Davis, CA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

120 governs outdoor dining for brick-and-mortar restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments inside the Downtown Specific Plan Area mapped in Exhibit A of Ordinance 2637. A. Zone A (the Frontage Zone next to the building) can hold tables or sandwich boards but must keep the building entryway clear. Zone B, the Pedestrian Through Zone, is off-limits to dining furniture and must keep a minimum five-foot clear path (ten to fifteen feet preferred where foot traffic is heavier). Zone C, the Furniture Zone between the walking path and the curb, must be at least as wide as any existing tree wells.

Zone D, the Enhancement Zone nearest the curb, can host parklets or bicycle facilities but cannot be sized so large it blocks emergency vehicle access. All furnishings placed in these zones must meet the Downtown Outdoor Dining Furnishing Standards and Guidelines, adopted separately by city council resolution. Every business wanting to use these spaces must sign a Downtown Outdoor Dining License Agreement with the city, and the city manager is the official authorized to execute these agreements, which are revocable at the city's discretion rather than fixed-term rights.