Lawrence, KS Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Chapter 6, Article XII of the Lawrence City Code governs "hospitality areas" in the downtown district (Massachusetts Street between Sixth and North Park streets, plus the cross streets between New Hampshire and Vermont). A "sidewalk hospitality area" is the portion of city right-of-way sidewalk immediately adjoining a business, licensed for private outdoor dining or seating use. Section 6-1203 makes a valid hospitality license mandatory before any such use begins. The annual fee under section 6-1204(a) is charged per square foot and recaptures both program costs and the fair market value of the sidewalk space; it is never prorated or refunded.

Applicants submit a site plan to the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Office within 60 days of application (extendable once, up to another 60 days), showing elevation drawings, seating configuration, and, critically, a diagram confirming at least six feet of unobstructed sidewalk remains for pedestrian travel between the seating area and the street curb or plantings. Umbrellas must clear at least 80 inches above the sidewalk. 00 in liability insurance naming the city as additional insured, and the license lasts one year, renewable, nontransferable, and revocable for health, safety, or welfare violations after a written notice-and-cure process with a 14-day appeal to the city manager.