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Curbside Cafe Program

Businesses Can Now Apply for the Curbside Cafe and Marketplace Program 

Curbside Cafe program To help Tacoma businesses meet Washington Safe Start Phase 2 physical distancing requirements for reopening, we have launched the Curbside Café and Market Pilot Program. This is an extension of the our Sidewalks Café program.

 

Curbside café/markets, also known as streateries or parklets, are similar to sidewalk cafés but located in a parking space in the right-of-way. They function as an extension to an existing restaurant’s seating area or retail store.

 

As part of the program the City is waiving application fees, street use fees, and the cost of on-street parking associated with this program. We can also partner with you to provide railings, as availability allows, to those businesses that would like to use these instead of providing their own as part of the program.

 

What you will need for Permitting

  • Application
  • Site plan
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance from authorized representative of your insurance company
  • Proof of ownership and proof signature authority

How do I get started?

  1. Review the street location.
  2. Complete a site plan of the proposed curbside café/market using the template provided and identify all items proposed to be in the sidewalk and parking area.
  3. Consider what type of barrier will separate the curbside café/market from the travel way.
  4. If you wish to extend your liquor license to include the curbside café/market, you must comply with all City and State laws and ordinances, including those established by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). They can be contacted at: WSLCB, 3000 Pacific Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98504 or (360) 664-1600.
  5. Contact Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to see if your permit requires any changes to add seating. Visit, tpchd.org/food or call (253) 649-1706.
  6. Consider contacting City staff prior to submitting an application to address any questions.

Review Process Steps

  1. Apply online at TacomaPermits.org and attach all necessary information (see above).
  2. Your application will be evaluated by City departments for approvals.
  3. When all of the above requirements are met and approvals are final, the permit document will be issued.

General Guidelines

The guidelines and design standards for curbside café/market are general in order to encourage variety by the individual restaurant owner. Each approved curbside café/market shall:

  • Only operate during regular business hours of host establishment.
  • Directly abut the restaurant and be adjacent to the property (frontage or side).
  • No closer than 25 feet of an intersection, 5 feet of a driveway, 30 feet of a stop sign, and 60 feet of a bus stop sign.

A tip sheet for the program is available.

 

What are Curbside Cafés and Markets?

Curbside cafés and markets, also known as streateries or parklets, are similar to sidewalk cafés but located in a parking space in the right-of-way. They function as an extension to an existing restaurant’s seating area or retail store.

Why is the City launching the pilot program?

The intent of this pilot program is to increase the capacity for businesses to comply with the requirements of Governor Inslee's Safe Start phased reopening plan.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any business that can submit an application, which will also include a site plan, Certificate of Liability Insurance from an authorized insurance company and proof of ownership and proof signature authority.

 

To be eligible the location must meet space requirements, including:

  • Directly abut the restaurant and be adjacent to the property (frontage or side).
  • Be no closer than 25 feet of an intersection, 5 feet of a driveway, 30 feet of a stop sign, and 60 feet of a bus stop sign.

How do I apply for a Curbside Café and Market Permit?

Applications are accepted at TacomaPermits.org or by calling the City’s permit counter at (253) 591-5030, Monday – Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM

Are there permit fees or program costs?

The City is reducing costs to businesses by waiving application fees, street use fees, and the cost of on-street parking.

Are there other programs that can assist businesses reopening after COVID-19?

Other programs, such as sidewalk cafés, food trucks, and temporary load zones for food pickup, will still be available. For more information, visit TacomaPermits.org.



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