Use of private parking lots for outdoor business operations has been extended through June, 2022.
The private lot can serve just one business or be part of a shared lot, such as in a strip mall.
Safety
Business and property owners are solely responsible for the safety of their patrons dining on private property. Click here for information on acceptable traffic barriers that can be used to define, and help mitigate the risk of vehicle intrusion.
Large Canopies
if a business owners wishes to erect a canopy larger than 700 square feet or a tent larger than 400 square feet in their outdoor business area they will need to receive a permit from the San Jose Fires Department. Standards for tents and canopies can be found here. You can access the permit here. Permit applications should be emailed to sjfd.specialevents@sanjoseca.gov. The current cost for a tent permit is $717.
Requirements
- Lot must adjoin your business
- Free registration
- Evidence of permission from property owner
- Diagram of proposed use of parking lot.
- This diagram should include dimensions of the proposed outdoor business area; distance and physical relationship between a business’ existing building, the proposed outdoor business area and vehicle parking and circulation areas; the layout of any furnishings, materials or equipment to be used in the outdoor business area; and an outline of the boundaries of the proposed area where alcohol will be served, if applicable.
- Please note that at this time, alcohol service in this new outdoor business area is not allowed unless you have received a Temporary Catering Authorization permit from CA Alcoholic Beverage Control.
For more information, please visit the Public Works Al Fresco page.
