Last Edited: September 17, 2025
The City of Saint Paul is now using PAULIE. This new platform reimagines how we handle permits, licenses, inspections, and enforcement. You can now apply, track application status, and communicate with City staff in one centralized, secure, and mobile-friendly platform.
To get started, click the "Get Ready" button below. This will take you to our dedicated PAULIE webpage, providing important information about what to expect in the new platform.
When you're ready to apply:
Open the application link. This will bring you to the application listing in PAULIE. If you're not already logged in, you'll first need to log in or register for a free account.
Register for a free account. This will allow you to track all licensing, permitting, and inspection needs in one place.
Follow application instructions. PAULIE will guide you through the application process step-by-step. You can save and continue your application at any time.
Food establishments, such as restaurants and coffee shops, that wish to provide outdoor seating for customers on the public sidewalk adjoining the premises must obtain a Sidewalk Café Obstruction Permit issued by the Right of Way (ROW) Division. This permit allows tables and chairs to be placed in approved public right of way areas.
To apply for a Sidewalk Café Obstruction permit the applicant needs to complete Sidewalk Cafe Application in PAULIE consisting of the following:
A signed and dated application
A current ACORD Certificate of Liability Insurance form
Copy of the site plan (ONLY if the application is NEW or the seating plan has changed)
Payment ($60 – Credit card, check, or cash (exact amount))
*Existing sidewalk café permittees will be sent an obstruction permit renewal form annually.
Obtain a Certificate of Insurance (COI/ACORD) from your insurance provider, verifying general liability coverage at least $1,500,000 that specifies coverage of the entire proposed sidewalk café area and names “The City of Saint Paul” as an additional (See example below):
CERTIFICATE HOLDER
City of St. Paul
899 North Dale Street
Saint Paul, MN 55103
The Insurance Endorsement to be included on ACORD Certificate of Liability Insurance form 25 under: “Description of Operations/Locations/Vehicles/Exclusions Added by Endorsement/Special Provisions.” The City of Saint Paul is included as Additional Insured with regard to General Liability as required by written contract. Excess/Umbrella Liability extends over General Liability to conform to the minimum insurance requirements of $1,500,000.
Complete a Site Plan of the proposed sidewalk café area drawn in accordance with the Sidewalk Café Site Plan Standards handout if you are applying for a NEW sidewalk café permit. Site plans for outdoor seating will be reviewed and approved by the Code Enforcement Officer prior to the issuance of a Sidewalk Café Permit. Once approved and if no changes are proposed the permit can be renewed annually using the approved site plan.
Annual permit fee of $76.00 (typical permit fees)
The following payment methods for the $76 permit fee are accepted:
Credit card. Our permit desk will call you when processing the permit request to obtain a credit card number.
Check. A check can be mailed in, along with all other application documents or be hand delivered at our service counter (899 N Dale St).
Cash. We can accept cash if the payment is provided in the exact amount.
Sidewalk Café permits require an on-site inspection.
To schedule an inspection appointment, contact the ROW Inspector at 651-266-9804.
Sidewalk Café permits are valid from April 1 through October 31 each year. Your general liability insurance must be inclusive of these dates.
You must obtain a new permit annually prior to placing furnishings related to a Sidewalk Café on the public sidewalk.
For EXISTING Sidewalk Cafés, a renewal form will be sent annually to the permittee. The completed, signed, and dated form shall be returned to the ROW Permit Division with the annual permit fee.
Alcohol service on a public sidewalk requires both a Sidewalk Café permit and a Liquor Outdoor Service Area license issued by the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI). This license allows on-sale alcohol establishments to serve alcohol in the approved permit areas and requires a separate application process.
For more information on the Liquor Outdoor Service Area license:
Food cannot be prepared outdoors without authorization from the Minnesota Department of Health, 651-201-4500.
For more information on the Sidewalk Café Obstruction Permit, see Chapter 106 of the Saint Paul Legislative.
Right of Way Permit Desk
899 Dale Street North
Saint Paul, MN 55103-1512
Phone: 651-266-6151
Fax: 651-266-9765
PW-ROWpermits@ci.stpaul.mn.us