NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today announced that it is now accepting applications for the Parklet Permit. The Parklet Permit builds upon the economic development opportunity created by the City of New Orleans’ nearly four-year Pilot Parklet Program that introduced parklets as an innovative means to safely attract customers to bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current Parklet Permit allows bars and restaurants to utilize on-street parking spaces in front of their business to expand outdoor seating options. The City anticipates that the Parklet Permit will reactivate streets, support small businesses and create a safe and more walkable environment in neighborhoods throughout the city.
The Parklet Permit has been established through a change to the City of New Orleans Code of Ordinances and Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. In accordance with the ordinances and department procedures:
- Through Dec. 31, the parklet right-of-way usage fee shall be waived for any establishment seeking its initial parklet permit. Application and issuance fees still apply.
- Parklet designs shall be approved for permits upon conforming to the Parklet Design Guide. Any parklet designs which do not conform to the Parklet Design Guide must be approved by application to the Design Advisory Committee.
- Eligible businesses that participated in the pandemic Parklet Pilot Program must reapply for the new Parklet Permit and must comply with all requirements of the Parklet Permit, which are different from the pilot program.
Learn more about the Parklet Permit, including restrictions, fees and application requirements at nola.gov/parklet-permit.
The Parklet Permit application is available on the One Stop App under “Parklet Cafe.”
Parklets support vibrant business corridors, complete streets and walkable neighborhoods. The Pilot Parklet Program was created in Fall 2020 under the City of New Orleans COVID-19 Emergency Order to allow restaurants and bars citywide to provide safe outdoor spaces for people to congregate and support local businesses, with 40 businesses participating.
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