King Street Outdoor Dining

The King Street Outdoor Dining Overlay Zone, adopted by City Council in March 2008, is intended to enhance the vitatlity of King Street by creating an active street scape.  Restaurants in the Overlay Zone may apply for a permit to use the public right-of-way for outdoor dining.  Permit applications are reviewed by City staff to ensure that restaurants comply with the King St. Outdoor Dining Standards and Design Guidelines, and that the public's use of sidewalks is not impaired.  Permits must be renewed by April 1annually. 

How to Apply for a King Street Outdoor Dining Permit 

New Applications or Renewals With Changes

1. Check to see if your business is eliglble to participate by reviewing the King Street Outdoor Dining Overlay Zone Map. Businesses in other areas of the City may consult Planning and Zoning staff about outdoor dining opportunities. 
   
2. Review the program Standards and Design Guidelines.
   
3. Submit a complete application package to the Planning and Zoning station in the Permit Center (301 King Street Suite 4200).  A complete application package contains the signed application and all items listed on the checklist.  Four copies of the application package must be submitted.

City staff will review the application package and conduct site visits to verify compliance with the program standards and guidelines.  Once compliance is verified, businesses may pay the application fee and pick up the approved plans and permit from the Permit Center. 

Renewal Applications With No Changes (Permits must be renewed by April 1 annually)

1. Submit a complete application package to the Planning and Zoning station in the Permit Center (301 King Street Suite 4200).  A complete application package contains the signed application and all items listed on the checklist.  Four copies of the application package must be submitted.
   
2. Set up the outdoor dining pursuant to the submitted plan.

City staff will conduct a site visit to verify compliance with the plan.  Once compliance is verified, businesses may pay the application fee and pick up the permit from the Permit Center.

For more information about the King Street Outdoor Dining Program, contact Mary Christesen by email at mary.christesen@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3840.