New Orleans, LA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Under § 146-533, no person or business may establish, operate, or continue operating a sidewalk café on a public street or sidewalk without a valid sidewalk use permit, and eligibility turns on the temporary-use standards of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and the applicable zoning district. The director of the Department of Safety and Permits issues the permit only after consultation with, and a positive recommendation from, the director of Public Works (§ 146-534). Applicants must submit a dimensioned site plan, photographs of the proposed site, images of the furniture to be used, and proof of commercial general liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence / $1,000,000 aggregate naming the city as additional insured (§ 146-535).

00 application fee. Table fees then depend on location: within the bounded core area running from the Mississippi River through Poland Avenue, St. Claude Avenue, N. Rampart Street, Canal Street, S. Claiborne Avenue, Pontchartrain Expressway, St. Charles Avenue, Broadway, Maple Street and S. 00 per additional seat. The permit is valid one year and must be renewed annually with proof of paid taxes and fees (§ 146-538).