Apply for an outdoor dining licence

Clear footpath along the building edge (2 metres). 

Permitted standards

Accessibility

• All outdoor dining areas must maintain clear pedestrian footpath access of 2 metres minimum.
• Maintain good, clear accessibility to the surrounding streets, footpaths, lanes and shared paths.
• Accessibility and visibility of business entrances, public benches, cycle stands and rubbish bins are to be maintained.
• Appropriate distance from art works, lamp posts, signs and street trees should also be considered. 

Furniture

• Quality, durable finishes suitable for outdoor public use, and maintained to a high standard.
• Use of a simple range of materials and a consistent colour pallet.
• Must be stable in windy conditions and not present a health and safety risk.
• Logos integrated within the street furniture. No separate signage or advertising, such as sandwich boards.

Activity zone (1 metre) along the building edge, with a clear footpath (2 metres).

Umbrellas

• Freestanding umbrellas with a single support only.
• Clearance between the footpath and the underside of the umbrella should not be less than 1.8 metres minimum.
• Use of a single colour to minimise visual clutter.

This guidance aligns with the Public Street Enclosures Policy 2006.(external link)

For more information contact the Council on 941 8999 or 0800 800 169 or email outdoor.dining@ccc.govt.nz

View the temporary outdoor dining guidance document. [PDF, 1.5 MB]

An example of temporary outdoor dining

Clear footpath along the building edge (2 metres). 

Permitted standards 

Accessibility

• All outdoor dining areas must maintain clear pedestrian footpath access of 2 metres minimum.
• Maintain good, clear accessibility to the surrounding streets, footpaths, lanes and shared paths.
• Accessibility and visibility of business entrances, public benches, cycle stands and rubbish bins are to be maintained.
• Appropriate distance from art works, lamp posts, signs and street trees should also be considered. 

Furniture

• Quality, durable finishes suitable for outdoor public use, and maintained to a high standard.
• Use of a simple range of materials and a consistent colour palette.
• Must be stable in windy conditions and not present a health and safety risk.
• Low level side screens/planters/bollards.
• Logos integrated within the screens or planters. No separate signage or advertising, such as sandwich boards.

Activity zone (1 metre) along the building edge, with a clear footpath (2 metres).

Canopies and umbrellas

• Overhead canopies and verandas fixed to the building façade – retractable and/or glazed. No canopy/veranda supports within outdoor public areas.
• Use of a single colour for canopies to minimise visual clutter.
• Freestanding umbrellas with a single support only.
• Clearance between the footpath and the underside of the umbrella should not be less than 1.8 metres minimum.

This guidance aligns with the Public Street Enclosures Policy 2006.(external link)

For more information contact the Council on 941 8999 or 0800 800 169 or email outdoor.dining@ccc.govt.nz 

View the standard outdoor dining guidance document. [PDF, 1.6 MB]

An example of standard outdoor dining

• Public space – footpaths, streets, parks and laneways, are provided for everyone’s benefit.
• People’s movement should not be hindered, whatever their age or ability.
• All outdoor dining areas must maintain clear pedestrian footpath access of 2 metres minimum.
• Excessive visual and physical clutter within public spaces is to be avoided.
• A single colour for canopies and a simple colour and material palette for street furniture is preferred.

Additional principles for standard outdoor dining

• Protection from fair to moderate adverse weather conditions can normally be expected.
• High-quality barriers and street furniture that’s suitable for the outdoors are expected to be used.

There is no application fee for Temporary Outdoor Dining arrangements and rental fees can be made paid monthly.

Charging regime and the minimum annual charge is $600 + GST.

The Public Street Enclosures Policy 2006 is the Council’s current outdoor dining policy, which enables outdoor dining areas to be provided on some areas of public land adjacent to hospitality businesses. The policy sets out the guidelines for the layout, location and operation of appropriate outdoor dining areas, for example:

• Maintenance of adequate pedestrian access. 
• Requiring all operators of outdoor dining areas to hold a current licence agreement.
• Compliance with conditions set by the Council in relation to pedestrian access, level of enclosure, street furniture, and temporary structures.
• Payment of a rental reflecting the value of the outdoor dining area (i.e. based on market value of each square metre, and location).

View the policy.(external link)