7 - Cafe Seating Information
CAFE SEATING
Cafe seating at coffee shops acid restaurants on the Hill and downtown have become more
and more popular over the past few years. With that in mind, the city of Boulder now
allows these establishments to provide temporary street furniture without a permit under
the following conditions:
• establishment is located on the University Hill or in the downtown business
improvement district. Cafe seating is not allowed on the Pearl Street Mall.
• establishment must provide the city with a certificate of insurance naming the
City of Boulder as additional insured
• no cost for cafe seating.
• area for cafe seating cannot impair or impede the utility of the right-of-way or
easement for its designed purpose - it cannot reduce the unobstructed width of
the adjacent sidewalk to less than 6-feet, except that the unobstructed width
may be reduced to 5-feet for a maximum distance of 5 feet adjacent to fixed
public infrastructure including, but not limited to, utility poles, bike racks,
parking payment facilities, and fire hydrants. (sec attached diagram)
• temporary street furniture must be placed next to the building face on streets
where diagonal and parallel parking are allowed. If business is placing
furniture next to a curb bulb out adjacent to the business, the furniture cannot
create a site triangle obstruction,
• is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• temporary street furniture for the exclusive use of patrons, offering table
service of food or beverage or associated with an establishment licensed to
serve alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
• establishment does not provide amplified music.
• tables and chairs intended for outdoor use only. Furniture should be
constructed of metal or similarly stable and durable materials. Umbrellas and
railings are not allowed.
• seating is temporary in nature and easily removable without tools or
equipment.
• seating is removed and securely stored on private property between the hours
of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. or outside of business hours, whichever is more
restrictive.
• if conditions are violated, furniture may be removed without notice.
• violators may be subject to penalties or fines under Section 5-2-4, "General
Penalties," B.R.C. 1981.
If you are interested in cafe seating, please contact Ellen Cunningham, Downtown
and University Hill Management Division; at 303-413-7315,
"Exempt Encroachments" Boulder Revised Code 8-6-8.