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How to Apply

Eligible food service establishments may apply for outdoor dining in the roadway, sidewalk, or both!

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. The application is available in multiple languages.

Let's get ready to apply

Both sidewalk and roadway cafes require a license and revocable consent from NYC DOT. The revocable consent and license will each have a four-year term.

Sidewalk cafes may be operated year-round, while roadway cafes may operate from April 1 through November 29.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a sidewalk and or roadway cafe, your food service establishment must be:

  • Located on a ground floor that is visible from the street and directly accessible to the public from the street;
  • Operated pursuant to a food service establishment permit issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)

Feasibility 

1. Analyze your site for feasibility using the Setup Guides: these interactive graphics demonstrate the program rules including permitted locations, clearances, materials, and operating requirements.

2. Download the required site plan form to record your site analysis:

Anyone may draw and prepare the site plan form. Licensed professionals are not required!

*Please note: Generally, NYC DOT only issues licenses for outdoor dining within the public right-of-way outside of private property lines and the NYC Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) reviews and approves outdoor dining within private property pursuant to their standard permit and approval process. However, sidewalk cafes located within a privately-owned portion of a sidewalk widening developed pursuant to the NYC Zoning Resolution are subject to NYC DOT jurisdiction and NYC DOT approval. For more information review NYC DOB's standard permit and approval process. If you are planning outdoor dining within both private and public property, be sure to have all applicable permits and licenses before operating. 

3. Use the Dining Out NYC Financial Estimator to analyze the benefits and costs of participating in the Dining Out NYC program:

*Please note: this tool is solely an informational business resource developed by NYC Small Business Services and is not part of the Dining Out NYC application.