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

3 applies only to restaurants in Central Business District Two that directly abut Main Street between NW 6th Street and Belt Line Road and are not set back from the public right-of-way. No one may set up or operate an outdoor dining area on the sidewalk without a permit; the Building Official issues that permit for tables, chairs and accessories that extend no more than 42 inches beyond the property line. Anything bigger, or any setup with a fence, rope, canopy or similar structure, or dining space placed somewhere other than immediately next to the restaurant's own building, instead requires a City Council-approved encroachment agreement.

Permit holders must confine furniture, canopies and fencing to the approved footprint, keep roadways clear, and preserve at least 44 inches of unobstructed pedestrian clearance, or more if the International Building Code or the Americans with Disabilities Act demands it. Trash containers are mandatory and the permit holder must keep the area free of litter. Health permits and any alcohol licenses must be displayed and copies given to the City before a permit issues, and areas serving alcohol must be roped or fenced off from passersby and comply with state and local alcohol law.

Bells, sirens, horns or loudspeakers used to attract customers are barred, employees may not drink on the job, and outdoor cooking, food prep or self-service is not allowed. Furniture and accessory design needs sign-off from the Economic Development Director, and operators must also follow the noise limits in Article 13 of the Grand Prairie Municipal Code.