Coconut Creek, FL Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Section 13-380 lets restaurants in the City of Coconut Creek add outdoor seating as an accessory use, on two tracks. Outdoor dining is the portion of an eating establishment immediately adjacent to an entrance, located under a continuous covered sidewalk on private property. An outdoor cafe sits on an open or covered slab or other solid, impervious surface, also on private property. The department of sustainable development approves the area during the application process.

Outdoor dining requires an application to the planning and zoning division with a $50 fee, written approval from the property management company or owner, a scale plan, and product details for tables, chairs and the menu board. An outdoor cafe needs an administrative approval application with a $250 fee, the same documents, and details of umbrellas and metal railing. The development review committee can add restrictions for public safety and welfare.

Operating rules apply to both. The restaurant needs all state, county and city licenses, and hours cannot exceed the restaurant's. Outdoor dining keeps 36 inches clear for pedestrian flow and ADA access. Tables and chairs must be sturdy and not PVC or fiberglass. A cafe needs a decorative metal fence or railing no higher than 3 feet with no signs, fire-retardant or fire-resistant umbrellas, and restaurant-name lettering no more than 6 inches high. One freestanding menu board is allowed, at 6 square feet and 5 feet high. Areas under 600 square feet need no additional parking.

Prohibited are pass through windows, live entertainment except through a promotional activity permit, kitchen or food equipment, trash receptacles unless approved, and audio, visual and loud speakers except through that permit. When a hurricane warning is issued, tables, chairs, umbrellas and menu boards go indoors immediately.