Raleigh, NC Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Section 12-1041 requires anyone placing a platform, tables, chairs, or seating on a City-maintained sidewalk or street to first obtain an outdoor seating area permit consistent with the section and the City's Outdoor Seating Guide. Only a legally established business or organization adjacent to the sidewalk or street may apply; the City Manager or designee reviews the application and fee, and may issue, suspend, or revoke the permit based on completeness, compliance with the Guide, and concerns about hours, traffic, parking, or public safety. on the following June 30, and are non-transferable, a change of business ownership immediately invalidates the permit.

Permittees must keep the platform and furniture clean, commercial-grade, and ADA-accessible, remove snow and ice promptly, and ensure no alcohol is served or consumed outside the permitted area except as otherwise allowed by law. 4. A denied application can be revised and resubmitted within 30 days without a new fee. The section defines 'streetery' and 'parklet' as platforms placed within a permitted outdoor seating area, a streetery serves a specific business's patrons and the public at set times, while a parklet is built for general public use at set times, but both operate under this same permit and Guide.