West Allis, WI Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Approval required
- Site plan approval
- Eligible districts
- C-1-4, I-1, I-2
- Use classification
- Limited accessory use
- Residential districts
- Not a listed use
Summary
West Allis allows outdoor dining as a limited accessory use in its commercial and industrial districts, but every outdoor dining area needs site plan approval before it can open.
Outdoor Dining All Permitted upon approval of site plan Outdoor Storage I-1, I-2
Permitted if stored materials are screened from the view of adjacent lots, located in a side or rear yard, and at least 5 feet from any lot line or setback specified by zoning district regulation, whichever is greater Wireless Support Structure RA-1, RA-2, RA-3, RB Permitted if no more than 6' above a principal building to which it is attached, 35' above the ground if on a freestanding pole, and 15' above the ground if the facility is a satellite dish
Conditional Uses. No conditional use permit may be issued unless the accessory use satisfies the criteria below.
Accessory Use District(s) Criteria Class 1 Collocation of Mobile Service Facility All See Wis. Stat. 66.0404(4) Mobile Service Support Structure All See Wis. Stat. 66.0404(4)
HISTORY Adopted by Ord. O-2022-0024 on 5/3/2022 Amended by Ord. O-2022-0142 on 10/18/2022 Amended by Ord. O-2023-0031- on 6/6/2023 Amended by Ord. O-2023-0052 on 10/3/2023
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).
Full Breakdown
Under West Allis Revised Municipal Code § 19.35, outdoor dining is a limited accessory use in the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, I-1 and I-2 districts: it is not a listed use in the RA-1 through RC residential districts or in the P and SF districts. Section 19.36 sets the operating criteria: outdoor dining is 'Permitted upon approval of site plan.' That means a restaurant or cafe adding a patio, sidewalk seating or other outdoor dining area must first get its site plan approved by the City before installing tables, seating or other dining fixtures outdoors.
Violations & Fines
Setting up outdoor tables, patio seating or sidewalk dining without an approved site plan, or adding outdoor dining in a residential or park/school district where the use isn't listed, is not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a restaurant patio in West Allis?
Can a business in a residential-zoned property in West Allis add outdoor seating?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Allis
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