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Franklin, TN Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Business license copy
Required
Liability insurance
City named as insured
Decision timeline
Within 15 days
Code section
Sec. 8-304

Summary

Franklin's sidewalk cafe application requires a copy of the business's license, proof of liability insurance naming the city as additional insured, and proof of any required beer or health permits.

(c)A copy of a valid business license to operate a business establishment adjacent to the public property, which is the subject of the application....(g)Proof of any required beer permit or Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission ("TABC") license, health permits or other state permits for the business involved....(i)Not later than 15 days after the filing of a complete application for a sidewalk dining permit, the applicant shall be notified by the building and neighborhood services department administration office of the decision on the issuance or denial of the permit.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 8-304 lists what a Franklin sidewalk dining permit application must include: a copy of a valid business license for the adjacent establishment, proof of current liability insurance protecting the licensee and city that names the city as an additional insured, and proof of any required beer permit, TABC license, health permits, or other state permits for the business. The building and neighborhood services department must notify the applicant of its decision within 15 days of a complete application.

Violations & Fines

Submitting an incomplete application, or operating without the required business license, insurance, or beer/health permits documented under Sec. 8-304, is grounds for the building and neighborhood services department to deny the sidewalk cafe permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents does a Franklin sidewalk cafe application need?
Sec. 8-304 requires a copy of the business's valid license, proof of liability insurance naming the city as additional insured, a scaled site sketch, and proof of any required beer, TABC, or health permits.
How long does Franklin take to decide a sidewalk cafe application?
The building and neighborhood services department must notify the applicant of its decision within 15 days after a complete application is filed, per Sec. 8-304(1)(i).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Franklin

All Franklin rules

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