Joliet, IL Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Joliet's sidewalk cafe and sidewalk sale rules sit in Code of Ordinances Chapter 26, Article VII, Divisions 1 and 2 (Ord. No. 11051, § 10, adopted 3-5-96). on other days (§ 26-142(b)). The commercial use can never reduce the unobstructed sidewalk to less than five feet in width (§ 26-143), outdoor cooking is prohibited, and the permittee must keep the cafe clean and remove all tables, chairs and equipment when the permit ends (§ 26-145). Under § 26-149, a cafe permit is available only to the operator of a duly licensed and permitted restaurant on the abutting property; sidewalk sales permits are capped at five per person or organization per calendar year, and every permit is non-transferable and revocable by the city on 24 hours' notice.

The application (§ 26-150) must include a site plan, a floor plan showing tables and seating capacity, an operations plan with hours and staffing, proof of liability coverage, and the applicant's food service and liquor license numbers if alcohol will be served. Section 26-152 requires liability insurance of $300,000 per person injured, $500,000 aggregate per accident, and $300,000 for property damage, naming the city as an additional insured. Fees are set in the schedule at § 18-20, and sidewalk sales run by nonprofit organizations pay no fee (§ 26-154).

The city manager must act on a cafe application within 30 business days (§ 26-153(b)) and on a sidewalk sales application within three business days (§ 26-153(a)). Newspaper vendors are exempt from the permit requirement (§ 26-155).