BALTIMORE, MD — Today, The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) and The Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) announced that the City of Baltimore has launched two types of permit programs which allow restaurants to request permission to provide outdoor dining accommodations in the City's public right-of-way.  

As of June 1, 2020, restaurants can apply online for two types of programs; Program 1, is for outdoor sidewalk dining, and is approved by DHCD; and Program 2 is for streets and parking lanes closures approved by BCDOT.  The applications through BCDOT are for restaurants and licensed food establishments that want to begin operations on open spaces, whether on public space or private property as a result of Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s announcement to create next steps for restaurants permitted for outdoor dining.  

Application Process

Restaurants seeking a permit for outdoor seating can apply online with the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development.  Restaurants seeking a permit requiring partial or full street closures and/or closure of parking lanes for the purposes of outdoor dining should apply with the Baltimore City Department of Transportation.  

Program 1- Outdoor Seating Relief Program:

Restaurants that are already permitted for outdoor seating were allowed to begin serving meals outside on Friday, May 29, 2020, at 5 p.m.  Restaurants that do not currently have outdoor seating or wish to extend their existing outdoor seating on the sidewalk in front of their property may start applying online for a permit as of Monday, June 1, 2020.  Federal ADA requirements must still be followed for any extension.  Applicants may apply by visiting the City's e-permits website and selecting the category for ‘Outdoor Seating – Temporary’ to apply.  Questions regarding this permit can be directed to the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development at DHCD.Permits@baltimorecity.gov. 

Program 2- Outdoor Dining Street Closure Program:

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) is now accepting online applications that allow restaurants to apply for public space permits requiring partial or full street closures and/or the closure of parking lanes for the purposes of outdoor dining.  Applicants should submit a request online for the Outdoor Dining Street Closure Program by filling out the online form below and submitting it to BCDOT's Special Events Division.  Approval information will be provided within 7 business days. Questions regarding this permit can be emailed to SpecialEvents@baltimorecity.gov.

Restaurants providing dining services are encouraged to take full measures that will help to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission amongst employees, customers, and the community. For additional information, visit coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov.