Attention business owners (and anyone else) interested in having an outdoor patio on a sidewalk for the summer:
The deadline to apply for a city permit is rapidly approaching. April 30 to be exact. This deadline also applies to business owners with current Above Curb patios approved through the temporary program.
Owners can apply for an Above Curb patio permit using here. Interested applicants can also schedule one-on-one sessions with a program administrator, virtually or in-person, who can help walk you through requirements and answer any questions you may have.
"We want these places to enhance our public realm. We want them to be enjoyable, interesting and welcoming," said Laura Swartz, Spokesperson for the Community Planning and Development department.
Language services are also available, free of charge, to Limited-English Proficient and American Sign Language individuals.
Denver's Community Planning and Development department implemented its temporary program during the COVID-19 pandemic. After collecting community feedback, the city made the program permanent earlier this year, introducing updated requirements that address things like access for emergency services, access for persons with disabilities, design quality, neighborhood impact, parking requirements, snow removal and bicycle connectivity.
It's important to note that an Above Curb patio, located on sidewalks or tree lawns, are different from Below Curb and Private Property patios. Those structures will be covered by separate patio programs that are still in the drafting phase.
Visit the city's Outdoor Places Program webpage for more information on how each is defined, and send us tips on your favorite patios as the summer seasons creeps closer and closer.
