Wichita, KS Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

After application to the City Engineer's Office and upon notice and opportunity for comment from the public, a sidewalk café permit may be issued. Such permit will allow for the location of diverters, plantings, stands, tables, lighting, seating, devices for protection of patrons from the elements, and other devices for the sale and service of prepared meals and beverages. The sale, service and consumption of prepared meals and beverages including alcoholic liquor shall be allowed upon public sidewalks within the permitted area as provided under K.S.A. § 12-406a and K.S.A. § 41-719 (d). The application shall comply with the administrative requirements established by the City Engineer, and shall be referred to the City's Traffic Engineer, the MABCD and the Fire Department for their recommendations and determination that the sidewalk café operation as described in the application will not endanger or unduly inconvenience the public. If negative public comment is received, the City Engineer shall hold a public hearing and shall make a decision on the issuance of the permit. A permit denial may be appealed to the City Council in a writing delivered to the City Clerk within thirty (30) days of the decision by the City Engineer. (Ord. No. 50-178 § 23, 4-26-16; Ord. No. 50-334 § 6, 10-11-16)