Spokane Municipal Code

Title 12 Public Ways and Property

Chapter 12.15 Activation of Public Places

Section 12.15.050 Terms and Conditions – Sidewalk Cafés, Streateries, and Parklets

 

1. The location of the sidewalk café, streatery, or parklet shall not reduce or obstruct pedestrian passage on the sidewalk to less than five (5) feet to the nearest street trees, utility poles, traffic control signs and devices, parking meters, fire hydrants, buildings, and other similar devices and structures, with the exception of less than four (4) feet to the nearest tree well grate. Furthermore, such placement shall be consistent with any applicable standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act and shall not obstruct vehicular traffic or the use of any crosswalk, wheelchair ramp, bus stop, or loading zone.

2. Pavement shall not be broken, no sidewalk surface disturbed, tree wells and tree grates shall be in good and safe condition, and no permanent fixture of any kind shall be installed in or on the sidewalk area in connection with a sidewalk café, streatery, or parklet unless authorized by the sidewalk café, streatery, or parklet license and shall be immediately clear the sidewalk café area when ordered to do so by the City.

3. The City may include such terms and conditions in the sidewalk café, streatery, or parklet license as may be deemed appropriate, including but not limited to:

1. 1. Restrictions as to the number and placement of tables, chairs, and furniture, as to the hours and dates of use, including signage stating the licensed dates and hours of use. The allowable patron occupancy within the sidewalk café, streatery, or parklet may be limited by the number of restroom fixtures available for the associated café, restaurant, or tavern;

1. 2. A requirement that the area be cleared when not in use as a sidewalk café, streatery, or parklet;

1. 3. A requirement that the applicant clear the sidewalk as may be necessary to accommodate deliveries to abutting or other nearby properties;

1. 4. A requirement that the applicant maintain the parking stalls adjacent to the parklet free of debris and the sidewalk adjacent to the parklet or streatery free of obstruction for access to adjacent and nearby properties;

1. 5. Regulations for lighting and illumination of the sidewalk café, streatery, or parklet and restrictions upon the placement of furniture or equipment used in connection with the sidewalk café.

1. 6. A limit on the number of streateries or parklets placed per block face.

4. A sidewalk café, streatery, or parklet license is non-transferable. Change in ownership and/or use of the business related to the license requires a new license application to be submitted.

5. The applicant for a sidewalk café, streatery, or parklet license shall sign an indemnity agreement holding the City free and harmless from any and all claims, actions, or damages of every kind and description which may accrue to, or be suffered by, any persons by reason of or related to the operation of such sidewalk café or parklet.

6. A sidewalk café, streatery, or parklet license may be revoked following the procedures provided in SMC 08.01.321.

 

Date Passed: Monday, March 16, 2026

Effective Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026

ORD C36850 Section 5