This program is intended to enhance the vibrancy of Uptown Normal by permitting a small number of cafes to operate within sidewalks and/or parking spaces.  By Town ordinance, these cafes must meet certain design guidelines and be in operation at least 5 days per week, weather permitting.  The full ordinance may be found in Section 8 of the Municipal Code.  Key details address hours of operation, signage, amplified sound, materials, and more.  

The Public Works Director or his designee will approve sidewalk and on-street cafes based on the completeness of the application and adherence to all code requirements.  If there are applications for more than one on-street café on one side of the street (which would exceed the code maximum), the selection will be based on the completeness of the application, adherence to code requirements, overall aesthetics, and the operations plan.

Sidewalk Cafes

Definition:  Sidewalk Cafe shall mean use of a public sidewalk or plaza area by a food service establishment, for the serving of food and beverages to seated customers.
Application fee:  $100, the application will be deemed incomplete until receipt of payment. 
Submit a sidewalk cafe application online 

On-street Cafe

Definition: On-street café shall mean use of a public parking space by a food service establishment, for the serving of food and beverages to seated customers.
Application fee:  $100 unless the applicant proposes to use Town electricity, in which case the license fee is $150.  The application will be deemed incomplete until receipt of payment. 

The application period ended on February 28, 2020.

Resources

Contact:  Mercy Davison, 309-454-9590 or Darryl Barron, 309-454-9741
Outdoor Cafe Ordinance