Sidewalk Café/Outdoor Seating and Related Programs

To request this information or any documents noted below in a different format or language, please send a request to sidewalks@cityofvancouver.us.

Outdoor seating, whether in sidewalk cafes, parklets or street eateries, increases the use of a city’s public space, expands business activity and ultimately, adds vitality to an area.

The need for outdoor dining opportunities has grown as a result of businesses and their response to operating during the pandemic. Many businesses are offering outdoor seating options as a way to promote social distancing. As businesses implement creative options to remain open and serve customers, the City is assisting with programs to make operating throughout the year and during the pandemic easier.

The following programs are available to businesses throughout the City of Vancouver.

Outdoor Seating and Operations (including Parklets, Street Eateries, Parking Lots)

Temporary areas to allow businesses to move or supplement their indoor operations with outdoor set ups, such as locating chairs and tables or other operations along sidewalks, in on-street parking areas, and in private parking lots and properties citywide.

Outdoor Seating

Sidewalk Cafés

Approved and then reviewed on an annual basis, food service establishments can set up tables and chairs on the sidewalk immediately next to their business or in an area adjacent to the street curb.