Open-Air Dining Permits (Sidewalk Café and Outdoor Seating) 

Who needs a Sidewalk Café or Outdoor Seating Permit?

Restaurant operators, who wish to serve their customers outside on public property adjacent to the primary restaurant establishment (Sidewalk Café Permit) or restaurants to serve outside on their private property (Outdoor Seating Permit).

Sidewalk Café in Public Right-of-Way shall:

• Require an issued Certificate displayed at place of business
• Be the length of the restaurant frontage, unless approved during permitting
• Maintain a minimum clearance of 5 feet (10 feet on Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza) from all obstructions (building, curb-line, etc)
• Not have perimeter structures (fences, railings, planters, etc) that restricts pedestrian circulation or discourages public use of the tables or chairs. Planters may only be utilized on Miracle Mile or Giralda Plaza as buffers from vehicular traffic. Artificial planting materials are prohibited.
• Not include any signage on the public portion of the property
• Allow access to any bus stop, crosswalk, public seating, intersections, service easements, handicap facilities, or adjacent establishments
• Be clean and in good repair, with trash, litter, and gum removed daily, including the sidewalk area, curb and gutter
• Not be anchored / restrained visibly as with a chain, rope or wire
• Meet the requirements for nighttime uses in Sec. 3-415 of the Zoning Code
• Not stack or pile chairs in the ROW on Miracle Mile or Giralda Plaza
• Not include the storage of dishes, silverware or other similar equipment on Miracle Mile or Giralda Plaza during non-business hours
• Not include any food displays, food preparation, storage, refrigeration apparatus, or fire apparatus in the ROW on Miracle Mile or Giralda Plaza
• Not include umbrellas clipped, zipped or fastened together
• Renew permit biannually with the $15 per square feet fee 

Outdoor Seating on Private Property shall:

• Not interfere with pedestrian circulation
• Be unenclosed and open
• Not have perimeter structures (fences, railings, planters, etc) that restricts pedestrian circulation or discourages the public use of the arcade
• Locate all kitchen equipment within the primary restaurant
• Keep dining area neat and orderly and free from refuse, debris and gum
• Meet the requirements for nighttime uses in Sec. 3-415 of the Zoning Code

How to submit for the Sidewalk Café permit:

Step 1.

Download the Sidewalk Café Manual (Restrictive Covenant, Pre-Approved Locations, Pre-Approved Furniture)

Select proposed outdoor furniture (pre-approved options or unique furniture).

Sketch a site plan that shows the locations of proposed tables, chairs, umbrellas, plants, etc on sidewalk.

Refer to the Sidewalk Café application and Zoning Code Section 4-206.B.4 (BID Overlay District) or Section 5-119 for requirements.

Step 2.

Since the Sidewalk Café is located on the public right-of-way, a "Landlord/Tenant or Property Owner’s Encroachment & Restrictive Covenant" is required to be submitted.

Send covenant to the City Attorney’s Office

Katherine Ruiz: Phone: (305) 460-5338 email: kruiz@coralgables.com

Address: 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Step 3.

Submit the entire Sidewalk Café application (site plan, furniture selection, proof of insurance, and Landlord/Tenant or Property Owner’s Encroachment & Restrictive Covenant) online for the "Zoning Commercial - Sidewalk Cafes" permit on EnerGov

*Use the address of the building (may not the tenant's address) or the folio/parcel number to locate the property correctly on EnerGov. This information can be found on the County's Property Appraiser Website

Pay the $250 upfront application fee

Step 4.

Respond to any comments or additional DERM requirements during the permit review 

Pay the $15 per square foot of sidewalk area used by the tables, chairs, umbrellas, etc. 

Display issued permit card / certificate after scheduled inspections