Streetery License (parking-lane outdoor dining): Philadelphia restaurant guide
Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections + Streets Department
What it is
Lets a restaurant put outdoor seating in the parking lane in front of it.
When a restaurant needs it
Only for seating in the parking lane (not the sidewalk), in areas authorized by City Code §9-215 or a Council ordinance, and only if you have at least 3 indoor dining tables.
How to apply
Get Streets Department prerequisite approval first, then apply for the Streetery License; structures also need Art Commission approval.
Documents you’ll need
- Streets Department prerequisite approval
- Site plan of the parking-lane seating
- Commercial Activity License
Good to know
Not every block is eligible: the location must be authorized by Code or Council ordinance.
Official source
phila.gov — Get a Streetery license · Streets Dept — Streetery prerequisite approval
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.