FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 01/10/2018 Contact: Kim Sandberg, Public Works Project Coordinator
Phone: 319-356-5139
Sidewalk café preliminary applications now available
Preliminary applications are now available for eating establishments located in the Downtown Iowa City area that are interested in constructing a sidewalk café on a street/parking space or within a City-owned planter.
Applications are available for download at www.icgov.org/administration, and must be received by the Public Works Department no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, for both on street cafés and cafés located within a planter.
In 2012, the City Council adopted an updated Sidewalk Café policy allowing for the use of on street parking areas for a sidewalk café, but with some limitations. The policy was updated with the goal of providing an opportunity for restaurants to have an outdoor eating space, that may have otherwise not been able to because of limited sidewalk space. Procedures were also created for those eating establishments wishing to occupy a City-owned planter in the Downtown area.
If
competing applications for available space are received, a lottery will be held
on February 15 to determine which applications will be awarded. If no applications are received, the City will
consider applications after February 1 on a first come, first
serve basis. Guidelines for on street and planter sidewalk cafes are also available on
the City’s website.
It
should be noted that some areas may not be available for use due to previously
approved sidewalk cafes as a three year priority is granted for use of the
space. Also, use of planters for a sidewalk café is at the City’s
discretion.
A preliminary application is only required for use of a street or
planter for a sidewalk café. Establishments that would like to construct a café on the public sidewalk can submit a full application to the Public Works Department at any time.
For questions, contact Public Works Project Coordinator Kim Sandberg at 319-356-5139 or kim-sandberg@iowa-city.org.
