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

SMC 15.16.010 requires a Street Use permit, issued under Chapter 15.16 and SMC 15.04.010, before anyone may "operate a café in the public place." Under SMC 15.16.040.B, the Director of Transportation may issue the permit only if the applicant is the owner or occupant of the abutting property, the café is "operated by a food service business holding all necessary City and state permits and licenses," the café sits in the public place abutting a legally established food service business, and the applicant carries insurance under SMC 15.04.045 and indemnifies the City under SMC 15.04.060.

A certificate of approval from the applicable board or commission is also required if the site sits in a Landmark or Historic District. Siting is governed by SMC 15.16.051: café furniture, fencing, seating, platforms, and umbrellas must leave "an unobstructed corner clearance zone," a pedestrian clear zone whose width depends on the street type, and "an unobstructed 3-foot-wide pedestrian straight path" extending 25 feet past each end of the permitted area. SMC 15.16.012 makes the permit temporary, it expires if the business changes ownership or vacates, and renews annually on payment of the fee provided the space is "not needed for transportation, utility, or any other public-use purpose." SMC 15.16.080 bars amplified sound absent a separate permit, requires the permittee to keep the café and adjoining public place free of refuse, and lets the City order immediate removal of café furniture to restore access to abutting properties or utilities. Liquor service additionally needs sign-off from Public Health–Seattle & King County and the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.