Outdoor Dining

What is it?

Sidewalk café seating sets up tables and chairs on the sidewalk immediately next to a business or in an area adjacent to the street curb. 

See example of sidewalk café seating.

Requirements

• Must be placed along the front length of the business facade.
• Must maintain a 5-foot clear pedestrian path along the sidewalk.
• Umbrellas must be kept 8 feet high above the sidewalk.

How to apply

• Step 1: Gather the following documents:
  • Location and context: A Google Maps aerial view of the location in front of your business and indicate the desired location of the café seating. Include marking the sidewalk area to show there is a 5-foot clear pathway.
  • Insurance: Proof of coverage for $1 million and endorsement page indicating the City as an insured party. Insurance policy date should be within the last 20 days.
• Step 2: Visit our permit application site, register, confirm registration, and apply for a Sidewalk Café permit. The map and the insurance documents are required to submit.
• Step 3: Once your application is approved, you may place your tables/chairs and schedule a City inspection.  

What is it? 

Outdoor dining set up on privately owned property that does not extend into the sidewalk or street. These setups are typically done under a tent or canopy within a private parking lot or other area of the property. 

See example of private property outdoor seating.

Requirements

• Minimum parking and access on the property needs to be maintained. Driveway and clear vision areas of the street cannot be blocked. Contact the Planner on Duty at 503-618-2780 to confirm adequate allowable space before applying. 
• Must obtain property owner approval if applicant is tenant.
• Tents and canopies are not allowed inside a structure.
• Tents and canopies shall maintain a distance of 20 feet from structures, property lines or right of ways.
• Tents and canopies shall be roped, braced and anchored.
• Tents and canopies must be made of fire-resistant material, and must bear a label from manufacturer indicating so, or be treated with an approved flame retardant.
• Decorative materials used in tents shall be flame retardant.
• Post "No Smoking" signs inside and/or outside tent.
• When multiple tents or canopies are arranged or set side by side, the total length shall not exceed 150 feet without a 20-foot fire break.

How to apply

• Step 1: Before applying, contact the Planner on Duty, 503-618-2780 or POD@GreshamOregon.gov, to confirm zoning, parking and access will allow for placement of the area you wish to use for outdoor seating.
• Step 2: Visit our permit application site, register, confirm registration, and apply for a temporary use permit. If you will not be placing a covering above the seating, you only need to apply for a temporary use permit and not a fire permit.

Temporary use permits

Temporary uses are allowed depending on the zoning for the proposed site. Once you confirm with the Planner on Duty that use is allowed, submit your application online.

Fire permits

• Step 1: Review this document to ensure you will be able to meet the requirements.
  • Heater use inside tents/membrane structures
• Step 2: Complete the fire prevention permit application.
• Step 3: Submit to Gresham Fire as noted on the application.

Fire staff will contact you to follow up on your application and schedule an inspection. 

Yes. However, if you will be serving alcohol, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) requires separating business service areas. Confirm with the OLCC before submitting an application to the City.

No. If there is no covering and only seating, just apply for a temporary use permit. 

No this is not allowed.