Submit an Application for Use of Sidewalks and Parking Lanes

Contact your insurance company and have the City of Oakland added as an Additional Insured to your Commercial General Liability Insurance policy. The minimum amounts specified in such public liability policy or policies shall be $300,000 for each occurrence for public liability insurance and $50,000 for each occurrence for property damage insurance. Coverage shall be at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability coverage (occurrence Form CG 00 01).

The Additional Insured language should name "the City of Oakland, its Councilmembers, directors, officers, agents, employees and volunteers" as insureds under your commercial general liability policy. General Liability coverage can be provided in the form of an endorsement to the Vendor’s insurance (at least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 10 (11/85) or both CG 20 10 and CG 20 37 forms, if later revisions used). If you submit the ACORD Insurance Certificate, the insured status endorsement must be set forth on an ISO form CG 20 10 (or equivalent). A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INSURED STATUS ON THE ACORD INSURANCE CERTIFICATE FORM IS INSUFFICIENT AND WILL BE REJECTED AS PROOF OF MEETING THIS REQUIREMENT.

Prepare a Site Plan for your café or merchandise display. Plan how many tables and chairs or display stands can you reasonably fit in front of your business without blocking the pedestrian path? Note any items currently in public space to the left and to the right of your business. Include indications of trees, meters, bike racks, or benches located in the furnishing area. Please be sure to note any curb colors (i.e., red, blue, white, etc.) in your site plan. Refer to the sample plans or simply adopt one for use at your location.

To use the sidewalk for business activity, you must make and maintain a straight, clear travel path at least 6 feet wide across your entire sidewalk for accessibility and in accordance with the mandatory 6-foot social distancing, as stipulated in Alameda County’s Public Health Order. If your sidewalk is too narrow, consider using the Parking Lane for your outdoor activity.

• View sample site plans (PDF)
• Review ADA accessibility guidelines (PDF)
• Fire Safety Tips for Businesses Operating Outdoors under the Flex Streets Initiative
• Flex Streets Parklet pre-install Checklist (PDF)
• California Department of Public Health's Use of Temporary Structures for Outdoor Business Operations

Photograph your business. One photo(s) should show the front of the business and the public space in the immediate area. A second photo, taken from the front of the business in the direction of the curb, should show the remaining public space and any items currently installed. Take additional photos as needed.

Consider how you will guarantee social distancing and sanitary conditions once your planned activities are underway in public space. Document your plans in the Site-Specific Protection Plan Guidance & Template and the Restaurant Operating Procedures, including more detailed guidance related to canopies and covered sides based on additional information received from the State: (English) (Spanish) (Chinese).

In addition, It is essential that you have a plan, supplies, and staffing in place—ahead of time—to ensure the health and safety of your customers and your employees. How will you clean and sanitize furniture after every use?

Prepare to use single-use menus.

Submit your completed online application and send the following:

• Proof of City of Oakland as Additional Insured
• Site Plan
• Photos
• Site-Specific Protection Plan
• Signed Conditions of Use Acknowledgement

via email to FlexStreets@oaklandca.gov

Learn how your application will be approved

If you would like to serve alcohol to your dining patrons on the sidewalk or parking lane, you will need to obtain approval from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for a Temporary Catering Authorization.

Temporary Catering Authorization Information Sheet

Temporary Catering Authorization Online Application

Visit the City's Business Re-Opening Resource Page.

Visit the Flex Streets Initiative main web page