City of Phoenix Temporary Outdoor Dining Program Tip Sheet

Outdoor patio on Roosevelt Row, 2018. (Photo: Jill Richards)

On Tuesday, Governor Doug Ducey announced an additional $2 million in state funding to help local restaurants expand outdoor dining, protect patrons and staff, and limit the spread of COVID-19.

Business owners may apply for up to $10,000 in funds to use toward outdoor furniture, barriers, patio heaters, patio covers and more. Learn about the program HERE.

Are you a downtown business looking to create a patio and apply for these funds?

First, you need to get a temporary outdoor patio permit through the City of Phoenix. Right now, the City is issuing “Emergency Declaration Outdoor Dining Administrative Temporary Use Permits” (ATUP) at no fee.

To get this permit, check out our easy tip sheet below.

Are you a downtown business with temporary patio questions? Email Sara Scoville-Weaver with Downtown Phoenix Partnership at sscovilleweaver@dtphx.org or call 602-744-6408.

Applying for a temporary patio with a fence/ability to serve alcohol outside

Follow the process below and reference the city’s main information page HERE.

1. Make sure your property owner is okay with it. Get written consent stating that they are the owner or are approving on behalf of the owner. Also make sure the letter includes what they are agreeing to. For example, “I, the owner, agree to allow a temporary fence and six tables and 12 chairs in front of my business located at 123 E. Maple Avenue.”
2. If you are creating the patio on a downtown sidewalk, on-street parking space or in an alley you will need to submit a Revocable Permit form before and in addition to the outdoor dining application. Apply HERE.
3. Fill out the outdoor dining application form (ATUP) HERE and include the following with the form:

3. a.) A simple sketch (doesn’t need to be fancy – hand-drawn is fine) showing how many tables and chairs you intend to have outside and where you fence will be.

3. b.) Make sure you include the business name and address on the plan.

3. c.) Write your total proposed occupancy on the plan. For example, “20 people.” Remember to adhere to COVID-19 distancing rules.

3. d.) Write what type of fencing you are using and describe it. For example, “white, plastic temporary fencing panels measuring 6 feet wide by 4 feet tall.” Check out approved temporary fencing options.

3. e.) Bust out the measuring tape. You need to include dimensions on the site plan sketch showing the width and length of your patio. Remember, pedestrians still need to get by on the sidewalk if you are putting the patio in front of your business. Make sure you leave at least 4 feet of space between the curb and your intended patio fence so people can still walk by.

3. f.) Use Google Maps to create a quick aerial view of your business. Use Word or Paint to draw a box on the sidewalk or area on the ground where you plan to have tables and chairs.

4. If you want to serve alcohol, also include THIS form after you have submitted it to Arizona Department of Liquor (DLLC).
5. Package everything together and email to zoning@phoenix.gov

Applying for a temporary patio without a fence/no outside alcohol

You can still create additional dining with just tables and chairs that you bring inside every evening after closing.

1. Fill out the ATUP application HERE – only page three.
2. Create a simple drawing or sketch (doesn’t need to be fancy – hand-drawn is fine) showing how many tables and chairs you intend to have outside. Make sure you include the business name and address on the plan. Also write “no fence intended” on the paper. Remember, pedestrians still need to get by on the sidewalk, so make sure you leave at least 4 feet of space between the curb and your tables and chairs so people can still walk by easily.
3. Use Google Maps to create a quick aerial view of your business. Use Word or Paint to draw a box on the sidewalk or area on the ground where you plan to have tables and chairs.
4. Email to zoning@phoenix.gov