If you are a local business and would like to add seating to the sidewalk in front of your business, follow these easy steps. If you want help from the Downtown Anacortes Alliance, drop us an email and we’ll help you out!
- Decide what kind of seating you want to put on the sidewalk:
- Choose between tables and chairs and benches: Read Article
- Draw up a site plan showing your building, neighboring buildings, and the number and location of new seating elements. This can be a rough sketch that you make yourself using graph paper, or a fancy drawing done by a professional.
- You must leave 5 feet of sidewalk space. This space makes it easy for pedestrians to walk by and meets ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) standards.
- If the sidewalk is next to angle or perpendicular parking, please provide 2-feet of additional sidewalk clearance for long bumper overhangs.
- Please leave 5-feet of clearance around existing structures, i.e., planter boxes, light poles, waste receptacles, etc.
- If you plan to serve alcohol outdoors, you will need to follow these additional guidelines from the State Liquor Board.
- Apply for a restaurant sidewalk use permit.
- Fill out the Sidewalk Use Permit.
- Make sure you have public liability insurance.
- If you rent the property, get permission from the property owner and have them sign an Agent Authorization Form.
- Send your site plan, Restaurant Sidewalk Use Permit, and Agent Authorization Form (if you rent), to the City Planning, Community, and Economic Development Department. You can email, mail, or stop by the office.
- pced@cityofanacortes.org
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 547, Anacortes, WA 98221
- Office Location: 904 6th Street, 3rd Floor, Anacortes WA 98821
- Phone: (360) 299-1984
Thank you so much for improving your space to make downtown Anacortes more friendly and welcoming!