We provide full service design, permitting, fabrication, product sourcing, installation, maintenance and off season storage for your City of Chicago Sidewalk Cafe.
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(847) 386-1223
| Here are a few of the questions we are often asked |
| Is a permit needed, and if so how long is it good for? |
Yes, you do need a permit and drawings for your sidewalk cafe. In addition to the permit and drawings your Alderman must also approve the sidewalk cafe. Sidewalk cafe permits are good for one year or season and must be reapplied for each year. The sidewalk cafe season runs from March 1st thru December 1st. |
| How big can the Sidewalk Cafe area be? |
| There are no size limitations for cafe's currently. However there are distances that must be maintained between the cafe enclosure and obstructions on the sidewalk like street lights, benches. A walk way for pedestrians must also be maintained at all times as well. |
| Can a Sidewalk Cafe be left up after the "season" is over? |
| No the Sidewalk Cafe must be removed from the sidewalk / public right of way by December 1st of each year. |
| Can the Sidewalk Cafe operate during the same hours as the business? |
| A sidewalk cafe does have a restricted period of use, it may only be used from 8am to 12 midnight only. |
| Is there a fine for not getting a permit? |
| Yes, the fine is not less than $200.00 and not more than $500.00 per offense, and each day is treated as a separate and distinct offense. Therefore you could be fined $500.00 per day the cafe is in the Public right of way with out the proper permit. |
| A bike rack is right where I wanted to put the Sidewalk Cafe, can you do anything? |
| Yes, in most cases the bike rack can be relocated nearby, to allow for a more functional sidewalk cafe. You cannot move the bike rack yourself, you have to contact the city to have it done.. or contact us and we can help you. |
| My restaurant is BYOB, can my patrons also BYOB in the Sidewalk Cafe? |
| No, BYOB is not allowed in a sidewalk cafe. Only establishments with the liquor license may serve alcohol in the sidewalk cafe. |
| Can the enclosure be bolted down to prevent it from moving around? |
| No, nothing in the cafe can be bolted to the sidewalk. All elements must be freestanding and removable. |
