Philadelphia
Streetery
License Guide
October 2022
Version 1.0
Outdoor Dining Program
Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022 1
About This Guide
This guide is meant for restaurant owners and provides
an overview of the goals, regulations, and application
processes to obtain a Streetery License. This type of
license gives restaurants the privilege of operating
outdoor dining in eligible parking spaces in front of
their building.
The goal is for applicants to use this guide as an ongoing, user-friendly
point of reference. We encourage thorough review of this guide,
including the various site and design requirements, to determine if a
streetery is feasible before making any investments.
This guide summarizes the key regulations that most restaurants will
nd helpful. However, it is not a comprehensive resource for every
restaurant or every situation. Web links to the City ordinance and
regulations controlling streeteries can be found in the lower right-hand
corner of following pages.
The City of Philadelphia values your contributions to the local
economy and looks forward to reviewing your Streetery License
applications.
This guide is subject to change if there are any program updates.
Please make sure to have the most up to date version of this guide by
visiting phila.gov/outdoor-dining.
Contents
Introduction
Outdoor Dining Program Overview
Streetery Program Goals
Business Eligibility
Location Requirements
Site Requirements
Placement Requirements
Types of Streeteries
Platform Streetery Requirements
Structure Streetery Requirements
Streetery Don’ts
Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements
Operational Requirements
Licensing Process
Assistance
2
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
22
Language Access
If you speak another language, assistance services are available to
you. Call 3-1-1.
Si usted habla español, hay servicios de ayuda disponibles para
usted. Llameal 3-1-1.
注意： 如果您使用简体中文，可以获得相应的语言协助。 致电3-1-1.
注 意：如 果 您使用繁體中文, 可以獲得相應的語言協助。 致電3-1-1.
Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022 2
Philadelphia’s thriving restaurant scene has helped our city become an international
destination. Many of our restaurants are locally-owned and reect the people, places, and
global avors of our multicultural population. Restaurants create jobs, enhance the economy,
and create a sense of community in neighborhoods all over Philadelphia.
Outdoor dining has been a mainstay of Philadelphia’s dining culture for decades, from the
sidewalk awnings of cheesesteak shops and water ice stands to the cafe tables and shade
umbrellas of upscale restaurants. Before the Spring of 2020, Philadelphia’s Outdoor Dining
Program was limited to sidewalk cafes for eateries licensed to enhance their seating capacity.
Sidewalk Cafe Licenses were only issued to restaurants located in specic parts of the city for
sidewalk tables and chairs placed during business hours.
Emergency Outdoor Dining
The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges to our city. In 2020, the City of Philadelphia
quickly launched emergency outdoor dining allowances to support the restaurant industry
when public health restrictions limited indoor seating. The temporary measures helped more
than 750 restaurants earn much needed revenue and retain jobs during a time of crisis. The
emergency provisions expired on December 31, 2021.
In the Spring of 2021, City Council enacted Bill 210776, to establish where in the City streeteries
could operate, their placement in the public right-of-way, and some basic safety measures. The City
is transitioning from its emergency measures to a permanent program, with regulations that build
o of Bill 210776. The City has considered input from restaurant owners, residents, and the lessons
learned by other cities over the past two and a half years in the creation of the permanent Outdoor
Dining Program.
Permanent Outdoor Dining Program
Utilizing the public right-of-way for private dining, through sidewalk cafes and streeteries,
is a privilege for restaurants as an enhancement to their seating capacity. The permanent
Outdoor Dining Program provides a way for the City to allow eligible streeteries to continue to
operate. This program can benet restaurants and their surroundings without compromising
fundamental aspects of urban life. The permanent program carries several goals, with public
safety and accessibility being chief among them. The regulations establish a base-level of
protection against auto collisions and ensure that emergency access and trac sight-lines
aren’t blocked. Most streeteries that were put into place during the pandemic do not comply
with the permanent regulations and require substantial re-design or total removal.
Introduction
3Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Licensing & Enforcement
The permanent Outdoor Dining Program
requires restaurants to obtain a streetery
License to set up and operate a streetery.
Applicants will need Streets Department
approval for use of the public right-of-
way, and the Department of Licenses and
Inspections (Licenses and Inspections, L&I)
will ultimately approve and award the nal
streetery License, which must be renewed
annually. Additionally, streetery designs
including large structures will require a
Licenses and Inspections Building Permit and
Art Commission approval.
Beyond the licensing process, the permanent
program also entails a roll out of increased
enforcement by the Streets Department
and Licenses and Inspections. Dedicated
sta will track and monitor streeteries more
closely across the City and issue violations
against dangerous, abandoned or unlicensed
streeteries. The City will also become more
vigilant about removing hazardous or
unlicensed streeteries as needed.
Looking Forward
The City has come a long way since Spring
2020. The permanent Outdoor Dining
Program allows safe, well-maintained,
and licensed streeteries to operate while
reinstating necessary safety precautions.
With the permanence of the Outdoor Dining
Program comes a set of regulations that
restaurants can use to plan for the future. It
marks a new chapter in Philadelphia’s rich
tradition of outdoor dining.
4Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Find Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code here. Find streetery regulations here.
Outdoor Dining Program Overview
The City of Philadelphia oers two outdoor dining licensing options for eligible restaurants. The City strongly
recommends that restaurant owners explore the eligibility requirements and design standards of both
outdoor dining options before making any investments. Both options balance the needs of the city’s
right-of-way and all of its public users.
Sidewalk Cafe License
A Sidewalk Cafe License allows eligible restaurants to occupy sections of
the sidewalk in front of their storefront for outdoor dining. This grants
licensed restaurants the privilege of additional seating while maintaining
adequate sidewalk access for pedestrians and those with disabilities. It
also regulates for issues, like noise and cleanliness standards, that could
impact neighboring properties and general quality of life.
Restaurants operating sidewalk cafes must comply with the sidewalk
cafe regulations. More information about Sidewalk Cafe Licenses and
the application process is available on Phila.gov.
Streetery License
A Streetery License allows eligible restaurants to occupy the parking
lane in front of their storefront for outdoor dining protected by crash
barriers. This grants licensed restaurants the privilege of additional
seating while maintaining a standard of safety and access for street
trac, diners, pedestrians, and those with disabilities. It also regulates
for issues, like noise and cleanliness standards, that could aect
neighboring properties and general quality of life.
Restaurants operating streeteries must comply with Section 9-25 of the
Philadelphia Code and the streetery regulations as outlined in this guide.
5Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Streetery Program Goals
Emergency Access
For everyone’s safety, emergency
responders need easy access to
buildings. Fire ghters need access
to re hydrants and must be able
to deploy ladders up the sides of
buildings. EMTs and police need
access to building entry points. The
regulations ensure that streeteries
don’t block emergency responders
when every second counts.
Occupancy Standards
Streeteries add extra customer
seating but they don’t add extra
restrooms. The regulations keep a
building’s occupancy in mind so that
facilities aren’t overwhelmed and
customers can still wash their hands
and use restrooms comfortably.
Legal Compliance
The City of Philadelphia doesn’t
always get the nal say over
what happens on its streets. The
regulations bring streeteries into
greater compliance with PennDOT
and USDOT regulations.
Neighborliness
In the City of Brotherly Love and
Sisterly Aection, it’s our duty
to look out for our neighbors.
The regulations specify hours of
operation and cleanliness standards
for Streeteries to minimize
neighborhood disturbances.
ADA Compliance
All Philadelphians, regardless of
their mobility limitations, deserve
equal access to facilities. The
regulations bring streeteries into
compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act and ensures that
everyone can have a seat at the
dining table.
Trafc Safety
Streeteries should be safe for both
diners and drivers. The regulations
limit the placement of streeteries
so that they don’t creep into travel
lanes and interrupt driver sight
lines. They also include structural
standards to protect diners in the
case of a vehicle collision.
Thriving Restaurants
Streeteries boomed as an emergency
response to the COVID-19 pandemic
and gained swift popularity among
restaurant owners and customers
alike. The regulations make streeteries
a permanent enhancement
to Philadelphia’s resilient and
internationally renowned restaurant
scene.
Utility Access &
Maintenance
There is a lot of vital infrastructure
hidden under the pavement. In a city
as historic as Philadelphia, a lot of
that infrastructure needs scheduled
maintenance or emergency repair.
The regulations limit the placement
of streeteries so that they don’t
interfere with utilities.
Quality Design
City streets are for everyone so
streeteries should be properly
built and easy on the eyes. The
regulations bring streeteries up
to building code and provides
height limitations and transparency
requirements so that streeteries are
an active part of the street.
6Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Find Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code here. Find streetery regulations here.
Business Eligibility
Not all food or beverage businesses are eligible to operate streeteries.
Before you begin planning for a streetery or starting the streetery License
application process, please review the eligibility guidelines below.
With Food License
Only businesses with City issued food licenses are allowed to operate streeteries.
Without Food License
Businesses without food licenses, such as beer distributors or bottle shops, are not
eligible to operate streeteries.
With Indoor Seating
Only businesses with at least three indoor tables are allowed to operate streeteries.
Without Indoor Seating
Businesses with fewer than three indoor tables like most take-out restaurants, delis,
convenience stores, and grocery stores, are not eligible to operate streeteries.
With Customer Restroom
Only businesses with a restroom available to customers are eligible to operate streeteries.
Without Customer Restroom
Businesses without restrooms available to customers, like most take-out restaurants,
delis, and convenience stores, are not eligible to operate streeteries.
Any ineligible business operating a streetery should immediately cease streetery
operations and remove their streetery.
!
7Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Find Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code here. Find streetery regulations here.
Location Requirements
Streeteries are only permitted “by-right” in designated commercial
areas throughout the city. This ensures that residential areas are less
eected by the noise and other impacts of streeteries.
By-right areas are determined by City Council and enacted into
law through the passage of ordinances. These ordinances alter the
Philadelphia City Code. The part of the Code overseeing streeteries
and listing where they can be located is Section 9-215.
Before starting the Streetery License application process, make
sure that you are located in a by-right area by carefully reviewing
Section 9-215 of the City Code. It can be viewed online by visiting
codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/Philadelphia/latest/ and selecting
“Title 9: Regulation of Businesses, Trades, and Professions” followed
by “Chapter 9-200. Commercial Activities on Streets” followed by
“§ 9-215. Streeteries.”
!
!
!
State Roads
The City will issue Streetery Licenses for sites located on
state roads. Please be advised that PennDOT ultimately
controls these roads and may require the removal of
streeteries at any time. Please keep this in mind when
considering your streetery investment and design. A map of
state roads in Philadelphia can be found on Phila.gov.
Critical and High-Speed Roads
Streeteries are not allowed on certain high-speed,
high-traffic, high-collision, and critical arterial roads
throughout the City. The Streets Department determines
which roads are ineligible for streeteries on a case-by-
case basis.
Floodplain
Structure streeteries (see page 11) are not permitted
within the FEMA 100 Year Floodplain. Pavement and
platform streeteries (see page 11) are permitted. View
the Floodplain map by visiting OpenMaps.Phila.gov and
selecting “FEMA 100 Year Floodplain” on the left tab.
Not Located in a By-Right Area?
Restaurants falling outside of by-right areas require a
City ordinance to operate a streetery amongst all other
requirements. The process for gaining an ordinance begins
with contacting your district council member’s oce.
District maps and contact information can be found by
visiting PHLCouncil.com.
8Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Find Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code here. Find streetery regulations here.
Site Requirements
It is important that streeteries are located on sites
where they would not compromise public safety or
block their neighbors. Before beginning the Streetery
License process, make sure that the space in front of
your restaurant is suitable for a streetery.
With a Parking Lane
Streeteries can only exist in the parking lane directly in front of the
business that holds the City issued Food License.
Without a Parking Lane
Vehicle travel lanes, bike lanes, medians, crosswalks, and other
non-parking spaces are ineligible sites for streeteries. Streeteries
located in a parking space across the street from the restaurant
or over a bike path are unsafe and strictly prohibited.
Clear of an Emergency Response Facility
Streeteries can only be located in spaces that don’t compromise
the deployment of emergency vehicles from re stations, police
stations, and emergency medical facilities.
Across or Next to an Emergency Re-
sponse Facility
Streeteries are not permitted across the street or directly next to
re stations, police stations or emergency medical facilities.
Any businesses operating a streetery in an ineligible site
should immediately cease streetery operations and remove
their streetery.
!
9Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Find Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code here. Find streetery regulations here.
With a 12-Foot Wide Travel Lane
Streeteries can only be setup in parking spaces adjacent to travel
lanes that are 12 feet or wider so that emergency vehicles travel
unobstructed. Bike lanes are considered travel lanes. Below are
some common street congurations that would allow a streetery.
Without a 12-Foot Wide Travel Lane
Streeteries are not permitted in parking spaces adjacent to
travel lanes that are less than 12 feet wide because they can
obstruct emergency vehicles. Below are some common street
congurations that would not allow a streetery.
≥
12 ft.
≥
12 ft.
≥
12 ft.
FIRE
≥
12 ft.
FIRE
<12 ft.
FIRE
<12 ft.
FIRE
<12 ft.
Travel lane
adjacent to
streetery is 12
feet or greater.
Travel lane
adjacent to
streetery is less
than 12 feet.
Opposing trac
lane does not
count toward
width.
Travel lane
adjacent to
streetery is 12
feet or greater.
Travel lane
adjacent to
streetery is
less than 12
feet. Opposing
parking lane
does not count
toward width.
Travel lane
adjacent to
streetery is 12
feet or greater.
Travel lane
adjacent to
streetery is less
than 12 feet.
Travel lanes
adjacent to
streetery
traveling in the
same direction
(which may
include bike
lanes) total 12
feet or greater.
Streeteries cannot extend beyond the parking lane or
otherwise encroach upon the travel lane in any way. This
includes bike lanes. Travel lane clearance must remain 12
feet or wider at all times from streeteries.
!
FIRE
FIRE
FIRE
10Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Find Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code here. Find streetery regulations here.
Placement Requirements
6
There must be a 3 feet or wider emergency pathway open to
the sky between every restaurant streetery, or every 20 feet of
streetery length, whichever is smaller.
Streeteries cannot be wider than the width of the storefront,
minus any safety buer zones and emergency pathways.
Streeteries cannot extend more than 6 feet from the curb, plus
the width of the protective barriers. No part of the streetery or
crash barriers can extend into the travel lane.
Travel lane must remain at least twelve 12 feet wide (See page 9).
5
3
2
7
4
1
At intersections with stoplights or stop signs, streeteries must
have a safety buer zone of at least 30 feet from the crosswalk,
pedestrian ramp, bus stop, stop sign or trac signal, whichever
is closer. At intersections without stoplights or stop signs,
streeteries must have a safety buer zone of at least 20 feet.
Streeteries must have a safety buer zone of at least 15 feet
from re hydrants.
Streeteries must have a safety buer zone of at least 5 feet from any
manholes, water inlets, or other utility and ventilation access points.
6
1
5
5
4
6 ft. plus
crash
barriers
12 ft.
5 ft.
15 ft.
30 ft. with stop light or
stop sign. 20 ft. without
stop light or stop sign.
3 ft.
Pedestrian
ramp
Buildable streetery area
Safety buer zone
Emergency pathway
Manhole
Fire Hydrant
Crosswalk
7
3
2
Rendering may not be to scale
11Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Find Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code here. Find streetery regulations here.
Types of Streeteries
Pavement Streetery
A pavement streetery is seating surrounded
by crash barriers placed directly on the
street pavement. Pavement streeteries allow
restaurant guests to enjoy the open air and
clear views of their city surroundings with a
“less is more” approach to outdoor dining.
Pavement streeteries are cheaper to install,
easier to maintain, and can be removed
quickly if the need should arise. Even the
simplest streeteries need to welcome guests
of all mobilities so a wheelchair ramp from
the sidewalk to the street surface will be
required in most instances. Pavement
streeteries do not require a Building Permit or
Art Commission review for a faster and easier
licensing process.
Platform Streetery
A platform streetery has a platform ush with
the curb that is surrounded by barriers placed
directly on the street pavement. Platforms
make it easier for streeteries to meet ADA
requirements and reduces tripping hazards for
patrons and sta. Most streetery platforms are
made out of wood and still oer their guests an
open and airy feel without any tall enclosed sides.
It is very important that platforms don’t block
stormwater from owing freely to sewer inlets
and that they don’t become homes for rats and
other vermin. It is highly recommended that
removable oor access panels be a part of the
platform design to allow for routine cleaning
between the pavement and the platform.
Platform streeteries do not require a Building
Permit or Art Commission review for a faster
and easier licensing process.
Structure Streetery
A structure streetery is a streetery with a built
enclosure that has an overhead covering or
at least one side 48 inches or higher from the
pavement. This type can include a platform
or sit directly on the street pavement. Crash
barriers must surround the structure or be
integrated into the structure design.
Structure streeteries are a larger investment
and ongoing responsibility. Their bulkiness gives
o a restaurant’s rst impression so quality
materials, cleanliness, and security from trespass
during non-business hours are essential.
Large openings and windows allow potential
customers to see through the structure to the
restaurant’s signage and entrance. Structure
streeteries require a Building Permit and Art
Commission review for a longer and more
involved licensing process.
12Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Find Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code here. Find streetery regulations here.
Platform Streetery Requirements
18 in.
min.
RESTAURANT A
RESTAURANT B
Crash barriers placed along all 3 street-facing sides must be concrete
or water-lled Jersey barriers 18 inches or deeper. Equally strong
barriers certied by a licensed engineer may be approved for use.
Crash barriers need to stand at least 32 inches above the pavement.
Emergency pathways and safety buer zones, if required, must
remain clear and open to the sky.
Each restaurant streetery must oer ADA compliant seating and
accessible routes.
See page 15 for full requirements.
2
1
4
3
7
6
5
Stormwater must ow freely through barriers, under platforms,
and along the curb toward inlets.
Crash barriers must have safety reectors and a street address.
Cafe seating, service carts, planters and other objects cannot block
the sidewalk’s 6 foot clear pathway without a separate permit.
2
1
4
3
7
Clear pathway
Safety buer zone
Emergency pathway
3
3
Plaorm (or ramp) ush
with sidewalk needed
for wheelchair access.
4
Reectors
and address
6
Collapsible shade umbrellas
are allowed without going
through the same review
process as structures
Crash barrier and
plaorm cannot
block ow of water
5
32 in.
min.
Rendering may not be to scale
13Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Find Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code here. Find streetery regulations here.
Structure Streetery Requirements
7
Min
Avoid blocking signage and
architectural features from
all views, including from
across the street
10
Max
1234
Main
Street
Overhead covering must be 7 feet minimum height from the
street pavement but no more than 10 feet.
No overhangs allowed over the travel lane
100% solid surfaces may be used up to 48 inches from the street
pavement. Maximum transparency is encouraged above 32
inches to increase visibility.
Structure must have safety reectors and a street address.
1
3
4
2
2
4
100% solid
surfaces up to
48 in. above
pavement
3
Reectors and
address
Overhangs can project
no more than 6 in. past
the footprint of the
structure, and never
into the travel lane or
emergency pathways
1
1
Maximum
transparency
above 32 in.
encouraged
3
Emergency
pathway
Stormwater
drainage
3 . wide
emergency
pathway open
to the sky
Rendering may not be to scale
14Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Streetery Don’ts
Outside Electrical
Electrical service coming from
outside of the streetery, like an
extension cord running from the
building, are not allowed. Conduit
run under the sidewalk is also not
allowed. All electrical devices should
be powered by batteries or another
portable energy source.
Building Attachments
Shelters running from the building
into the parking space, such as
an extended awning cover or side
walls, are not allowed. All Structure
streeteries must be free-standing,
with no attachments to buildings. This
includes string lights running between
a streetery and its storefront.
Tents & Canopies
Tents, canopies, plastic dome
shelters and other light-weight
structures just aren’t sturdy enough
to withstand extreme weather
and can create re hazard. Shade
umbrellas are allowed because they
are smaller and easily removed in
the event of high winds.
Pavement Anchors
No part of the streetery or
furnishings can be permanently
mounted or secured to the street or
sidewalk. Bolts and other anchors
damage the pavement and make
streetery removal very dicult.
Obey the rules of the road and don’t
drill into it.
Propane & Open Flames
Propane tanks, other combustibles,
and open ames just are not safe
in a streetery setting, where people
are clustered together and vehicles
pass by so close. This means that
duct heating from gas furnaces, re
pits, and overhead dome heaters are
strictly prohibited.
Shipping Containers
The dimensions of shipping and
cargo containers are too large
to comply with the streetery
regulations. Their solid metal frame
and sidewalls are not removable
within 48 hours without the help of
substantial equipment.
Enclosed Areas
No enclosed areas for equipment,
storage or utilities are allowed.
This includes storage rooms as well
as storage boxes below benches
or other seating. This reduces
the number enclosed spaces that
vermin and other unwelcome guests
can call home.
15Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Find Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code here. Find streetery regulations here.
Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements
ADA Seating Area
Federal law requires that all streeteries must
provide at least 1 ADA accessible table or 5% of
the available streetery seating space, whichever
is greater. ADA interior seating or sidewalk cafe
seating does not count toward the ADA streetery
seating requirement.
• A clear oor area of 30” by 48” must be provided at the accessible
seating area, which may include the knee clearance area. The
slope of a clearance area shall not exceed 1:48 (2%).
• Unobstructed knee clearance between the ground or deck and
table must be a minimum of 27” in height, 30” in width, and
extend a minimum of 19” under the table.
• Table height must be between 28” and 34”.
• If a counter is provided, the accessible portion must be a
minimum of 60” in length.
ADA Accessible Route
Federal law requires that an ADA accessible route
from the sidewalk to the ADA accessible seating area
must be provided.
• The platform deck or the ramp access to the ADA compliant
seating area must be ush with the sidewalk with no height
dierences greater than ½”.
• Height dierences between ¼” and ½” shall be beveled with a
slope no steeper than 1:2 (50%).
• The platform deck or the ramp access to the seating area must
be ush with the curb with no gaps greater than ½”.
• Height dierences exceeding ½” must be serviced by an ADA
compliant ramp, including clear landing areas of at least 5’ at the
top and bottom of the ramp.
• The running ground slope (parallel to the curb) shall not exceed
1:20 (5%) and the cross slope (perpendicular to the curb) shall not
exceed 1:48 (2%).
• The accessible route shall maintain a minimum width of 36” and
be free of obstacles.
Any business operating a streetery that is not ADA
compliant should immediately cease streetery operations
and remove their streetery.
!
Consult a Professional
Spacial factors like footprint size, curb heights, sidewalk
widths, and slopes can all impact the ease or diculty of
achieving ADA compliance. In most instances, streeteries will
need to include a platform base to be ADA compliant. Before
you begin the application process, the City recommends that
you consult with a licensed architect experienced in designing
for ADA compliance to understand if ADA compliance is
possible and at what impact on total seating capacity.
16Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Find Section 9-215 of the Philadelphia Code here. Find streetery regulations here.
Operational Requirements
Streeteries need to be as friendly and inviting to their neighbors as they
are to their paying customers. These operational requirements ensure that
streeteries remain well-loved amenities.
Morning, Afternoon & Evening Hours of Operation
Streeteries can only operate from 7am to 10pm Sundays through Thursdays and 7am to
11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Late Night Hours of Operation
To keep noise down for neighbors, all customers must be clear of streeteries from 10pm
to 7am Sundays through Thursdays and 11pm to 7am Fridays and Saturdays. Any loud
breakdown duties, like stacking tables and chairs, must also be completed by these times.
Service Only
Streeteries are only for serving customers food and beverages coming from the business’
licensed preparation area.
Food or Beverage Storage or Preparation
Food preparation of any kind, including outdoor grills, or stand alone bars where drinks
are prepared are prohibited in streeteries. Refrigeration units, food display cases, or
other types of food storage are also prohibited.
Clean & Sanitary
Streeteries must remain free of food scraps, spill stains, litter, and odors at all times.
Daily cleaning and routine pressure washing in, under, and around streetery structures,
and routine pest control ensures that streeteries remain pleasant places to enjoy.
Unclean & Unsanitary
Food crumbs, litter, and dirty surfaces attract unwelcome diners like rats and insects. The
Health Department can make food businesses cease total operations if their streetery is
found unsanitary just like any other part of their establishment.
A copy of the Streetery License
must be publicly displayed within
the restaurant.
All streeteries must be covered by a
$1,000,000 comprehensive general
liability insurance policy.
Any businesses currently operating
a streetery in violation of any of
these requirements should take
corrective action immediately.
Businesses found in violation may
be subject to violations, nes, and
ceased operations.
!
17Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Licensing Process Do Your Research
Pavement Streetery
Platform Streetery
Structure Streetery
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5
Check if the business is
eligible for a streetery.
See page 6 of this guide.
Check if the restaurant
location is eligible
by-right for a streetery.
If it is, skip to Step 4.
See page 7 of this guide.
If not eligible by-right,
reach out to the
restaurant location’s
district councilperson’s
office to request an
ordinance allowing a
streetery for that
location.
See page 7 of this guide.
Check if the site in front
of the restaurant is
eligible for a streetery.
See pages 8-9 in this guide.
Check if the placement
in front of the
restaurant is eligible for
a streetery.
See page 10 in this guide.
Skip
L&I
Building
Permit
L&I
Streetery
License
Build,
Operate &
Renew
Do
Your
Research
Streets Dept.
Prerequisite
Approval
Steps 1-5
Steps 6-10 Steps 11-14
Steps 15-17 Steps 18-21
This section provides a step-by-step overview of how to obtain a Streetery License. Please review these steps
thoroughly to ensure a complete understanding of the sequence, time frames, fees, and overall work entailed.
Steps 1-5 are to make certain that a streetery is feasible for the business and location before pursuing formal steps.
18Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Licensing Process Streets Dept. Prerequisite Approval
L&I
Building
Permit
L&I
Streetery
License
Build,
Operate &
Renew
Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Step 9 Step 10
Submit Streetery
Prerequisite Approval
Application to the Streets
Department.
Inter-agency review. Streets Department
inspector site visit.
The applicant does not need
to be present during site visit.
Art Commission review for
structure streeteries only.
Streets Department will
automatically provide the
application to the Art
Commission. Applicants will
be notified by the Streets
Department of Art
Commission approval.
Streets Department
approves use of
right-of-way.
Approval letter received via
email.
Do
Your
Research
Steps 1-5
Steps 6-10 Steps 11-14
$200 non-refundable
application fee credited
toward cost of L&I
Streetery License.
Total review and site visit time is 14 business days if
streetery designs are rendered by a licensed engineer or
architect. 30 business days if sketched by hand.
Review times vary by
project complexity.
Streets Dept.
Prerequisite
Approval
Pavement Streetery
Platform Streetery
Structure Streetery
Skip
Steps 15-17 Steps 18-21
The Streets Department needs to approve the location, site, placement and design of the proposed streetery to make
sure that it will meet the safety and spacial requirements of the streetery regulations. For structure streeteries, the
added step of Art Commission approval makes sure that structures contribute to the aesthetics of their surroundings.
19Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Licensing Process L&I Building Permit
Step 11 Step 12 Step 13 Step 14
Submit Building Permit
application to Licenses and
Inspections through Eclipse.
Licenses and Inspections
issues Building Permit.
Permit received via Eclipse.
Licenses and Inspections
inspector site visit.
Licenses and Inspections will schedule
a site visit for a time when the
applicant can be present.
Licenses and Inspections review.
L&I
Building
Permit
L&I
Streetery
License
Build,
Operate &
Renew
Do
Your
Research
Steps 1-5
Steps 6-10 Steps 11-14
Fees vary based on project
complexity.
Plans reviewed within 20 business days. Applicants will be notified for any
clarifications needed.
Streets Dept.
Prerequisite
Approval
Pavement Streetery
Platform Streetery
Structure Streetery
Skip
Steps 15-17 Steps 18-21
Proposed structure streeteries must obtain a Licenses and Inspections Building Permit to ensure that they will meet
the Philadelphia Building Code for the safety of occupants and the surrounding public. For pavement streetery and
platform streetery applicants, skip to step 15 on the following page.
20Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Licensing Process L&I Streetery License
L&I
Building
Permit
L&I
Streetery
License
Build,
Operate &
Renew
Do
Your
Research
Steps 1-5
Steps 6-10 Steps 11-14 Steps 15-17 Steps 18-21
Step 15 Step 16 Step 17
Submit Streetery License
application to Licenses and
Inspections through Eclipse.
Licenses and Inspections
issues Streetery License.
Streetery License received via Eclipse
and must be printed and posted within
public view.
Inter-agency review.
$1,750 annual Streetery
License fee. $200 credit applied
from Step 6 reduces first-year
fee to $1,550.
Application reviewed within 5
business days. Applicants will
be notified for any
clarifications needed.
Streets Dept.
Prerequisite
Approval
Pavement Streetery
Platform Streetery
Structure Streetery
Skip
The nal steps before building and operating is to obtain the Streetery License through Licenses and
Inspections. Licenses and Inspections will make sure that all prerequisite approvals have been met before
issuing a Streetery License.
21Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Licensing Process Build, Operate & Renew
Step 18 Step 19 Step 20 Step 21
Congratulations! It's time to
build out the streetery. For
pavement streeteries and
platform streeteries, skip to
Step 20.
Streetery Licenses must be
renewed with Licenses and
Inspections annually through
Eclipse.
Operate and maintain the
streetery responsibly
according to the Operational
Requirements.
See page 16 of this guide.
Building Inspection ofsStructure
streeteries by Licenses and
Inspections. Structure streeteries
cannot operate until inspected
and approved for occupancy.
The applicant or contractor must contact
Licenses and Inspections for an
inspection upon completion of the
structure streetery. Applicants will
receive a Certificate of Approval by the
inspector.
L&I
Building
Permit
L&I
Streetery
License
Build,
Operate &
Renew
Do
Your
Research
Steps 1-5
Steps 6-10 Steps 11-14
$1,750 annual Streetery
License fee.
Streets Dept.
Prerequisite
Approval
Pavement Streetery
Platform Streetery
Structure Streetery
Skip
Steps 15-17 Steps 18-21
Steps 18 and 19 are building out the streetery. For structure streeteries requiring a Building Permit, a nal
inspection and Certicate of Approval is required. Steps 20 and 21 are the ongoing tasks of operating and
maintaining the streetery, and renewing the streetery License annually.
22Philadelphia Streetery License Guide October 2022
Assistance
Photo Credits: Front cover - Visit Philadelphia, Pages 2-3
- Visit Philadelphia, Page 4 left - Visit Philadelphia, Page
4 right - NYC DOT, Pages 6-8 - Visit Philadelphia, Page 11
left - NYC DOT, Page 11 center - Chicago DOT, Page 11
right - NYC DOT, Page 22 - Visit Philadelphia, Back cover -
Visit Philadelphia
For questions and assistance
regarding the Streetery License
process, please contact:
City of Philadelphia
Department of Commerce
Oce of Business Services
(215) 683-2100
Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Business.Phila.gov
