Sidewalk Activities
The City of Fargo encourages sidewalk activity to increase public use, enjoyment, and safety of our public right-of-way. With proper design and management, sidewalk activities can be a great way to encourage walking, add vitality to the street, and promote local economic development. Rules and regulations adopted in Ordinance 18-03 - Use and Care of Streets and Sidewalks, help manage sidewalk activities.
There are different types of permits required by the City of Fargo prior to using the public right-of-way in the Central Business District including pushcarts, outdoor dining areas, and outdoor merchandise areas.
The City of Fargo established the Sidewalk Marketing Review Committee (SMRC) to review and approve or deny applications requesting the utilization of public sidewalks. The committee consists of representatives of the Police, Health, Public Works, and Planning Departments, as well as the Downtown Community Partnership.
Activity Types
- Sidewalk Entertainment/Performance - Sidewalk Entertainment/Performance shall mean performances which may include, but not be limited to, music, dance, mimes, magicians, clowns, jugglers and theatrical presentations, but specifically excluding speeches, lectures, and sermons. Entertainers must comply with all federal, state and local laws when performing within the city, including but not limited to, the panhandling ordinance and the noise ordinance.
- Pushcarts - A Pushcart is a wheeled cart which may be moved by one person without the assistance of a motor. The pushcart is designed and used for displaying, keeping, or storing any food, beverages or other articles for sale by a vendor. Applicants must obtain approval from the Health Department prior to submitting an application. The permit approval process is based on the ordinance and providing/maintaining adequate pedestrian access.
- Outdoor Dining Area - An Outdoor Dining Area Permit may be issued to allow the temporary placement of tables, chairs, and/or benches to be utilized for dining and/or restaurant waiting purposes, adjacent to a business maintaining a restaurant or limited restaurant license issued by the Health Department. The permit approval process is based on the ordinance and providing/maintaining adequate pedestrian access.
- Outdoor Merchandise Area - An Outdoor Merchandising Area Permit may be issued to allow the temporary placement of merchandise located on a public sidewalk adjacent to the retail business for the purpose of displaying, exhibiting, selling or offering for sale merchandise. The permit approval process is based on the ordinance requirements and providing/maintaining adequate pedestrian access.
Help make our downtown an exciting place to be! Ask about any of the Sidewalk Activities by contacting the Planning Department or by calling 701.241.1474 and the Health Department at 701.241.1360. All applications should be submitted to the Planning Department located at 225 4th Street North.