Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, NY Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit issuer: City Clerk
Fee: $60/table, $10/chair
Operating hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., May 1-Oct 31
Alcohol: Prohibited
Liability insurance: $1,000,000
Max penalty: $1,000 fine / 15 days jail per offense

Summary

Restaurants can't set up outdoor tables in Mount Vernon without a City Clerk permit under § 227-50.3, priced at $60 per table and $10 per chair, and cafes may only operate 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from May 1 through October 31 with no alcohol served outdoors.

A. Authority. ... The City Clerk is hereby authorized to grant permits to operate a sidewalk cafe under his hand, to be sealed with the Corporate Seal, to such persons approved for said permit. ... F. Fee. ... The fee for such permit shall be determined by the quantity of tables and chairs on the application and site plan. The fee for each table shall be $60, and the fee for each chair shall be $10.

View official code

Full Breakdown

1 requires any retail or other establishment to get a City Clerk permit before using public walk, street or alley space as a sidewalk cafe. 3B). 3C-E). 4). 5). 7).

Violations & Fines

Violating any provision of the sidewalk cafe article is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per offense or up to 15 days in jail under § 227-50.8, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense; the City Clerk can also revoke the permit outright after 10 days' written notice and a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues sidewalk cafe permits in Mount Vernon?

The City Clerk grants sidewalk cafe permits under § 227-50.3, but the application must first be approved by the Commissioners of Public Safety, Public Works and Buildings.

What does a Mount Vernon sidewalk cafe permit cost?

The fee is set by table and chair count under § 227-50.3F: $60 for each table and $10 for each chair listed on the site plan.

Can a sidewalk cafe serve alcohol or stay open late?

No. Section 227-50.5 limits sidewalk cafes to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. between May 1 and October 31 each year and flatly prohibits serving or consuming alcoholic beverages outdoors.

Sources & Official References

[1]City of Mount Vernon Code, Chapter 227, Sidewalk Cafes

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