Frequently Asked Questions

Outdoor dining areas are permitted on the same lot as the eating establishment. If a sidewalk is used for outdoor dining, it shall be immediately adjacent to and abutting the eating establishment with the exception of those establishments on corners that do not have parallel parking spaces. Egress from the building must be maintained free of obstruction per the Michigan Building Code and the National Fire Prevention Code.

A minimum of 5 feet must be allowed for the pedestrian right of way. This includes sidewalk areas with streetlights and tree wells.

An authorized "bump-out" must be obtained at the owner's expense. A copy of the "bump-out" plan can be picked up from the Zoning Department. An inspection must be made upon installation by the City Building Inspector. The City Department of Public Works will store the "bump-out" in the off season (no furniture, barriers or umbrellas). The City will not be responsible for any damage that may occur.

The City of Ludington requires that an outdoor dining application along with a site plan of the area be submitted. An initial fee of $50 is required. There will be a renewal fee each year of $25.

The applicant must also comply with all requirements of the Michigan Department of Transportation (Sidewalk Café Permit) and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (if alcohol will be served). Copies of the approved permits must be submitted to the City.

The permit holder is required to produce, at the time of submission, and maintain liability insurance coverage in an amount of $1,000,000/53,000,000 naming the City as an additional insured thereon.

Alcohol can be served with the approval of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. A removable 36-inch barrier designating the service area must be used as required by Liquor Control.

All tables, chairs, barriers and umbrellas must be compatible with he standards set forth in the Downtown Ludington Outdoor Dining Design Guideline, and cannot extend into the pedestrian right of way. All furniture, barriers and umbrellas must be removed and stored off the sidewalk inside the establishment for extended periods of non-use and during the off season. A copy of the Design Guidelines can be obtained from he City of Ludington Zoning Department or online.

No food preparation or food preparation equipment will be allowed in the outside dining area with the exception of rooftop dining areas. This includes heating or cooking on open flames.

Outdoor dinging will be allowed during the hours of operation of the establishment from May 1st through November 1st for establishments using a pedestrian right of way.

Contact the City Zoning Administrator at 231-843-2956 or by email with any questions or concerns regarding outdoor dining areas.