Des Moines, IA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit or lease
- Required before operating
- Max term
- Three years
- Alcohol sales
- Lease only, not permit
- Reviewing office
- Community development director
- Appeal window
- 10 business days
Summary
Restaurants that want to serve food or drinks on the public sidewalk need a sidewalk cafe permit or lease from the city, capped at three years, before setting up a single table.
Any person seeking to operate a sidewalk cafe upon the public sidewalk or other property owned by the city shall make application for a sidewalk cafe permit or a sidewalk cafe lease to the permit and development center upon a form to be provided by the city staff for that purpose. Each application for a sidewalk cafe permit or lease shall be accompanied by payment of an application fee in the amount set in the schedule of fees adopted by the city council by resolution.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Any business wanting to operate a sidewalk cafe on city sidewalk or other city property must apply to the permit and development center and pay an application fee set by council resolution. The community development director signs off on permits; a sidewalk cafe lease (needed if you want to serve alcohol, and running up to three years) goes through the real estate division manager after the director's approval. A permit area cannot serve alcohol and must be cleared for public use whenever the business is closed.
Violations & Fines
Director may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a permit or lease for violating the agreement or code; denials and revocations can be appealed to a hearing officer or, if the site is needed for a public purpose, to the city council within 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sidewalk cafe in Des Moines serve alcohol?
How long does a Des Moines sidewalk cafe permit last?
Who approves sidewalk cafe applications in Des Moines?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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