Public Way Use

If your business has a sign, canopy, awning, bench, or anything that extends over, under or is on the public way, it requires a Public Way Use Permit (Grants of Privilege) issued by  the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). The process to obtain the permit requires City Council approval.  There are many different types of public way uses including Sidewalk Cafés.

In addition to a public way use permit, all business identifiers such as signs, awnings, canopies and banners are required to have a Department of Buildings sign construction permit. Only a licensed sign contractor may apply to obtain a sign construction permit. Please see the list of approved contractors.

You may apply for both permits at the same time at BACP.

You can apply in person at the BACP Business Assistance Center  located in City Hall,  121 N. LaSalle St.,  room 800.  Office hours,  are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  You can request an appointment with a business consultant here.   Application forms are avialable and listed under "Supporting Information" on this page, see below.  

For temporary use of the public way due to construction, applicants must obtain a Construction Canopy Permit from the Chicago Department of    Transportation. Information about this permitting process is available here.

Alerts (Public Way Use)

Jan 31, 2012

2012 Sidewalk Cafe Application Package Now Available

Most Recent News (Public Way Use)

Public Way Use Applications / Documents

• Bundle (Sign/Light/Canopy/Awning/Banner/Marquee) Permit Application
• Business Information Sheet (BIS) - Pre-Application Form
• Collection Bin Permit Application
• Grant of Privilege Permit Application
• Public Way Use Fee Structure
• Public Way Use Refund Application
• Sidewalk Cafe Application Information Package - 2012 Season
• Sidewalk Cafe Rules and Regulations

Other Resources

Public Way Use Fact Sheet