Newport News, VA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

The director of engineering may issue a permit authorizing the use of the right of way for outdoor dining when the outdoor dining does not adversely impact pedestrian and vehicular flow and safety.(b)Application. Application for outdoor dining must be filed with the department of engineering on forms provided by that department. The non-refundable application fee is fifty dollars ($50.00). The annual permit fee is five hundred dollars ($500.00). Permits must be renewed annually.(c)Guidelines. The following provisions will be applicable to all operators of outdoor dining facilities who have obtained a permit:(1)The business must be a properly zoned and licensed food or beverage establishment located on the interior first floor of a structure adjacent to the sidewalk area where the outdoor dining is proposed.(2)The permit shall be revocable at any time by the director of engineering or his designee.(3)The outdoor dining area shall be temporary, such that posts, chairs, tables, planters and other equipment, referred to herein as "dining equipment," can be removed when not in use and the interior food and beverage establishment is closed.(4)The outdoor dining area may extend into the right of way a maximum of one-half (½) of the sidewalk width from the property line of the permittee, provided that no less than five (5) feet of clear and unobstructed sidewalk width remains for pedestrian use.