Dallas, TX Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

A sidewalk cafe is defined by reference to Chapter 316 of the Texas Transportation Code (Sec. 43-111(2)). To operate one in the public right-of-way, the operator applies in writing to the director, the department head designated by the city manager, and submits plans or drawings of the area, a statement of purpose, and a nonrefundable $100 application fee plus recording fees (Sec. 43-112(a), (b)(1)). Unlike other right-of-way licenses, where the application fee is credited toward the first year's charge, sidewalk cafes are billed the $100 application fee and the full $200 annual fee separately (Sec.

43-115(a)(4), (c)). The license itself is not administrative: the city council must find the use is not inconsistent with, and does not unreasonably impair, public use of the right-of-way before granting it by ordinance (Sec. 43-113). If the granting ordinance does not set a term, the license expires automatically 10 years from passage, and the council keeps the unilateral right to terminate any license at any time it judges the use inconsistent with public use or likely to become a nuisance (Sec. 43-114(a), (b)). Every cafe must comply with the Sidewalk Cafe Design Standards Manual, which the director keeps posted on the city's website and on file in paper form for public inspection (Sec.

3). While an application is pending before council, the director may issue a temporary month-to-month license if denying one would cause substantial hardship (Sec. 43-116).