South Bend, IN Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

City Code Sec. 18-15 makes it unlawful for anyone to use a sidewalk as a place of business or for commercial purposes without a permit issued by the Board of Public Works. The application must be signed by the applicant, filed on the Board's forms, and state the applicant's name, address and the proposed business location. Restaurants seeking to add outdoor cafe seating must position tables, structures and landscaping so a minimum of five feet (60 inches) of wheelchair-accessible sidewalk clearance remains between the cafe and the curb or the edge of any protected bike lane, matching Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG).

Where strict five-foot clearance would make a viable sidewalk cafe impossible, the Board can approve a reduction down to four feet, but only after finding the reduction non-detrimental to public health, safety or welfare, including for people with disabilities; the City's ADA Coordinator is consulted on close calls. Two limited departures are spelled out: a small fixed obstruction like a light pole or sign post can eat into the clearance for up to 30 inches without special review, and on narrow sidewalks (15 feet or less) running alongside a protected bike lane, a business may use part of the bike lane's buffer if it posts the City's required Shared Zone signage and preserves six feet solely for bicycles.

The permit itself must list the permittee's name, address and business location, and the Board may require the permittee to indemnify the City against liability arising from the permit. 00 fee covers a two-year term, during which the operator must stick to the design, layout and dimensions approved in the original application; added signage costs extra.