Sidewalk Cafe/Bar Permit

Businesses seeking to operate a sidewalk café or bar on City sidewalks within Downtown must obtain a Sidewalk Café / Bar Permit from the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA). The permit allows eligible cafés, restaurants, and bars to serve patrons seated within an approved sidewalk or alleyway area immediately adjacent to the business.

Requirements for Downtown sidewalk cafés and bars are established in Chapter 250, Part 8 – Downtown Sidewalk Cafes, Jacksonville Ordinance Code.

Before You Apply
Applications are submitted online. Before beginning the application, applicants should have the following information and documents available:

• Business information, including the address of the proposed sidewalk café or bar, description of service, and proposed days and hours of operation.

• Applicable business and liquor licenses, including a copy of the current business license and valid liquor license, if applicable.

• Drawings:

  • Existing conditions showing the width of the business frontage and sidewalk, location of doorways, distance from the curb to the building, and existing features or obstructions such as trees, parking meters, bus shelters, benches, and trash receptacles.

  • Proposed sidewalk café/bar area showing the area requested for use, proposed tables and chairs, and any planters, barriers, or other features used to define the area. For sidewalk bars, the drawing should also illustrate proposed measures for patron control.

  • View example of drawings required. 

• Certificate of Insurance meeting the requirements of Sec. 250.807, including the required general liability coverage and, where applicable, liquor liability and workers' compensation coverage (if applicable). The City of Jacksonville and DIA must be named as additional insureds as required by the application.

• Completed and signed City of Jacksonville Release of Liability and Indemnification. The completed form must be uploaded with the online application.

The annual permit fee is $250 (fee not applicable if equipment is moved inside at closing and the City right-of-way is cleared). Additional information or approvals may be required by DIA based on the proposed location and use of the sidewalk. 

Resources and Documents

• Chapter 250, Part 8 - Downtown Sidewalk Cafes

• Example of Drawing Required

• City of Jacksonville Release of Liability and Indemnification

• Permit Fees (fee not applicable if equipment is moved inside at closing and the City right-of-way is cleared)

Contact
Allan DeVault
CRA Redevelopment Manager
904-255-5393
DIAPrograms@coj.net