As the weather continues to drop and 2020 rolls into 2021, we would like to share some outdoor dining guidelines and resources for bars and restaurants within the city of Chicago to utilize.
Outdoor Operations
All outdoor service areas must operate under an Outdoor Patio License, a Sidewalk Café Permit or an Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit:
Bars and restaurants can operate permanent outdoor patios or courtyards with an Outdoor Patio License and/or Retail Food Establishment License
Restaurants can operate on the sidewalk immediately in front of our adjacent to their establishment with a Sidewalk Café Permit
Establishments that don’t serve food can temporarily operate on the sidewalk immediately in front of or adjacent to their establishment with an Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit
Bars or restaurants can operate temporarily on private property or the street with an Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit
If an establishment is using structures (e.g., tents) or heating devices, those elements must be added to the submitted site plans; however, establishments do not need to reapply for their license or permit
All establishments must follow the COVID-19 Reopening Guidelines
Structures
Temporary outdoor structures, including tents, are allowed on private property or the public way under the following regulations:
Temporary outdoor structures that hold multiple parties must have at least 50% of the sides open to allow air flow
Multi-party outdoor structures with more than 50% of the sides closed are considered indoors and not allowed under the latest state mitigation measures
Enclosed structures, such as plastic domes, may be used for individual parties and must have adequate ventilation to allow for air circulation
All temporary outdoor structures covering more than 400 square feet must obtain a Department of Buildings (DOB)-issued permit. Permits are typically issued for 60 days but will now be issued for 180 days.
For more information, see DOB’s Guidance on Tents for Dining
Temporary structures must be weighted, anchored or secured to the ground, but cannot be anchored with any method that requires screwing, cutting or drilling into the public way (i.e. on streets or sidewalks)
All structural materials should have a fire-resistant certification or flame certification showing material is fire-rated or noncombustible
Use of tents and other temporary structures may be deemed unsafe and prohibited during severe weather events (wind, snow, etc.)
All structures must be ADA compliant
Heating Devices
Heating Devices are allowed but must meet the following operational regulations:
Electrically-powered heating devices are permitted; they must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor, who will obtain an electrical permit. Electrical heating equipment must be marked “UL listed” or “UL classified”
Natural gas heaters or any devices fueled with propane are only allowed in open, uncovered areas
Operators should abide by any recommended safety guidelines issued with a specific product (see the product’s operations manual)
Heating equipment should be unplugged or disconnected for overnight storage, andemployees should be trained in proper installation of fuel tanks and in detecting leaks
Establishment should maintain clearance between heaters and all other objects, including tent sides. Required minimum clearance distance depends on the heating device; three feet is recommended.
Safety Considerations
Follow these additional safety considerations to ensure responsible operations.
Outdoor spaces with heating devices must keep devices away from combustible materials, such as tents, at all times
Enclosed areas with heating devices must have clearly marked entrances and exits
Businesses must have sufficient fire extinguishers to cover indoor and outdoor spaces
Restaurants will need inclement weather plans in writing and trained to staff to prevent any injuries in storms, snow, or other unsafe situations
If plastic domes or other enclosed spaces are used, establishment must post placards advising about increased risk of transmission within an enclosed space
Additional Information:
Sidewalk Cafe and Expansion Permits:
On June 17, 2020 the sidewalk café reform ordinance was announced. It includes the following provisions:
75% permit fee reduction
Ability to extend sidewalk cafés in front of a neighboring property
Expedited permit issuance process
BACP has issued an updated FAQ on the process for an extended sidewalk café permit.
Click here for the City of Chicago’s Expanded Outdoor Dining and Sidewalk Cafe Permits
Click here for the City of Chicago’s Outdoor Dining and Drinking FAQ for Phase 3
Click here for a review of applying for a sidewalk cafe permit from BACP
Click here for full outdoor dining guidelines for Phase 3
Click here for more information about Dine Out on Fulton Market
Click here for more information about Dine Out on Randolph Street
For assistance with Expanded Outdoor Dining permits, please email us at info@wcachicago.org.
Expanded Outdoor Dining for Bars, Taverns, & Breweries Without a Retail Food License:
Due to the recent rise of COVID-19 cases, the city of Chicago has closed indoor service for bars, taverns, breweries and other establishments that serve alcohol without a retail food license.
As part of an effort to support Chicago’s businesses, the city announced new reforms to the expanded outdoor dining program that will make it easier for bars, taverns and breweries affected by the latest rollback of the reopening guidelines to operate outdoors.
Effective immediately, individual establishments that serve alcohol without a Retail Food License may apply to temporarily operate on the sidewalk in front of their establishment, and all restaurants and bars may use the permit in outdoor areas that would typically require an Outdoor Patio License.
To learn more about the Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit and to apply, please click here.