Interested in having a sidewalk café outside of your business? If so, the process of applying and paying for a sidewalk café permit just got easier. This week, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) announced that it has streamlined the sidewalk café permit process by reducing review time and permit cost. The review time for a sidewalk café application has been reduced to two weeks, and the review fee has dropped significantly from $1,700 to $450.
Reduced fees and review time were achieved by consolidating the permitting process into one department – SDOT. Department of Planning and Development (DPD) fees are no longer required for standard sidewalk café applications.
Well-managed sidewalk cafés increase positive street activity, encourage walking, enhance neighborhood safety, and support the local economy. Sidewalk cafés are an important component of many vibrant Seattle neighborhoods and business districts.
More details about the application and review process, and all newly reduced fees, are available at SDOT’s sidewalk café page.