Salt Lake City, UT Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 21A.40.065
- Right-of-way seating
- Requires city lease agreement
- Smoking buffer
- 25 feet from dining area
- Quiet hours
- 10 PM–7 AM near residential zones
- Parking impact
- Counts as use expansion
Summary
Salt Lake City allows outdoor restaurant dining in the public right-of-way only under a city lease agreement plus zoning sign-off, not as a matter of right.
"Outdoor dining", as defined in chapter 21A.62 of this title, shall be allowed in any zoning district where restaurant or retail uses are allowed and for any nonconforming food serving land use subject to the provisions of this section... 5. Within a public right of way or an abutting public property subject to all applicable lease agreements, applicable regulations, and the outdoor dining design guidelines.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 40-26, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 21A.40.065 lets restaurants, brewpubs, bars, and delis put tables and seats outside on private property in front, side, or rear yards, but reaching into a sidewalk or other public right-of-way requires a separate city lease agreement and compliance with the outdoor dining design guidelines. Operators also need a control point at the main entry for state liquor law compliance, all required business and health licenses, and must count outdoor seating toward the parking calculation under Chapter 21A.44. Live music or loudspeakers are barred between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. within 660 feet of a residential zone, and smoking is banned inside the dining area and within 25 feet of it.
Violations & Fines
Outdoor dining set up in the public right-of-way without a lease agreement, or run without required business/health licenses, is a zoning and licensing violation subject to enforcement under Title 21A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Salt Lake City restaurant put tables on the public sidewalk?
Is a separate permit needed for outdoor dining on private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake City
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