Sidewalk Use Permit

What is a Sidewalk Use Permit?

A Sidewalk Use Permit allows individuals or businesses to use part of the public sidewalk (right-of-way) for private purposes. This permit is required whenever a public space is used to support a private activity.

When is a Permit Needed?

You need a Sidewalk Use Permit for: Electric vehicle chargers, Sidewalk cafés, A-frame signs & merchandise displays outside retail stores

Why is a Permit Required?

The City requires permits to ensure sidewalks remain safe and accessible for everyone. By requiring permits, we help keep public spaces safe, fair, and enjoyable for all.

• Keep sidewalks clear for pedestrians
• Ensure private uses don’t block public access
• Allow City staff to track and manage sidewalk uses

Sidewalk Space Requirements

1. Site Plan: A plan showing the entire sidewalk area in front of the property:

   • ​Minimum 8.5” x 11” digital drawing & must include the exact dimensions of the sidewalk​
   • All existing elements such as parking meters, Fire hydrants, Bike racks, Light poles, Trees...etc.

2. Photographs of the Proposed Location: Where the sidewalk use will be located & How it relates to the surrounding sidewalk and public space

3. Furniture or Fixtures: Images, renderings, or photos of any items you plan to place on the sidewalk.

4. Copy of Business License(s): Occupational License, Alcoholic Beverage Outlet (ABO) License

5. Proof of Insurance commercial general liability insurance with the following:

• Minimum limits: $500,000 per occurrence/$1,000,000 aggregate
• Bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage
• City of New Orleans is named as an additional insured
• 30-day written notice to the Department of Safety and Permits for cancellation, non-renewal, or changes

Additional Requirements for EV Chargers Only

If your application involves Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers, also submit:

• ✅ Notarized Hold Harmless Agreement

• ✅ Building Permit Application (Submit online via One Stop App)

• ✅ Electrical Permit Application: Must be submitted by a licensed electrician through the One Stop App

Operational Standards for Sidewalk Use Permits

• The permit must be clearly displayed on the exterior wall or window near the main entrance of the business.
• The approved site plan must be posted at the same location as the business’s occupational license.
• No changes are allowed without approval from the Department of Safety and Permits.
• No bolting, fastening, or securing is allowed on the sidewalk.
• All areas of the sidewalk not approved for use must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times.
• The sidewalk cafe must be neat and orderly at all times.
• The business must clear litter & debris regularly throughout the day
• The sidewalk use must be cleaned at the end of each business day
• A-frame signs and display items are allowed ONLY while the business is operating.
• All signs and displays must be removed from the sidewalk at the end of each business day.

Additional Information for Sidewalk Cafés

• Seating capacity cannot exceed that as indicated on the permit placard.
• Tables & chairs associated with a sidewalk café shall be structurally sound.
• Sidewalk Café permittees shall wash the sidewalk once a day.
• Live entertainment, speakers, or other sources of amplified sound are not permitted within sidewalk cafes.
• Carts, receptacles for waste, dirty dishes, and cooking appliances shall not be stored on sidewalks.
• Tables, chairs, and any other components approved as part of the Sidewalk Use permit shall be stacked and organized neatly at the close of business to minimize sidewalk obstructions.
• All building ingress and egress where sidewalk cafes exist must remain unobstructed, barrier-free pedestrian passage.
• Hours of operation:
  • Seating at the sidewalk café shall not begin before 8:00 a.m.
  • Seating at sidewalk café shall cease no later than 10:00 p.m., with the following exception: bounded by the Mississippi River, the Pontchartrain Expressway, S. Claiborne Ave, and Canal St. (both sides of Canal St.), seating at sidewalk café shall cease no later than 12:00 a.m.

Fees

All permits are valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance; the annual permit fees are the same as the initial issuance fee.  

• Application Fee: $50.00

• A-Frame Signs, EV Chargers or other approved items ($200.00 per item)
• Sidewalk Café: In the area bounded by the Mississippi River, Poland Avenue, St. Claude Avenue, McShane Place, N. Rampart Street, Canal Street, S. Claiborne Avenue, Pontchartrain Expressway, St. Charles Avenue, Broadway Street, Maple Street, S. Carrollton Avenue, Oak Street, to the Mississippi River, inclusive of both sides of bounding streets: $350.00 per table (up to 4 seats), or $100.00 per seat for tables seating more than 4.
• All other areas: $200.00 per table (up to 4 seats), or $75.00 per seat for tables seating more than 4.

Contact Info: businesslicenseinfo@nola.gov 

May Also Need

• Occupational/General Business License
• Application for Land Use Request
• Guide to Building Permit