The City of Richmond strongly supports sidewalk cafes. To make them possible, the City Council adopted an
ordinance
approving the establishment of sidewalk cafés. Sidewalk cafés are temporary dining areas that occupy
part of the public right of way, or the sidewalk, during the business hours of the adjacent host restaurant.
Sidewalk cafes without alcohol do not require a barrier. The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
(ABC)
requires barriers if alcohol will be served within the sidewalk café.
The City created this expedited process to encourage sidewalk cafés. Sidewalk cafés enhance public spaces and
motivate city and regional residents to patronize Richmond’s eating establishments, contributing to a vibrant city
culture and making Richmond streets more dynamic places to walk, socialize, and dine. Sidewalk cafés are
different than outdoor dining, which are permanent spaces that are fixed into the ground. If you would like to
pursue an outdoor dining encroachment, please contact the Department of Public Works
here.
This web page acts as a guide to creating temporary sidewalk cafés that are safe and attractive to restaurant
patrons and pedestrians. Below, you’ll find resources like a design guide, an information brochure, the application
form, insurance requirements, a renewal form, and a copy of the ordinance that established the sidewalk café
permitting process.
Application Materials
The City has several documents available to assist with opening and operating a successful sidewalk café in
Richmond. Please review each of them before moving forward with your plans to open a sidewalk café.
For additional information, please contact
Bureau of Permits and Inspections
Department of Planning & Development Review
900 E. Broad St. Room 110
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804)646-4169
Email:
Sidewalk Café