Tacoma, WA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Application fee
- None for sidewalk cafes
- Annual renewal fee
- $90
- Issuing office
- Planning and Development Services Dept.
- Permit can be revoked
- On 30 days' notice
Summary
Tacoma requires a written Right-of-Way Occupancy Permit before operating a sidewalk cafe on a public sidewalk, but the City Council waives the standard application and use fees entirely for sidewalk cafes to encourage business-district vitality.
Sidewalk cafes are recognized as a special street occupancy that promotes desirable street life that can have favorable economic impact by encouraging visitation to City business districts and result in patronage of its businesses. Because sidewalk cafes are an encouraged use and promote various public benefits, no fee shall be charged for the street occupancy permit fees for sidewalk cafes. In addition:
A. Commercial Use Fees will be charged for:
1. Above-ground development located in the right-of-way adjacent to commercial uses, including private parking areas, signs, and construction fencing.
2. Habitable space located under vaulted sidewalks.
3. Underground development located in the right-of-way adjacent to commercial uses, including private utilities (regardless if it is located under a vaulted sidewalk), monitoring wells, soldier beams, tie backs, and soil nails.
B. Commercial Use Fees will not be charged for:
1. Alternative walkway materials and amenities required by code, such as benches, bike racks and irrigation for vegetation in the right-of-way.
2. Development adjacent to single-family and duplex properties.
3. Sidewalk Cafes. Right-of-Way occupancy permit fees shall be collected by the Planning and Development Services Department, and payment of required fees is a condition of the issuance and continuance of any such permit. Commercial Annual Use Fees shall be deposited with Public Works. RIGHT-OF-WAY OCCUPANCY PERMIT FEES
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
It is unlawful to use any public right-of-way for private purposes without written permission from the City (TMC § 9.08.020). Applications go to the Planning and Development Services Department and must describe the proposed use and site (§ 9.08.030). For sidewalk cafes specifically, § 9.08.075 recognizes them as a special street occupancy that promotes desirable street life and business patronage, so the City charges no application fee and no annual use fee: only a $90 annual renewal fee once the permit is issued.
Violations & Fines
Operating a sidewalk cafe or other private right-of-way occupancy without permission is unlawful under § 9.08.020. Permits are revocable on 30 days' notice, or immediately if the occupancy becomes unsafe, under § 9.08.070.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
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Sidewalk Dining & Cafés in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle sidewalk dining & cafés.