Montgomery County to Pilot Program for Outdoor ‘Curbside Seating Cafes’ in Wheaton Urban District

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Beginning Tuesday, July 1, Montgomery County will pilot an innovative program, "Curbside Seating Cafes," in the Wheaton Urban District. The program allows curbside parking spaces to be converted into accessible dining areas that will serve as extensions of restaurants participating in the pilot program.

The outdoor curbside seating cafes will include the installation of accessible seating, tables and plantings either placed at street level or on raised platforms.

“We are excited to launch this pilot program in the Wheaton Urban District as we look at ways to support our local businesses,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Outdoor dining adds to the connectivity and vibrancy of the community, and it helps our restaurants grow their business base.”

A description of the program and a checklist for restaurant owners interested in participating in the pilot program are now available on the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) website. The checklist includes the following guidance:

• Collect written support from adjacent businesses.
• Obtain written support from the Wheaton Urban District.
• Contact the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) for site location approval.
• Apply for public right-of-way (ROW) permit.
• Pay filing and parking meter fee (if applicable).
• Submit plans and written support documentation via DPS Apply Online and ePlans.
• Contact the DPS ROW inspector, after the ROW permit is issued.
• Contact Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services for an alcohol license, if alcohol is served.

The DPS checklist also includes a staff directory for key department contacts in case applicants have questions or need more information.

“The ideal setting for this pilot program is on streets with posted speed limits not exceeding 25 miles per hour and in walkable neighborhoods,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Applicants should contact MCDOT for approval of a location. In order to ensure the curbside cafe seating areas are safe, the published guidelines for this program include specific requirements about barriers, buffers and wheel stops.”

An ROW permit fee and annual renewal fee will be required. Additionally, the parking meter rate is $3,200 per parking space, and it will be prorated this year since the pilot program begins on July 1. The permit is valid between March 1 and Oct. 31. If required, bond will be determined by DPS during plan review.

“DPS staff will perform timely plan review and issue compliance-verified right-of-way permits for any Wheaton curbside seating cafe installation,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “The seating installation must be in front of the applicant’s frontage. Use of the space throughout the year may be permitted, but the applicant must submit a separate plan clearly demonstrating how the space will be used during the winter months.”

Restaurant owners will be required to keep the curbside seating cafe areas clean and in good repair.

“We are excited to see this innovative pilot program taking place in Wheaton,” said Luisa Cardona, director of the Mid-County Regional Office. “The Urban District team is here to support our businesses as they take advantage of this opportunity to enhance outdoor dining and contribute to the vibrancy and economic vitality of our community.”

For more information about the "Curbside Seating Cafes" pilot program or permitting and inspections, visit the DPS website or call MC 311 (240-777-0311). DPS is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th floor, in Wheaton. Business hours are 7:30 a.m. -4 p.m. weekdays, and no appointment is necessary.

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Release ID: 25-260
Media Contact: Sonya Burke 240-855-9813, Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Permits