Do I need a Sidewalk Cafe License for my business?

The City of Bend has put together an informative video to guide local businesses through the process of figuring out whether they need a Sidewalk Cafe License. Understanding the boundaries between private property and the city’s public spaces can be tricky, but this video makes it clearer.

Also, the City of Bend has gathered a list of frequently asked questions about public spaces. This resource aims to clarify what is allowed and what is not within these areas.

Apply for a Sidewalk Cafe License

Carefully review the application steps and necessary materials listed below to ensure your application is complete. For a successful submission, please use the Online Permit Center and follow the provided instructions:

Initial Application

1Step: Obtain a valid City of Bend Business Registration

• To operate a Sidewalk Cafe business, you first need to apply for a Business Registration. Visit the Business Registration page for more information.

2Step: Prepare and complete the required application documents

• Obtain your Certificate of Insurance.
  • The City of Bend requires a Certificate of Insurance that lists the city as an additional insured party. This certificate should accompany the endorsement for general liability coverage, with a minimum of $2,000,000 per incident and $2,000,000 total. If alcohol is being served or sold, the policy must also include a liquor liability extension with the same coverage amounts.
• Complete the Site Plan and Proposed Table Diagram.
  • For all license applications, the City of Bend requires applicants to provide a current and precise site plan diagram. This should be a comprehensive site layout with a proposed arrangement for tables, showing all existing features like trees, doorways, bike racks, signs, lights, benches, planters, and any other items on the public walkway in front of the business. The diagram must be drawn to scale, with all measurements clearly indicated. If needed, use an additional sheet.
  • Please create your diagram using a digital tool such as SmartDraw, SketchUp, or draw.io. Diagrams that are hand-drawn or lack precise measurements will not be accepted. Remember to maintain a 5-foot clear path for pedestrians and, if possible, position tables and chairs close to the curb.
• Complete the Sidewalk Cafe License Acknowledgement.
• Complete the Sidewalk Cafe License - Property Owner Acknowledgement.

3Step: Submit your Sidewalk Cafe License Application

• In the Online Permit Center Portal, under choose the licensing type, select “Specialty Licenses and Programs.”
• On the Classification Step, select “Outdoor Cafe.”
• Complete the rest of the form and submit the application.
  • Be sure to have all previously completed items from Step 2 above ready to upload to your application.

Renewal Application

To renew your Sidewalk Cafe License, complete the following steps:

1Step: Prepare and complete the required renewal application documents

• Be sure you still have an ACTIVE Business Registration with the City of Bend.  
• Obtain your Certificate of Insurance.
  • Be sure to supply us with an updated Certificate of Insurance if any have expired since your last license renewal.
    • The City of Bend requires a Certificate of Insurance that lists the city as an additional insured party. This certificate should accompany the endorsement for general liability coverage, with a minimum of $2,000,000 per incident and $2,000,000 total. If alcohol is being served or sold, the policy must also include a liquor liability extension with the same coverage amounts.
• If ANY changes have been made to your Site Plan and Proposed Table Diagram, please provide a new document.
  • If no changes were made, this is not needed again at renewal. 
• Complete the Sidewalk Cafe License Acknowledgement.
• Complete the Sidewalk Cafe License - Property Owner Acknowledgement.

2Step: Submit your Sidewalk Cafe License Renewal Application

• Find your existing license in the Online Permit Center Portal to renew.
  • Login to the Online Permit Center Portal.
  • Access ‘My Items’ in the portal navigation.
  • Click the ‘Expand All’ item.
  • Find your Sidewalk Cafe License and click the ‘Renew This License’ button.
  • Complete the application and upload the pertinent items.
• Be sure to have all previously completed items from Step 1 above ready to upload to your renewal application. 

Sidewalk Cafe License Dates to Remember

The City of Bend wants to make sure everyone who wants to run a Sidewalk Cafe knows about some important dates:

January to March:

• You need to turn in your completed application and pay a $200 fee though our Online Permit Center Portal.
• If you are planning to open your cafe later in the year, you must apply and get your license before you can put seats out on the sidewalk.
• In March, we will look over your application to make sure everything is there and process it.

April:

• The city will send out all the licenses by the end of the first week. Remember, you must keep your license at your cafe when it is open.

May to July:

• City officials will visit to check that you have all the right papers on-site and that you are following the rules.

Every Year:

• You cannot start serving at your sidewalk cafe until you have your license. If you want to be open from January to March, make sure to apply by December 31 of the previous year. 

Frequently Asked Questions