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City Of Ferndale

information@ferndalemi.gov

300 East Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI, 48220, US

248-546-2525

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Outdoor Seating & Sidewalk Cafe Application

An Outdoor Seating & Sidewalk Cafe license is a seasonal permit valid only from March 15 to November 15.

SEC. I: APPLICANT'S INFORMATION

F) Business Type

G) Please check the box you are applying.

H) Is the outdoor seating on private or public property?

SEC. II: PROPERTY OWNER'S CONTACT INFO

SEC. III - OUTDOOR CAFE & SEATING DETAILS

A drawing or site plan showing the proposed layout of tables, chairs, railings, changes in sidewalk slope and any other obstructions to be placed or existing on the sidewalk or public right-of-way, showing not less than 5’ of unobstructed clearance to the sidewalk or public right-of-way, and showing not less than 3’ from a change in sidewalk slope. This Outdoor Sidewalk Café and Seating Plan must:

  • Cover the entire area between the curb and the building, including curb line and building wall.
  • Show all existing and proposed obstructions in the area, such as trees, tree grates, benches, parking meters, light posts, proposed railing location and seating plan.
  • Contain a seating plan identifying each table and chair.
  • Show an elevation of the railing design, including method of anchoring into the sidewalk.
  • Identify all doors, windows and other openings on the building wall.
  • Be dimensioned and drawn to an engineer’s scale.
  • If the outdoor seating or sales area is located in a parking area below grade, include the design and specifications of the raised platform required to be installed.
  • Note that no flags, banners or signage is permitted to be hanging from or affixed to the railing or sidewalk cafe enclosure, except during Dream Cruise as provided by Article 8 - Signage of the Zoning Ordinance.

Click here to download a sample sidewalk cafe drawing.

UPLOAD: Outdoor Seating Sketch Plan

Click Here to Upload

D) Is your outdoor seating proposed to be affixed to the sidewalk?

E) Anticipated Installation Date

Date Picker

SEC. IV: OUTDOOR CAFE & SEATING REQUIREMENTS

A) Any outdoor seating application requesting to serve alcohol MUST hold an active liquor license to apply with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) for an Outdoor Service Permit:

To apply for an MLCC Outdoor Service Permit: (MiLogin). You will be required to submit a written request with diagram of proposed outdoor service area and make payment of an inspection fee to the MLCC. You MUST hold a valid temporary sidewalk café license from the MLCC BEFORE operating an outdoor seating area.

Upload MLCC Request for Outdoor Service or MLCC License Approval Documents.

Click Here to Upload

B) For all Outdoor Seating areas on public property, please attach the following to this application:

  • ​​Certificate of Insurance documenting coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 for general and products liability and $100,000 for property damage. The City of Ferndale shall be named as “additional insured” on the Certificate, and the Certificate must be valid for the duration of the season, which is March 1 – November 15. The additional insured on the certificate of insurance must read as follows:

"To defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Ferndale, MI, its officials, officers, employees, and agents against any liability, claims, causes of action, judgments, or expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, resulting directly or indirectly from any act or omission of the licensee, its employees, its subcontractors and anyone for whose acts or omissions they may be liable, arising out of the licensee’s use or occupancy of the public street, highway or public parking space. It is understood and agreed that by naming the City of Ferndale, MI as additional insured, coverage afforded is considered to be primary and any other insurance the certificate holder may have in effect shall be considered secondary and/or excess.”

  • Proof of identity with full-face photograph of applicant (a photocopy of applicant’s driver license is suitable to satisfy this requirement)
  • Cash performance bond in the amount of $200.
  • Fees: Outdoor seating and sidewalk cafe on public property:
    • Application Fee of $100
    • Review Fee of $100 for NEW or MODIFIED cafe applications

Upload valid Insurance, Proof of Identity, and State of Michigan / Oakland County License documents.

Click Here to Upload

C) Is your outdoor seating proposal located along Woodward Avenue?

D) WOODWARD AVENUE: IF the proposed outdoor seating area is located along Woodward Avenue it is subject to additional requirements of the Michigan Department Of Transportation (MDOT) Right of Way. The City will accept applications but will NOT issue a permit without MDOT approval first. Applicant MUST submit a copy of the MDOT permit for verification. 

Any enclosure requires approval from MDOT, which includes:

  • Administrative fee for first time submittals
  • Administrative fee for annual renewal
  • Detailed outdoor seating plan
  • Current certificate of insurance in MDOT e-bond system 

Required documents are available here.

For any questions reach out to Hassan Alwan at alwanh@michigan.gov

By signing here, I hereby declare that the information provided is true and correct. I also understand that any willful dishonesty may render for refusal of this application.

Applicant's Signature Here

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