Standards for Private Use of Public Spaces

Status:
On June 1, 2008, revised standards and procedures took effect for private uses of sidewalks, plazas, and other public spaces in downtown Raleigh. The revisions apply to the previously approved set of regulations in effect since April 1, 2007.

What Activities Are Covered?

• Newsracks
• Outdoor dining
• Pushcart vending
• Street performances
• Private mail drop off boxes & streetscape accessories
• Minor encroachments (including outdoor merchandise, pots and planters, awnings, lighting, and signage)

What Places?
Generally speaking, the areas from the Pilot Mill area south to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, taking in most of the downtown blocks between S. Bloodworth Street and St. Mary's Street.

Also included are three nearby business districts:

• Glenwood South
• North Person Street retail area
• Peace Street retail area

Special design considerations apply to newly-refurbished Fayetteville Street, taking into account new streetscape treatments and sidewalk spaces.

What Are the Standards?
The complete Standards for Private Use of Public Spaces handbook is available for viewing or downloading from the links to the right as a whole or in part.

The handbook describes in detail the permit application process, applicable fees, permit provisions, and standards for each activity's location, design, operation, and maintenance. Also included is a checklist of items needed for obtaining permits.

One-Stop Permitting
The go-to place for public space permits is the new Downtown Permits Office (DPO), part of the City of Raleigh's Planning and Development Enterprise. Located downtown on the 4th Floor of the City's One Exchange Plaza building, the DPO can provide details regarding rules for locating and operating in public spaces, as well as process individual applications and issue permits.

Step one is to contact the Downtown Permits Office at (919) 516-2550 and make a personal appointment to determine what you need. These items can vary, but generally include:

• A copy of an active Business License
• The completed permit application and specified submittals
• Proof of insurance
• Indemnity agreement
• Permit fees

You can obtain printed copies of the necessary application forms at the Downtown Permits Office, or download from the links to the right.

Permit Validity
Permits and Business Licenses are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Renewal applications should be submitted to the Downtown Permits Office by June 30.

General Information
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance serves as the chief point of contact for inquiries and suggestions regarding the program. The Alliance can be reached at:

Downtown Raleigh Alliance
120 S. Wilmington St., Suite 103
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-832-1231
Fax: 919-832-0984
info@downtownraleigh.org
http://www.godowntownraleigh.com