Outdoor Dining Permit

The City of Atlanta offers different pathways to permit an outdoor dining area depending on if the proposed area is on the public right-of-way (sidewalk or on-street) or on private property (such as a parking lot) adjacent to the business. More information is available by clicking the icons above.

Public Right-of-Way: If the proposed area is on the public right-of-way (sidewalk or on-street parking lane), a Right-of-Way Dining Permit can be obtained from the City of Atlanta Department of Transportation. The City of Atlanta code authorizing public right-of way dining can be found in Article VIII.

For eating and drinking establishments interested in creating an outdoor dining area on adjacent private property, the first step in the permitting process is a zoning review conducted by the Office of Zoning & Development. This review will determine if the site can be approved for outdoor dining and under what conditions and restrictions. Following zoning approval, a building review is required through the Office of Buildings. The Outdoor Dining Area Permit FAQs contain additional information about the process and considerations for receiving required permits for private property outdoor dining.

For questions about the zoning review process or to initiate a review of your proposed site, call 404.330.6145 or email DCPOZD@atlantaga.gov

Right-of-Way Dining Permit Application: bit.ly/rowdining

Questions about the Right-of-Way Dining Permit: ROWdining@atlantaga.gov

Questions about the zoning review required for Outdoor Private Property Dining: Call 404.330.6145 or email DCPOZD@atlantaga.gov 

Questions about the buildings review required for Outdoor Private Property Dining: Call 404.330.6920 for the Office of Buildings Light Commercial Work Stream

Questions about alcohol license requirements, visit: atlantapd.org/i-want-to/alchohol-licenses