RESTRICTIONS ON FEATURES OF SIDEWALK CAFE OR SIDEWALK STOREFRONT.
Austin City Code § 14-4-5
in effect§ 14-4-5 - RESTRICTIONS ON FEATURES OF SIDEWALK CAFE OR SIDEWALK STOREFRONT.
(A) A sidewalk café or sidewalk storefront operated under this chapter:
(1) must have boundaries that are freestanding and not permanently attached; and
(2) must be open to the air, except that shade elements that conform to requirements established by the department; and
(3) except as provided in Subsection (D) must maintain at least six feet of unobstructed area on the sidewalk; and
(4) must not enclose above-ground City public utilities infrastructure or transportation infrastructure without authorization of the director.
(B) A sidewalk café that does not comply with Subsection (A)(l) is subject to Section 14-11-1 (Application Required), Section 14-11-21 (Additional Application Requirements for Release of Public Easement), and Article 1, Division 3 (License for Private Use of Public Property) of Chapter 14-11 (Use of Right-of-Way) instead of this chapter.
(C) Any portion of a sidewalk café in which alcoholic beverages are served must be secured by balustrades, planters, or other appurtenances.
(D) The director may require more than six feet of unobstructed area on a sidewalk based on mobility needs.
Source: 1992 Code Sections 15-9-1, 15-9-2(A), (B), and (C)(7); Ord. 031204-12; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. 20071129-040; Ord. No. 20140828-074, Pt. 4, 9-8-14; Ord. No. 20220217-009, Pt. 5, 2-28-22.
Source: City of Austin, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT14USSTPUPR_CH14-4SICASIST_S14-4-5REFESICASISTFetched: 10/27/2026