Apply for Curbside Dining
As of April 2023, the Department of Transportation has adopted the Curbside Commercial Rules and Regulations. The rules seek to bring updated direction for the Outdoor Seating Relief Program and the Outdoor Dining Street Closure Program that were authorized under pandemic emergency orders.
View the Curbside Commercial Policy.
Download the site plan template.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curbside Dining
What is the point of the regulation?
Curbside dining was put into place as an emergency measure. Having a regulation helps us create a process to tackle the challenges of having commercial space in roadways.
What is “curbside commercial”?
A Commercial Curbside Facility is an area that a business uses that is normally in the road within the Public’s right of way and would be managed by this policy.
How is it different from sidewalk dining?
Because Commercial Curbside is in the road with vehicles, it requires different rules than Sidewalks, which people use.
Where does the money go?
The revenue from the Curbside Commercial program goes to the Baltimore City General fund, not directly to the Baltimore City DOT.
What happened during the comment period?
We got over 2,000 comments, and most were in support.
Many added that it brought brightness and energy to the streets of Baltimore.
Did you make edits from the public comment period?
Yes! This was extremely important to us. You can see the new policy here: Curbside Commercial Policy.
How much will curbside dining cost businesses?
Cost will change based on location but will be no more than $10 per square foot.
Download the Curbside Commercial Policy PDF
Have more questions?
Contact our Minor Privilege Office at 410-396-3346 or MinorPrivilege@baltimorecity.gov