This application is for businesses interested in outdoor seating and sales areas on public (parking spaces, sidewalks, alleys, etc.) and private property. This application replaces the former Sidewalk Café Application and Mobile Vending Application, and includes parking space leases and temporary structures such as tents, igloos, and greenhouses.

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City Council Resolution Updates 11.8.21

Please note that several license timelines were altered by City Council Resolution on 11.8.21 as a continued business support mechanism related to the pandemic. These actions can be reviewed HERE, and if you have any questions about applicability to your business or permit, please contact ced@ferndalemi.gov.

Permanent ordinance recommendations are under consideration for the future. If you would like to submit thoughts or opinions on this matter, please email the Ferndale DDA at info@downtownferndale.com or call 248-546-1632.

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Outdoor Sidewalk Cafes

Permit Expires March 1, 2022

As per City Council Resolution, Sidewalk Cafes may remain in place through the winter if they mean certain criteria. If you are located within the Central Business District, you may leave your patio in place until March 1, 2022 without obtaining a new permit IF there is a minimum of 5 feet of unobstructed right of way. In all other zoning districts, a minimum right of way of 4 feet must be available for pedestrians. Failure to properly remove snow and ice may result in a requirement for your patio to be removed.

Temporary Structures (tents, igloos, greenhouses, etc.)

Available Through November 30, 2022 *maximum of 180 total days on any property

As per City Council Resolution, temporary accessory buildings within any commercially zoned districts to be utilized in an accessory manner to a principal building in the rear or side yard of private property or any area of public property licensed and approved by the City for a maximum of 180 days between December 1, 2021 and November 30, 2022.  Any such temporary accessory buildings shall require an application be submitted to the City of Ferndale building department and that any such proposed accessory buildings shall comply with all fire code requirements as determined by the City’s fire marshal and all building code requirements, including but not limited, to electrical and ingress and egress requirements as determined by the City’s building department. Any temporary accessory building or structure may be erected for a period of time less than one hundred-eighty (180) days.
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-         Please review the Fire Department Safety Checklist prior to submitting an application

-         Please also review the Temporary Structure Guidelines

-         If your tent was in place prior to December 1, 2021, you will need to submit a letter from a certified engineer attesting to the structural integrity of the structure.

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Temporary Use of Parking Spaces

Available Through March 31, 2022

As per City Council Resolution Lease of parking spaces on city streets and parking lots through March 31, 2022 while a permanent annual process is developed.

Sales & Mobile Vending

Permit Expires March 31, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of site plan or drawing is required for outdoor seating on the application? 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 4’ of unobstructed clearance to the sidewalk or public right-of-way, and showing not less than 3’ from a change in sidewalk slope. Click this link for an example drawing. *note that 5’ of clearance is required in the Central Business District to keep a patio operational in winter months.
• What type of clearance is required from the café to the sidewalk or public right-of-way? You must maintain a 4’ clearance from the back of the patio rail or planter boxes to the edge of all tree wells, light poles, meters, street signs, benches and garbage containers. Umbrellas and attachments must not hang beyond the café railings when fully open. *note that 5’ of clearance is required in the Central Business District to keep a patio operational in winter months.
• What are the permit requirements for a temporary structure like a tent or igloo? As per City Council Resolution, temporary accessory buildings within any commercially zoned districts to be utilized in an accessory manner to a principal building in the rear or side yard of private property or any area of public property licensed and approved by the City for a maximum of 180 days between December 1, 2021 and November 30, 2022.  Any such temporary accessory buildings shall require an application be submitted to the City of Ferndale building department and that any such proposed accessory buildings shall comply with all fire code requirements as determined by the City’s fire marshal and all building code requirements, including but not limited, to electrical and ingress and egress requirements as determined by the City’s building department. Any temporary accessory building or structure may be erected for a period of time less than one hundred-eighty (180) days.

             o Please review the Fire Department Safety Checklist prior to submitting an application

              o If your tent was in place prior to December 1, 2021, you will need to submit a letter from a certified engineer attesting to the structural integrity of the structure.

• My business sells alcohol for consumption in my outdoor seating area is MLCC approval required? If your liquor license does not include an Outdoor Service permit you must submit a written request with diagram of proposed service area and $70 inspection fee to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. If all other licensing requirements are met, you will be issued a temporary sidewalk café license in order to obtain your MLCC Outdoor Service Permit, which must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office prior to operating the outdoor seating area.‍
• My business has outdoor seating on Woodward Avenue, does MDOT need to approve the application? Yes, MDOT requires a permit for sidewalk cafe's on Woodward Avenue and a license agreement for temporary enclosures. Required documents are available for download here. Once you have filled out the necessary sections, you will send the documents and detailed plan to Stacy Gough at goughs@mighigan.gov.‍
• Where am I permitted to park a licensed food truck, push cart, or kiosk as a mobile vendor? City Council temporarily suspended the location restrictions for mobile vending until March 31, 2022. If a mobile vendor is interested in leasing a parking space, that request will be considered by the City on the application.
• Will this permit apply to food trucks, push carts, or kiosks during special events? This permit is not valid during any special event dates. Vendors should apply directly with the special event for the sale of products during the dates and times of the event only.