Wilmington, NC Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

City Code § 4-109 lets the city manager or a designee permit sidewalk cafes, meaning a portion of a public sidewalk or pedestrian way used as an extension of an eating or drinking establishment, in the Central Business District, Mixed Use District, Urban Mixed Use District, and any other district the city manager finds suitable. An applicant must file with the city manager the establishment's contact information, the operator's information, proposed hours, a site plan showing table and furnishing placement and the portion kept clear for pedestrians, proof of insurance, an indemnity statement, copies of state and city permits including health and ABC permits, and the application fee set in the city's fee schedule.

Before a permit issues, the sidewalk cafe must share the same management, kitchen, and restroom facilities as its parent restaurant, cannot exceed the fire marshal's occupancy limit, and must leave at least five feet of clear sidewalk width on walkways ten feet or wider, or four feet on narrower ones. Furnishings must be removable and locked up or secured within thirty minutes of closing each night. , and alcohol service is allowed only inside barricaded areas that are part of the restaurant's ABC permit premises. Permits run July 1 through June 30, require annual renewal inspection, and are not transferable to a new operator or location.