Service overview
You need a Sidewalk Café License to place seating on the public sidewalk outside a bar or restaurant.
A sidewalk cafe must be located in an authorized area of the city in accordance with the Philadelphia Code Section 9-208. If your sidewalk café is located outside of an authorized area, you must have an ordinance from City Council. The process for gaining an ordinance begins by contacting your district council member’s office.
Who
Business owners or their agents can apply for this license.
Requirements
Pre-approval
Before you apply for a Sidewalk Café License, you will need approval from the Streets Department Right-of-Way Unit:
- Review the Sidewalk Café Plot Plan requirements.
- Complete the Sidewalk Café Plan application online using eCLIPSE. From the eCLIPSE homepage, select “Apply for a Streets Department Review.” Then, select “Sidewalk Cafe Plan (L&I License Pre-Requisite)” from the Sub-Job Type menu.
If you have questions about the pre-approval process, email StreetsROW.PlanReview@phila.gov.
Other licenses and registrations
- A business tax account to pay Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT).
- Commercial Activity License.
- Food Preparation and Serving License.
- Pennsylvania Liquor License (if you plan to serve liquor).
Ownership information
Your license will be issued to the legal entity listed on the Commercial Activity License and your Philadelphia Tax Account. Any trade name or “Doing Business As” (DBA) must also be listed on your Commercial Activity License.
Proof of posting
Upload a time-stamped photograph demonstrating that the required public notice was posted on the building for at least ten (10) days prior to submitting the application.
Insurance
Liability insurance: $1,000,000 comprehensive general liability insurance including contractual liability insurance.
Tax compliance
You must be current on all City taxes.
Where and when
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Cost
There is a non-refundable application fee of $20, which is applied toward the balance of license fee. You must pay the balance once your application has been approved.
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How
Once you’ve received pre-approval from the Streets Department Right-of-Way Unit and gathered all other required materials, you can apply for this license online or in person.
Online
Upload all required documents to eCLIPSE. Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email describing what is missing or required.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
Renewal requirements
This license must be renewed annually
- Renew online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Required for renewal:
- Current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
- A current certificate of Liability insurance ($1,000,000 comprehensive general liability insurance including contractual liability insurance).
- A valid email address.