New Outdoor Dining, Streetery Regulations In Effect In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — The coronavirus pandemic forced countless restaurants to start offering outdoor dining to stave off potential transmission of the virus.

Philadelphia streets were lined with dining tables, constructed booths, and more to accommodate diners craving a sit-down experience after months of being cooped up inside and ordering take out or delivery.

Now, the city has released details of its Outdoor Dining Program.

Details include regulations for "streeteries," providing restaurant owners with new annual licensing options for a type of outdoor dining authorized in the parking lane on city streets.

The permanent regulations are replacing temporary regulations set up during the pandemic to support restaurants that had to limit indoor capacities.

The city said these new regulations were designed with safety, accessibility, and efficiency in mine to provide restaurants with the privilege of using the public right of way.

These new regulations go into effect immediately.

Restaurant owners will have a period of time to review options available to them, prepare necessary documents, submit applications and remove existing streetery set-ups that do not comply with the regulations.

Check out the streetery guide online here.

Below are details on the program:

Streetery License

As defined by City Council in the Philadelphia Code Section 9-215, the Streetery License allows restaurants in specific geographic areas to use the parking lane in front of their establishment for outdoor dining operations.

The update to Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code establishes rules for the efficient use of the public right-of-way by pedestrians and vehicles.

There are provisions for furniture, certain structures, shelters and enclosures, platforms and crash-worthy protective barriers.

In November 2022, restaurant owners will be able to apply for a Streetery License.

This is for eating establishments that primarily prepare food for sale to customers who intend on consuming their meals on its premises in authorized outdoor locations.

Before applying, eligible restaurant owners are required to:

• Possess consent from the property owner.
• Possess a certificate of insurance.
• Attest to indemnification and removal requirements, and have a valid Food License for the specified location, among other requirements.

A non-refundable fee of $200 must accompany the application and will be credited towards the payment of the first annual license fee of $1,750 should the Streetery application be approved.

Businesses must maintain at least one million dollars in comprehensive general liability insurance coverage.

The Streets Department must approve the business site plan and location before applicants can complete the licensure application.

Applications must be renewed annually online through the eCLIPSE system, which is the Department of Licenses and Inspections digital licensing tool.

Restaurants seeking to build Streetery Structures will also need approval by the Art Commission and a building permit.

For more information on structures, a definition can be found in the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code Bulletin B-2201.

Sidewalk Cafe Program
An additional component of the City’s Outdoor Dining program is the Sidewalk Cafe License.

Temporary Sidewalk Cafe Licenses will expire on Saturday, Dec. 31, but restaurants can explore if they are eligible to apply for a regular Sidewalk Cafe License online.

Business Engagement

The City will conduct informational webinars to help inform businesses of the new process.
Attend the Philadelphia Outdoor Dining Info Sessions:

• Monday, Oct. 31 at 9:30am. Register online.
• Monday, Nov. 21 at 10:30am. Register online.

Business owners with questions about applying for or operating outdoor dining should email business@phila.gov or call 215-683-2100.

Residents may call 311 to report businesses conducting activities related to outdoor dining that appear to be unsafe.