Yakima, WA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- $50, nonrefundable
- Term
- 1 year, nontransferable
- Insurance minimum
- $100,000 per incident
- Pedestrian space required
- Half of sidewalk width
- Issuing office
- Code administration manager
Summary
Operating a sidewalk cafe on a public right-of-way in Yakima requires a written permit from the code administration manager, plus a $50 fee, insurance and an annual renewal.
It is unlawful to a) operate a sidewalk cafe or b) erect or maintain any shrub, plant, structure or container of any type or nature within public right-of-way in any commercial or industrial zoning district without a written permit to do so from the code administration manager or his/her designee. The permit required under this chapter is separate from and in addition to the business license issued under Chapter 5.52 YMC, which may also be required when applicable. (Ord. 3028 § 1 (part), 1987; Ord. 96-46 § 1, 1996; Ord. 97-34 § 2, 1997; Ord. 2020-006 § 31, 2020)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Yakima bars operating a sidewalk cafe in the public right-of-way in any commercial or industrial zoning district without a written permit from the code administration manager. The permit is separate from the standard business license. Applicants pay a nonrefundable $50 fee, must show proof of food-service permits, and disclose whether liquor will be served. The city may condition the permit on hours, table/chair placement, cleaning and lighting. Permits expire one year after issuance and are nontransferable. Operators must also carry liability insurance (minimum $100,000 per-incident/$300,000 aggregate/$50,000 property damage) naming the city as additional insured, and indemnify the city.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit, letting litter accumulate in the cafe area, blocking more than half the sidewalk width for pedestrians, or violating permit conditions is unlawful and can be prosecuted as a public nuisance in Yakima County Superior Court; the code administration manager may also revoke the permit on 30 days' written notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Yakima sidewalk cafe permit replace my business license?
How long does a Yakima sidewalk cafe permit last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
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