Rohnert Park, CA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

130(A)(1) requires an administrative permit before any restaurant can put tables on a public sidewalk, and adds a second layer: if the dining area sits in the public right-of-way, the operator also needs a revocable license, which the city engineer can condition as needed to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Subsection (A)(2) bans outdoor dining altogether on sidewalks designated as bicycle paths. Subsection (B)(1) sets the core physical standard: a clear, continuous pedestrian path at least six feet wide must remain open at all times, and the city engineer can require more than six feet where public safety calls for it.

Additional development standards fill out the chapter: furniture and barriers over three feet tall must stay outside the clear vision zone at street corners, a five-foot setback applies next to any driveway or alley, barriers around alcohol service must meet ABC standards and cannot exceed thirty-six inches, awnings need a building permit and cannot extend more than five feet from the building front, and portable propane heaters need fire marshal approval. A revocable license can be transferred to a new operator of the same business if the city engineer approves and the transfer fee is paid. Furniture must come off the sidewalk at the close of business each day unless the license specifically allows otherwise.