Duluth, MN Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

12. That section covers any use of a public sidewalk for a cafe, eating area, bench, bicycle rack or temporary display that does not permanently vacate part of the street. B, and the land use supervisor refers it to the city engineer, who must confirm the proposed tables and chairs will not hinder the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicle drivers. The supervisor may also send the application to any other city, county or quasi-public agency needed to check the criteria. Before approval, the layout must clear five tests: it cannot encroach into drive aisles, loading zones, fire lanes or parking lots; it cannot block the area directly between an operating building entrance and the street curb (unless that entrance serves only the outdoor eating area); and it must sit back at least seven feet from the curb and at least six feet from parking meters, street trees and street furniture so pedestrians have a clear path.

The applicant must also sign a city agreement covering four things: keeping the sidewalk and street clean of litter within 20 feet of the dining area, accepting all liability and holding the city harmless, carrying liability insurance that meets city standards, and setting the permitted period of use. A licensed bar or restaurant using the permitted sidewalk area as part of its liquor-licensed premises faces additional conditions under Chapter 8 (beverages), including that no privately owned space was reasonably available instead. The current permit provisions were built through Ord. No. 10044 (2010), Ord. No. 10096 (2011), Ord. No. 10413 (2015) and Ord. No. 10743 (2021).