As of April 2023, the Department of Transportation has adopted the Curbside Commerical Rules and Regulations. The rules seek to institutionalize and provide updated guidance for the Outdoor Seating Relief Program and the Outdoor Dining Street Closure Program that were authorized under pandemic emergency orders. 

Please click here to view the Curbside Commercial Policy.

Please click here to download the site plan template

Please click here to apply.

Got questions about Curbside Dining?

We've got answers.

What is the point of the regulation?

Curbside dining was put into place as an emergency measure. Having a regulation helps us formalize a process to tackle the challenges of having commercial space in roadways. 

What is “curbside commercial”?

A Commercial Curbside Facility is an area a business uses that is normally in the road within the Public’s right of way, and would be regulatedby this policy.

How is it different from sidewalk dining?

Because Commercial Curbside is in the road with vehicles, it requires different rules than Sidewalks, which pedestrians use.

Where does the money go?

The revenue from the Curbside Commercial program goes to the Baltimore City General fund, not directly to the Baltimore City DOT.

What happened during the comment period?

We got over 2,000 comments, and the majority were in support.
Many added that it brought vibrancy and liveliness to the streets of Baltimore.

Did you make edits from the public comment period?

Yes! This was extremely important to us. You can see the new policy here: Curbside Commercial Policy.

How much will curbside dining cost businesses?

Cost will vary based on location, but will be no more than $10 per square foot. 

Click here to view or download the Curbside Commercial Policy

Have more questions?

Contact our Special Events Office at 410-396-1916

Contact our specific Curbside Commercial email at curbsidecommercial@baltimorecity.gov