Outdoor dining area means a designated area where dining appurtenances are located on a public street, other adjacent public right-of-way, or a sidewalk within a public right-of-way, partially within the public right-of-way and partially upon private property or, upon private property within an adjacent greenspace or off-street parking spaces, and operated as an integral part of an adjacent business, such as a bakery, candy or ice cream store, coffee shop, food store, grocery, delicatessen, restaurant, tavern, tasting room, or other like establishment for the purpose of outdoor dining.

Outdoor dining areas are permitted April 1st through October 31st (unless otherwise approved by the Board of Public Works).

For more information, refer to La Crosse Municipal Code:
sec. 4-106(3) Outdoor Dining
sec. 4-45(b) Expanding an Alcohol License

How to Apply

Complete the Outdoor Dining Application, in full.  This application is required only once unless you make changes to the outdoor dining plan.  An application is not required each year unless a change is made.

If your outdoor dining area requires a street privilege permit (located in public street or right-of-way) through the Engineering Department, you must apply for a street permit permit or renew an existing permit (renewed each calendar year).  Complete the street privilege permit form and submit with current insurance and applicable fee.

If you are expanding an alcohol license in the outdoor dining area, complete the Expansion of Alcohol Beverage License and submit with the required fee.  This application and fee are required each year.  Be sure to identify dates of expansion and description.  *If you are licensed by the State for alcohol, do not complete this application.  Contact the State to expand your alcohol premise description as necessary.

Review and issuance of necessary permits will depend on the nature of the request.  If an original street privilege permit is necessary, please allow up to 45 days.  If renewing an outdoor dining area, permits may be approved within 7-10 business days (following a complete submittal).

You can submit the applicable forms and fees by mail, in person to the City Clerk (lobby of City Hall), Monday – Thursday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or you can use the green drop box on the north side of City Hall.

License Fee

There is no fee for an Outdoor Dining Application; however:

• If the outdoor dining area is in City right-of-way, a street privilege permit is required.  The initial fee is $100 and the annual renewal fee is $50.  Separate application required.

• If the establishment is expanding its City-issued alcohol license into the outdoor dining area, the fee is $150 and must be renewed each year.  Separate application required.

Payment is due at the time of application (cash, check payable to City Treasurer or credit with convenience fee).

Applications

Be sure all applications are complete in full and legible.  Incomplete applications will be returned and delay processing.

Outdoor Dining Application - Permit Application & Instructions
Street Privilege Permit (original) - Application & Facts Sheet
Street Privilege Permit (renewal)
Expansion of Alcohol

Questions?

For information about a Street Privilege Permit, contact Chase Rose in the Engineering & Public Works Department at rosec@cityoflacrosse.org or call 608-789-7505.

For information about expanding an alcohol license into the outdoor dining area, contact the City Clerk's Office at licenses@cityoflacrosse.org or call 608-789-7510.