Janesville, WI Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Section 12-165(a) bars dining, food service or any financial-gain activity on a public right-of-way, sidewalk, walkway, sidewalk easement or terrace unless it strictly follows this article. Under § 12-165(b), a sidewalk cafe is only permitted on sidewalk and terrace property in the B5 and B6 zoning districts, and only to a person who owns or lawfully possesses the abutting building, which must primarily operate as a coffee shop, delicatessen, bakery, restaurant or dining establishment, § 12-165(b)(1)-(2). The operator must hold a valid Rock County Health Department permit, filed with the City Clerk's Office before use, § 12-165(b)(5), and must provide restroom access to patrons inside the abutting building.

Alcohol sale, consumption or storage on the sidewalk cafe area is banned unless the City Council amends the licensed premises description to cover it, § 12-165(b)(6). A five-foot-wide pedestrian right-of-way must stay clear at all times, measured at right angles from the building along the property line, and all tables, chairs and equipment must sit entirely within the cafe area without encroaching on that path or neighboring property, § 12-165(b)(7)-(8). Litter and debris must be cleaned up within 20 minutes of any order from a police officer, Building Inspector or Code Administration Official, § 12-165(b)(9), and no food or beverages may be stored in the cafe area before service, § 12-165(b)(10).