Hampton, VA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Application fee
- $100, nonrefundable
- Eligible districts
- PH-1, DT-1, DT-2 only
- Approving official
- Director of public works
- Transferable
- No: tied to operator/location
Summary
Hampton restaurants in the Phoebus, Downtown Business, and Downtown Waterfront districts need an outdoor seating permit and encroachment agreement before placing tables and chairs on the public sidewalk.
Establishment. Any business properly licensed and lawfully located in the Phoebus Business (PH-1), Downtown Business (DT-1), or Downtown Waterfront (DT-2) zoning districts... Outdoor seating may encroach into the public sidewalk or right-of-way only upon issuance of an outdoor seating permit and encroachment agreement as provided for in this article... Application fee. A nonrefundable application fee of $100.00 shall accompany each application for an outdoor seating permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Hampton City Code § 34-122 defines "outdoor seating" as tables, chairs, and appurtenances placed within the public sidewalk or right-of-way next to an establishment, and limits eligible establishments to those in the Phoebus Business (PH-1), Downtown Business (DT-1), or Downtown Waterfront (DT-2) districts. Under § 34-123, the operator applies to the director of public works with a dimensioned site plan, sidewalk-condition photos, seating-capacity figures, and a $100 nonrefundable application fee, then must execute an encroachment agreement and carry liability insurance naming the city as additional insured before the director approves the permit.
Violations & Fines
Operating without an approved permit, or violating its terms, the city's design standards, or ABC rules, lets the director of public works administratively revoke or suspend the permit (§ 34-127); revocation for cause bars reapplying at that establishment for one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hampton, Virginia businesses can get a sidewalk cafe permit?
What does a sidewalk cafe permit cost in Hampton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
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