Skokie, IL Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Section 118-93(e) of the Skokie Village Code governs sidewalk and patio dining tied to a food service establishment. and cannot run past the restaurant's own posted hours, and the season for operation runs only from April 1 through October 31 each calendar year. Outdoor dining that operates less than seven months a year is exempt from the Village's off-street parking requirements. On private property, outdoor dining is a permitted use with an outdoor dining permit issued by the Village Manager or designee, but only in the NX, TX, CX, B1, B2, B3, B4, B6, H1 and M1 zoning districts, and only where the dining area sits on the same lot as, or within a development that received site plan approval for, its associated restaurant.

The dining area cannot sit inside a required 15 foot sight distance triangle at an intersection or within 3 feet of a public alley. Every application is reviewed each year alongside the restaurant's annual inspection, and the Village Manager can revoke the outdoor dining permit on 14 days' notice for failing to comply with these conditions. Food preparation must stay entirely inside the restaurant, litter disposal has to satisfy the Health Department, and any roofed dining area can be enclosed on no more than two sides.