Richland, WA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Chapter 5.14 defines a "sidewalk cafe" as an open-air seating area on a public sidewalk operated by an adjoining eating or drinking establishment and set off by a fixed, semi-permanent enclosure such as a rail or wall, per Section 5.14.010. Section 5.14.020 makes it unlawful to use city sidewalks or the air space above them without a license issued by the Development Services Department. Under Section 5.14.050, the department may only issue a sidewalk cafe license once the applicant secures an approved food-service establishment permit from the Benton-Franklin Health Department and, if alcohol will be served, a liquor license from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board covering the licensed sidewalk area; Section 5.14.060 repeats that liquor may be sold at a sidewalk cafe only when authorized by both the sidewalk use permit and a state liquor permit.

The design standards in Section 5.14.130 require at least five feet of unobstructed pedestrian travel space around any cafe, placement no closer than two feet from the curb, and any fencing or containment limited to 36 inches high with at least 50 percent visibility through it. Section 5.14.090 requires cafe operators to release the city from liability, carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate naming the city as an additional insured, and, for substantial sidewalk modifications, post a surety bond equal to 115 percent of the estimated restoration cost.

The Development Services Department can suspend or revoke a license after 10 days' written notice for a violation, appealable to the city manager under Section 5.04.560.