Sidewalk Café License: Philadelphia restaurant guide
Philadelphia L&I (with Streets Department pre-approval)
What it is
Allows tables and chairs on the public sidewalk outside your restaurant.
When a restaurant needs it
Any seating on the public sidewalk.
How to apply
Get the Streets Department's Sidewalk Café Plan pre-approval in eCLIPSE, post the public notice for 10 days, then apply to L&I in eCLIPSE.
Documents you’ll need
- Streets-approved café plan
- Time-stamped photo of 10-day posting
- $1,000,000 general liability certificate naming the City as additional insured
- CAL, BIRT and Food license
- PA liquor license if serving alcohol
Good to know
Cafés are only allowed in areas authorized by Philadelphia Code §9-208; elsewhere you need a City Council ordinance. Alcohol outside also requires the PLCB to cover the area.
Official source
L&I — Get a Sidewalk Cafe License · Streets — Sidewalk café plan requirements
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.