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Longmont, CO Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permit required for
tables, chairs, seating on public sidewalk
Fee
$50.00 one-time (§13.37.140)
Food service
needs county health dept concept approval
Barrier requirement
must be removable
Fine for violating
up to $500.00 (§13.37.180)
Appeal window
10 days to city manager/council (§13.37.160)
Term limit
permits run no longer than 12 months (§13.37.030.C)

Summary

Longmont restaurants and cafes that want to put tables, chairs or other customer seating on the public sidewalk need a business-extension permit under Longmont Municipal Code § 13.37.080. Food and beverage extensions must first get concept approval from the Boulder or Weld county health department, any barrier enclosing the extension must be removable, and the space must be lit during business hours and cleared when the permit isn't in use.

It is unlawful for any person to place any tables, chairs, benches, merchandise, or other customer accommodations within a business extension without first obtaining a permit for the city as set forth in this chapter. Permits shall be subject to the following conditions: A.Applicants for business-extension permits in which food or beverage service is provided shall obtain concept approval from the Boulder or Weld county health department, and submit written verification from the department in conjunction with the permit application. B.If a business extension is required to be contained within a physical barrier, the barrier shall be removable. ... F.All fixtures, equipment and accommodations shall be removed from the public property except during permitted dates. G.Business extensions shall be adequately illuminated during business hours.

View official code

Full Breakdown

020 as any extension of a business for use and occupation by customers or employees, above, on or below grade, immediately adjacent to an existing building abutting public property, such as a sidewalk. 140. 080(A). 080(C)-(D). 080(G). 080(H). 040 and can lose the permit for violating any condition.

Violations & Fines

Placing tables, chairs, merchandise or other customer accommodations in a business extension without the § 13.37.080 permit is unlawful and, under § 13.37.180, punishable by a court fine of up to $500.00; the city attorney can separately pursue damages or an injunction to protect public property. The city may also deny or revoke the permit for misstatements, violating a permit condition, creating a safety hazard, or an emergency, with the right to appeal to the city manager or city council within ten days under § 13.37.160.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Longmont restaurant put tables on the sidewalk without a permit?
No. Section 13.37.080 makes it unlawful to place tables, chairs, benches or other customer accommodations in a business extension on public property without first obtaining a permit, and violators face a fine of up to $500.00 under § 13.37.180.
Do I need county health department approval for a sidewalk cafe permit?
Yes, if you serve food or beverages. You must obtain concept approval from the Boulder or Weld county health department and submit written verification with your permit application, under § 13.37.080(A).
How much does a Longmont business extension permit cost?
It's a one-time $50.00 fee under § 13.37.140(2), in addition to any insurance the city's risk manager requires under § 13.37.040.
Can I permanently enclose my sidewalk seating with a fixed wall?
No. Any physical barrier around a business extension must be removable, per § 13.37.080(B), and the fixtures generally must come off public property except on the dates covered by the permit, under § 13.37.080(F).

Sources & Official References

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All Longmont rules

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Sidewalk Dining & Cafés in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Boulder County handle sidewalk dining & cafés.

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Significant Restrictions