-way use permit requirement in BCC 14.30.070 that applies to any private use of city right-of-way.
D. Type D – Long-Term and Permanent.
1. Type D permits may be issued for use of right-of-way for activities for extended periods of time but which will not physically disturb the right-of-way.
2. The use of right-of-way for structures, facilities, and uses that involve capital expenditures and long-term commitments of use require this type of permit.
3. Type D permits include but are not limited to: ...
i. Sidewalk cafes;
j. Special and unique structures; fountains, clocks, flagpoles, awnings, marquees, benches, kiosks, signs, mailboxes, banners, street furniture, decorations;
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 6929, passed July 14, 2026).
Full Breakdown
080(D) establishes the Type D permit category for right-of-way uses that continue for extended periods without physically disturbing the right-of-way, and subsection (D)(3)(i) lists 'sidewalk cafes' among the qualifying uses, grouped with awnings, marquees, benches, kiosks, signs and other street furniture. 070(A), which makes such use unlawful without a right-of-way use permit issued by the city. 100. 090(C). 075 further warns that other city codes, such as health or building permit requirements, may add obligations on top of the right-of-way permit, and that the city retains its own right to use the right-of-way regardless of the permit issued.
Violations & Fines
Operating a sidewalk cafe in the public right-of-way without the Type D permit is a civil violation under Chapter 1.18 BCC carrying a monetary penalty, or it can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor under BCC 14.30.260(C). The director may revoke the permit under BCC 14.30.130 if the cafe violates its conditions, and the city can remove unsafe encroachments and bill the operator for the cost under BCC 14.30.210.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Bellevue restaurant need a city permit for sidewalk cafe seating?
How early does a sidewalk cafe permit application need to go in?
Can the city shut down an unpermitted sidewalk cafe in Bellevue?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellevue
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Sidewalk Dining & Cafés in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle sidewalk dining & cafés.