Open Air ICT

Answer: Restaurants, bars and retail shop owners may apply for a permit.

Business owners begin by filling out the online application. City staff will review the application and if the necessary criteria is met, will schedule an on-site meeting at the business’ location. If the onsite inspection is approved, the City will issue a permit to utilize the adjacent outdoor space.

No, there is no cost to obtain a permit or participate in this program. Businesses which currently have a sidewalk café permit may contact Anne Chandler at 268-4418 to be reimbursed for any payments between August 1, 2020 through August 1, 2021.

Generally, the area in front of the business between the street and the business, while maintaining six feet of unobstructed pedestrian access through the area. Each individual business will be provided with specific requirements related to their location. See example.

No. Items (tables, chairs, etc.) must be removed from the permitted area when business is closed.

All items must be maintained in a state of good repair and shall be secured to the ground or be of such design that they are not prone to being disturbed by the wind.

All permits will expire on August 1, 2026. The Wichita City Council may choose to extend or adapt the program. Check back for details as they become available.

Alcohol will be allowed in the off-street private parking and public right-of-way adjacent to the building if the business possesses the appropriate licensure with Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). However, no alcohol will be allowed in the street, including on-street parking, unless the business possesses the appropriate licensure for such and the entire roadway is closed to traffic, which requires special review and approval by the City.

ABC Form 816Alcoholic Beverage Control Express website

No. All restrictions in place by Sedgwick County or the State of Kansas remain in effect. The permit can only be used if it does not violate any City, County or State restrictions.