Georgetown officials presented a proposed sidewalk cafe and street patio pilot program to City Council members Sept. 8, which would allow businesses in the downtown area to expand activity past their front steps.
Council members will soon vote on the finalized version of the pilot program after giving officials initial feedback at the workshop meeting.
About the program
Sidewalk cafes, which entail expanding business activity onto the sidewalk, are included in Georgetown’s downtown master plan as a way for businesses to engage pedestrians and have more activity outside their storefronts.
Initially proposed as a 12-month program, council members agreed to extend the pilot to two years to accommodate the cost and construction timeline for outdoor structures. The program will include the three blocks around the courthouse square, according to city documents.
The pilot will allow officials to evaluate the real-world effects of the new business activity on parking and the downtown environment, officials said.
The program will be rolled out in phases and prioritize street patios—converted parking spaces to allow outdoor seating or displays. Businesses can use up to three adjacent parking spaces each.
Street patios won't be allowed on the square or Austin Avenue, and businesses must obtain written permission if extending into a neighboring business's space.
What you need to know
The ordinance for the pilot program comes with specific enforcements and fees.
To keep walkways safe and accessible:
Structures cannot be fully enclosed and must have protective railings.
Power cords cannot run across sidewalks, requiring solar or code-compliant lighting fixtures.
All designs must preserve continuous, accessible routes for pedestrians.
Additionally, tenants wishing to participate must have written approval from property owners, liability insurance, and necessary food and safety permits.
Program permitting fees start at $210 per year for sidewalk cafes, plus parking utilization fees for street patios, according to city documents. The cost for using all three parking spaces comes out to $7,410 per year.
Existing businesses with sidewalk tables or displays will receive a grace period to bring their setups into compliance before sidewalk cafe regulations are enforced, officials said.
The history
Council members first requested a pilot program for downtown sidewalk cafes at a Nov. 25, 2025, meeting. At the meeting, officials noted that businesses in downtown Georgetown had already been unofficially using sidewalk space for business activity.
