In December 2020, Dallas City Council approved a pilot program that allows restaurants, bars, retail establishments or other entities to transition no more than two street parking spaces into a useable area for additional dining, expanded retail space or for a place for people to gather. This space must be defined by a safe perimeter and a platform that extends the sidewalk into the approved parking spaces and may be accompanied by amenities like benches, tables, bicycle parking, and planters. Dallas Street Seats are intended to add vibrancy to the street scape, enhance outdoor urban living and provide a fun place for people to enjoy.
Dallas Street Seats is a pilot program that runs from February 2021 through July 2023. As a pilot program the rules, processes, and requirements are subject to change. We welcome and encourage comments and suggestions to improve the pilot program.
Please reference the Additional Information and Resources sections below to find the Guidebook which has complete program details.
Who may apply for a Dallas Street Seats Permit?
- Dallas Street Seats can be permitted as a public or a private space.
- Private Dallas Street Seats provide additional seating for a restaurant or additional retail space. Private Dallas Street Seats permits are issued for parking spaces immediately adjacent to a licensed ground floor/street level establishment for the purpose of supplementing the establishment's floor space/seating capacity.
- Dallas Street Seats can also be permitted as a public gathering space with no retail or commercial component. Public Dallas Street Seats permits may be issued to an entity after providing required public support.
Procedure
1Gather Information Required for Application
Read the
Guidebook for complete information and requirements. In addition, you should check the compatability of your location by taking measurements; taking photos of your proposed location; gathering property authorizations and community support; and selecting your street seat design.
2Complete Application
A complete application should be submitted 90 days in advance of your planned opening. Incomplete applications will not be processed and will delay the permit issuance. Submission of a complete application does not guarantee a Dallas Street Seats permit will be issued.
3Public Safety Review
The applicant is responsible for providing a road safety review from a Texas licensed professional engineer within 20 days of application acceptance and prior to the issuance of Phase One permit. The review shall confirm that the proposed Street Seat follows all NACTO and city requirements. We recommend that you wait until your application is accepted before taking on this expense.
4Phase One of Application Review Process
A Phase One Permit (approval to begin construction) will be issued within
sixty days of receipt of application processing fees and after confirmation of compliance with all intermediate requirements. One or more in person meetings with applicants and design and construction team may be required during this 60-day application review process.
5Phase Two of Application Review Process
A Phase Two Permit (approval to occupy) may be issued within thirty days after construction commences based on successful site inspections, construction completion and confirmation of compliance with all requirements.
When should I apply?
90 Days In Advance of Opening
A complete application should be submitted 90 days in advance of your planned opening.
Additional Information & Resources
Mailing Address:
650 S. Griffin St.
Dallas, TX 75202