Plainfield, NJ Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Approving body
- Planning, Police, Fire and Health committee
- Outdoor seating cap
- 10 to 25 percent of on-site seating
- Curb clearance
- Five feet between tables and the curb
- Entrance clearance
- Five feet unobstructed at entrances and exits
- Permit term
- One year, renewed through Health Department
- Litter plan fine
- Not less than $100 per violation
Summary
In the City of Plainfield, a sidewalk cafe must be accessory to a fully enclosed restaurant and approved by a committee of the Planning, Police, Fire and Health Divisions. Outdoor seats are capped at 10 to 25 percent of on-site seating, tables need five feet from the curb, and the permit runs one year.
It is the intent of this section to permit sidewalk cafe areas accessory to restaurant use subject to approval by a committee consisting of representatives of the Planning, Police, Fire and Health Divisions. A. The area utilized for sidewalk cafe areas must be accessory in nature to a fully enclosed eating establishment. ... C. No more than ten to twenty-five percent (10-25%) of total on-site restaurant seating shall be provided outdoors. ... G. The sidewalk cafe shall not interfere with pedestrian traffic. All sidewalk cafe areas must allow a minimum of five (5) feet between tables and chairs and the curb in order to allow unobstructed public passage including adequate aisle area for the unimpeded passage of handicapped individuals through the area. ... R. Permits for sidewalk cafes shall be valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance of the permit. Applicants receiving site plan approval for a sidewalk cafe area shall obtain a permit each year they wish to continue the area from the City Health Department provided that the operations have not changed and the applicant is in compliance with Health Department standards.
Full Breakdown
Plainfield Municipal Code § 17:9-40 permits sidewalk cafe areas accessory to restaurant use in the City of Plainfield, Union County, subject to approval by a committee of representatives of the Planning, Police, Fire and Health Divisions. The area must be accessory to a fully enclosed eating establishment, directly accessible from the interior eating area, and located only in front of the building where the restaurant operates.
The applicant submits a layout showing the maximum size of the area, the maximum number and layout of seats and tables, aisles and routes of egress, clearances, food preparation and serving areas, and renderings of furniture, umbrellas, awnings and signage. Picnic style tables are not permitted. Outdoor seating cannot exceed ten to twenty-five percent of total on-site restaurant seating, and the committee sets the actual maximum during site plan review. Sidewalk seats do not count toward parking requirements.
Pedestrian access controls the design. Tables and chairs must leave a minimum of five feet between them and the curb, with five feet of unobstructed access to building entrances and exits. No cafe can sit in front of a driveway, parking lot entrance or alley. All service areas stay inside the restaurant, no food is prepared outdoors, and the menu matches the restaurant's. Hours match the restaurant's hours, furniture cannot be chained to any tree, post, sign, curb or sidewalk, all tables and chairs come in when the establishment closes, and no bell, siren, loudspeaker or radio can be directed to or from the area.
Alcohol can be served only in the licensed area of a restaurant holding a valid Alcoholic Beverage Control retail consumption license. Before a permit issues the applicant files a litter control plan, a comprehensive general liability policy naming the City of Plainfield as additional insured with 30 days written notice of cancellation to the City Clerk, and an indemnification statement. The permit is valid one year and is renewed through the City Health Department.
Violations & Fines
Failure to follow the litter control plan is a violation of the site plan approval and carries a fine of not less than $100 per violation. Permits are revocable and can be suspended or revoked by the Zoning Officer or Health Department for any violation of Chapter 17 or other applicable law. Operating after suspension or termination is unlawful, and cancellation of the insurance policy immediately suspends the permit until a compliant policy is filed and a new permit is issued by the Health Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who approves a sidewalk cafe in the City of Plainfield?
How many outdoor seats can a Plainfield restaurant have?
Can I serve alcohol at a sidewalk cafe in Plainfield?
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Sources & Official References
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Sidewalk Dining & Cafés in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Union County handle sidewalk dining & cafés.