Restaurant Cafe Seating Program

The City of Florence operates two Outdoor Café Seating programs for restaurants that are interested in expanding their seating options into the right-of-way. The City has a year-round Sidewalk Café program, which allows restaurants who are directly adjacent to the sidewalk, to expand seating onto the sidewalk. Additionally, the City of Florence allows businesses with Sidewalk Café permits to expand into the parking right-of-way from May 1 through October 30 each year. 

Sidewalk Café Permits

A Sidewalk Café Permit is required per FCC 8-2-4-1-B, to conduct sales of food or beverage along a City pedestrian right-of-way. All licenses expire on December 31 of each calendar year. Restaurant Owners must apply for a new sidewalk café permit at the beginning of each calendar year. There is a $27 fee for a Sidewalk Café Permit. 

To apply for a Sidewalk Café permit, CLICK HERE. Once your application is complete, please return to the City of Florence via email with all necessary documentation including: 

• Program Application
• Drawing of area to demonstrate that:
  • There will be a minimum pedestrian passage through the right of way of at least five feat in width 
  • Use of the right-of-way will be in compliance with vision clearance provisions of the City Code (Title 8, Section 2)
• Proof of Liability Insurance (At least $1,000,000 General Liability Policy) including the Sidewalk
• $27 Permit Fee

Restaurant Parking Café Permits

The City of Florence has created the Restaurant Parking Café program to allow restaurants to expand their existing Sidewalk Café into the parking right-of-way to provide more outdoor seating for their restaurant patrons. The program will begin on May 1, 2023, and expire on October 30, 2023, weather permitting.

Restaurants who wish to participate in the Restaurant Parking Café program must have a current Sidewalk Café permit and up-to-date business license. Restaurants may apply for a permit before May 1, 2023; however, barriers will not be placed by the City of Florence’s Public Works department until after May 1, 2023.

To apply for a Restaurant Parking Café Permit, CLICK HERE. Once your application is complete, please return to the City of Florence via email with all necessary documentation including: 

• Program Application
• Proof of Liability Insurance (At least $1,000,000 General Liability Policy)
• Written Permission from Property Owner (if different than business owner)
• $117 Permit Fee