Brick, NJ Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- $150
- Permit term
- 12 months from issuance
- Hours
- 7am-10pm Mon-Thu, 7am-11pm Fri-Sun
- Min. clear sidewalk
- 4 feet, never less
- Approving official
- Zoning Officer
Summary
Brick Township requires a permit from the Zoning Officer before any restaurant or retail food establishment can operate an outdoor dining area, with sidewalks required to stay at least four feet clear.
The Zoning Officer shall review each application to ensure that the proposed operation of the outdoor dining area will not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Six feet of unobstructed sidewalk should be provided with the exact width being determined by the Zoning Officer as he deems it to be appropriate to promote pedestrian or vehicular safety. However, in no event shall the unobstructed sidewalk be less than four feet.
(2) The outdoor dining area shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the outdoor seating plan as finally approved, and by the same person who operates and maintains the abutting retail food establishment.
(3) Any proposed outdoor seating shall serve as a substitute for permitted indoor seating. The total existing permitted occupancy of the restaurant or retail food establishment shall not be increased by the establishment of an outdoor dining area.
(4) No furniture, apparatus, decoration, or appurtenance used in connection with the operation with the outdoor dining area shall be located in such a way as to impede the safe and speedy egress to or from any building or structure.
(5) The outdoor area used by the outdoor dining area shall be kept clean and free of litter and shall be washed as required.
(6) Noise shall be kept at such a level as to comply in all aspects with the provisions of applicable ordinances of the Township.
(7)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4577344; v53 updated 2025-12-09; through 12-09-2025).
Full Breakdown
The Township of Brick requires a permit for any outdoor dining area established outside a restaurant or retail food establishment (§ 211-3.1). Permits run twelve months, are approved by the Zoning Officer after referral to the Chief of Police and Fire Marshal, and dining on a public sidewalk, right-of-way, or fire lane needs sign-off from the Zoning Official, Traffic Safety, and the Fire Bureau. The Zoning Officer sets the required clear sidewalk width, but it can never be less than four feet. Hours run 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and no outdoor bar requiring plumbing or electric is allowed.
Violations & Fines
Operating an outdoor dining area without the $150 permit, or violating its terms, is prosecuted in Municipal Court under § 211-6 and punished per Chapter 1, § 1-15's general penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for sidewalk dining in Brick Township?
How much does Brick Township's outdoor dining permit cost?
How wide must the sidewalk stay clear for outdoor dining in Brick?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brick
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Sidewalk Dining & Cafés in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle sidewalk dining & cafés.