Dining Out NYC — outdoor dining license: New York City restaurant guide

NYC DOT

What it is

The city license + revocable consent to run a sidewalk and/or roadway cafe. Sidewalk cafes can run year-round; roadway cafes run April–November, with a year-round option at higher fees.

When a restaurant needs it

Any sidewalk or roadway outdoor dining.

How to apply

Apply through the Dining Out NYC application portal (NYC DOT); applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Documents you’ll need

Site plan / diagram
Photos
Insurance certificate
Design conforming to program rules

Fee

License $1,050; security deposit $1,500 (sidewalk) / $2,500 (roadway); roadway public hearing $500–$900; plus annual revocable consent fee of $5–$31 per sq ft by sector

Processing time

Varies — rolling review, often months

Renewal

4-year license term; revocable consent fee paid annually

Who files

The restaurant applies; no licensed professional is required for the site plan.

Good to know

Fees are confirmed on the program's fee page; the license and hearing fees are paid once per four-year term. File early for the season you want.

Official source

NYC Business — outdoor dining · Dining Out NYC program site

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.