Outdoor Dining on Public Streets & Sidewalks

The application process for 2026 permitting is open.

The application can be accessed on the City’s Development Portal or directly here.

Program details are viewable in the Outdoor Dining Guide.

Due to the economic impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, the permitting and fee deadlines for 2025 were extended to December 31, 2025.

Questions?

Here’s an FAQ
Contact the Planner of the Day at POD@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 259-5450
Schedule a pre-application meeting here.

Background

The City of Asheville made updates to its outdoor dining program in the fall of 2023 as applied to use of public space (streets and sidewalks). An interdepartmental team developed the updates based on lessons learned during COVID-19, emerging best practices, and engagement with stakeholders.

A brief overview video is above. To view a video with additional background and program details, click here.

The program includes:

A new outdoor dining ordinance that includes “streeteries” (use of public on-street parking spaces on city-managed streets)
A new fee structure that supports:
1. Better alignment with the market value of commercial space
2. Maximizing multiple public benefits when possible
3. Improved operational management of the program
An outdoor dining guide that features standards and best practices along with clear guidance on the application and review process

Goals of the program:

Support a welcoming, safe and active environment
Improve the application, review and enforcement process (which will benefit staff, applicants and the public)
Prioritize mobility and access for all including those with physical disabilities
Transition elements of the temporary “AVL Shares Space” initiatives launched during COVID into long-term programs (i.e. parklets)
Support the success and resilience of Asheville’s local economy
More appropriately account for the value of commercializing public space through an updated fee structure
Promote multiple public benefits whenever possible

COVID 19 and AVL Shares Space

The COVID-19 pandemic made the City and Community think differently about how public spaces – like streets, sidewalks and parking spaces – can be utilized to support the health, safety and welfare of the public in addition to fostering economic activity.

Through collaboration, communication and flexibility across sectors of government, business and community, the temporary AVL Shares Space initiatives launched in the spring and summer of 2020 enabled the testing of ideas.

Find archived information about the AVL Shares Space initiatives here.

Temporary to Long-Term Program Timeline

Spring 2020: Temporary AVL Shares Space initiatives launched.
December 2021: Most temporary initiatives transition to existing long-term programs; temporary parklets may remain.
January 2022: Outdoor dining permits required for sidewalks through pre-existing process; temporary parklets may remain.
October 2022: Team launches long-term program development process.
February – August 2023: public engagement and stakeholder feedback on proposed updates.
September 11, 2023: City Council Planning & Economic Development Committee review
October 10, 2023: City Council Policy, Finance and HR Committee Review
October 24, 2023: City Council consideration/adoption – APPROVED
November 13, 2023 – Application period opens for 2024 permitting
January 2024: New policies, standards and fees apply to calendar year 2024 annual permit period