Newport Beach, CA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

18 governs outdoor dining on public sidewalks. 010 makes it unlawful for any restaurant business to place furniture or equipment on a public sidewalk for outdoor dining without first obtaining a valid sidewalk cafe license encroachment permit, which must provide for indemnification of the City and maintenance of liability and other insurance coverage as determined by the Risk Manager, and must conform to City Council policy on sidewalk cafe standards and procedures. 015 gives the Public Works Director authority to approve and execute the permit on the City's behalf, and separately authorizes the Director to suspend, revoke, or modify any sidewalk cafe license encroachment permit at any time, with the applicant or property owner able to appeal that decision to the City Manager, whose ruling is final.

020 requires that any fixtures and equipment placed under the permit be removed at the close of business each day unless the Public Works Director approves otherwise, and if the permit is suspended, revoked or terminated, all fixtures and equipment must be immediately removed and the sidewalk restored to its original condition; failing to do so after suspension, revocation or termination is expressly declared a nuisance affecting public safety and is prohibited under subsection C. 025 bars outdoor dining altogether on sidewalks the City Council has designated by resolution for joint bicycle and pedestrian use, regardless of permit status. 030 requires each permit application to be accompanied by the fee set by City Council resolution.