2021 Expanded Outdoor Dining Application

(application works best in Google Chrome)  

Expanded Outdoor Dining FAQ (pdf)

Expanded Outdoor Dining Dos and Don'ts (pdf)

Fall and Winter COVID-19 Outdoor Dining Guidance

Be Safe. Food Service Guidelines (pdf)

Expanded Outdoor Dining - Locations on the Public Way

This new permit has been created specifically for temporary outdoor service for bars on restaurants on the public way or private property.

Individual, fully-licensed food and/or liquor establishments may apply to temporarily use private property to extend service space, where proper social distancing and adherence to public health guidelines are observed.

Individual establishments that serve liquor only may apply to use the sidewalk space in front of or immediately adjacent to their establishment. Six feet of pedestrian access must be maintained, and barriers must be placed around outdoor service areas on the sidewalk. Retail Food Establishments should use the sidewalk café permit to operate on the sidewalk – learn more here.

Applications for street closure will be accepted from Chambers of Commerce, SSAs, Business Associations, or a minimum of three (3) establishments (on a contiguous city block) applying together. At least 50 percent of participating establishments must serve food. Applicant(s) may request full street closure (maintaining a 14-foot fire lane) or use of private property, as long as:

• Establishments only allow outdoor dining and drinking;
• Seating is for parties of 6 (six) persons or fewer;
• Food and drinks are prepared inside the licensed establishments;
• The proper social distancing of six (6) feet between customers is observed; and
• Health guidelines set by public health officials are followed.

There is no processing fee to submit the application for any Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit.

2021 Online Special Event Permit Application

(Not Required for Expanded Outdoor Dining Application )

Following the City and State guidelines, DCASE will not issue Special Events Permits for outdoor festivals, athletic events or non-essential markets until COVID restrictions allow for larger events - at least through March 31, 2021.

(application works best in Google Chrome)

Please review the Special Event Application PowerPoint for guidance.

Outdoor events held in the City of Chicago must complete a Special Event Permit Application if the event

• Will close City streets (street closures are not allowed for private events);
• Will prepare Food on a public street/sidewalk or private property (open to the public);
• Will serve alcohol;
• Have tent(s) larger than 20 ft. x 20 ft. (400 sq. ft.); OR
• Have stage(s) taller than 2 ft.

Bar Crawls must also complete an application if the event

• Expects to exceed 500 participants;
• Includes 5 or more stops/participating establishments; OR
• Includes 3 or more stops/participating establishments on the same street block.

DCASE Processing Fee:
The processing fee for a Special Event Permit Application starts at $100 if submitted more than 60 days before the start of the event. The fee increases if submitted closer to the event. Applications may be submitted up to 180 days prior to the event and must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the start of the event.

• $100 (60+ days before event)
• $200 (59-45 days before event)
• $500 (44-30 days before event)
• $1,000 (29-15 days before event)
• NO applications are accepted less than 14 days before the event

Events taking place on Chicago Park District property require an additional Park District Special Event Permit