All restaurants (food and beverage license holders) that wish to operate a sidewalk café or patio must obtain a license from the City of Boise.
The sidewalk café license is in addition to the required food and beverage license.
The permit must be posted in a conspicuous place. Licenses must be renewed annually. If the Central District Health Department suspends or revokes their license, the City of Boise license will also be suspended or revoked.
Sidewalk Cafe
License to have normal restaurant operations on a sidewalk patio.
If your location has or intends to have a Sidewalk Café endorsement, you will need the following documents:
- Updated business information. This includes, but is not limited to, mailing address, business contacts, e-mail address, and/or phone numbers.
- Proof of Comprehensive General Liability Insurance in the amount of $500,000 naming the City of Boise and Ada County Highway District as additional named insureds. *Businesses located on 8th Street in Downtown Boise do not need to include Ada County as an additional insured*
- A detailed map of the sidewalk café in relation to your existing business. Map should include a detailed scale drawing of the sidewalk cafe, fencing/barriers (if alcohol is to be consumed), and the placement of tables, chairs, planters, canopies, umbrellas. Also include existing sidewalk placements such as curb cuts, tree grates, trees, lamp posts, benches, etc.
- If you are serving/selling alcohol, include a sample of a sign which shall be placed at all exits. This sign will be no smaller than nine inches by twelve inches (9" x 12") and displayed at a height of five feet (5'). It shall read "It is unlawful to consume alcoholic beverages not purchased at (premises name) or to remove same from the boundaries of this sidewalk cafe".
Seattle Department of Transportation in partnership with Disability Rights Washington.
New Application
All restaurants (food and beverage license holders) that wish to operate a sidewalk café or patio must obtain a license from the City of Boise.
The sidewalk café license is in addition to the required food and beverage license.
The City of Boise now allows you to apply for your license online. First time users of this system will be required to set up an account.
Once you have logged in, click "Apply > License" from the top menu. Select the applicable application from the license menu and apply.
Renew Online
The City of Boise now allows you to renew existing licenses online. First time users will be required to set up an account.
Once you have your account set up, you will need to link your current license to your online account by contacting the City Clerk's Office. Please have your current license number available.
After logging in, select "My Records" from the Home menu. You will find your renewal in your "Licenses" list.
Send a Message to City Clerk
Please fill out the form and a representative from the city will be in touch with you.