Business Enhancements

Having outdoor seating, a merchandise display, and signage can help your business thrive while also making our streets and sidewalks a place for everyone to enjoy. We encourage businesses to use the spaces outside their location to create a more active and interesting streetscape for everyone.

Specifically, our goals are to:

  • Support economic development in business districts
  • Increase the vibrancy of our streets, sidewalks, and public spaces
  • Ensure safety and mobility of the traveling public

Sidewalk Tables and Chairs

Four young women chatting while sitting at a sidewalk table.

Our free public amenity permit can be used for tables and chairs on the sidewalk but does not permit table service or alcohol consumption. A good option for coffee shops or takeout restaurants, the tables and chairs may be used by both customers and the general public and must be secured overnight.

Get a Tables and Chairs permit!

Sidewalk Cafés

Six people enjoying a sidewalk cafe as passersby go about their business.

This permit has an associated cost but allows for table service and alcohol consumption. Sidewalk cafés are considered private - for customer use only - and not open to the general public. Both fenced and fence-free options are available. They may be located on the sidewalk or within a street parking spot in front of your business.

Get a Sidewalk Café permit!

Parklets

A person enjoying outside seating in a neighborhood parklet.

Parklets convert street parking spots into small-scale parks that are available to the public 24/7. They activate streets, support social interaction, and provide a buffer between pedestrians and traffic. Parklets are an invitation to consider how street space can be used for something other than parking, especially in areas with limited open space.

Get a Parklet permit!

Sidewalk Merchandise Displays

A rack of clothing on the sidewalk outside of a store.

With this permit, businesses can display merchandise on the sidewalk in front of their building. It's an effective way to attract passersby to your business!

Get a Sidewalk Merchandise Display permit!

Event Pole Banners

A colorful banner advertising the Seattle Pride Parade date

With this permit you can advertise an event or organization on pole banners that can be seen by passing vehicles and pedestrians. Please note: Neighborhood identification pole banners are permitted separately under the free Public Amenities permit

Get an Event Pole Banner permit!

Transportation

Greg Spotts, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.