Parklets program

Public spaces where people can gather and interact, such as parklets, are an important asset to our community. You can enroll to host a parklet.

Update

The 2021 Parklet Application is now open! Please begin by filling out the confirmation of eligibility form

Once we have received this information, staff will be in touch about next steps.

About the Parklet Program

Parklets provide seasonal public space and are designed for people to relax and enjoy the city. They also add gathering space to public streets. Parklets provide seating, plantings, bike parking and/or public art. They are accessible and open to all.

Parklets are next to the curb (often in a parking or loading zone) and are an extension of the sidewalk.

Advertising and other commercial activities are not permitted in parklets.

Parklet program overview

City-owned parklets

Some parklets are funded and maintained by

Neighboring businesses
Residents
Community organizations

The City of Minneapolis owns others.

Interested in hosting a city-owned parklet?

Fill out the confirmation of eligibility checklist

City-owned parklets

The City of Minneapolis owns three parklets that are hosted by various businesses each year. In 2019, city-owned parklets were hosted at the following locations:

H. White Men’s Room (1500 44th Ave N)
Sen Yai Sen Lek Thai (2422 Central Ave NE)
Open Book (1011 Washington Ave S)

Street Café Pilot Program

A street café is a seasonal expansion of the existing sidewalk to be used for additional restaurant or business seating. Street cafés operate as an extension of a business, are located in the space adjacent to the curb (often a parking or loading zone) and can be reserved for customer use only.

For more information on the requirements for street cafes:

See the Street Café supplement

Sign up to host a city-owned parklet

Interested in hosting a city-owned parklet? Fill out the following:

Confirmation of Eligibility Checklist

Manual and Street Café supplement

Please read the Parklet application manual and/or Street Café supplement to familiarize yourself with the program requirements and guidance. The City of Minneapolis Parklet Application Manual and Street Café Supplement is intended to guide applicants through the process and procedures for applying to install a parklet or street café. It provides a comprehensive overview of the program, policies, procedures, criteria and guidelines for creating parklets and street cafes in the City right-of-way.

Business owners, property owners, and other potential applicants are encouraged to read the manual prior to the application process.

Parklet application manual (pdf)

Street Café supplement (pdf)

Application materials

Applicants must first submit online the Proposed Parklet or Street Café Site: Confirmation of Eligibility Checklist (below), prior to application submittal.

Once your Confirmation of Eligibility has been received, City Staff will contact you within a few days.

City staff will review proposed sites for:

Potential conflict with upcoming street projects
Traffic patterns
Street regulations
Roadway geometry
Operational considerations

Once applicants receive confirmation that the site proposed through the Confirmation of Eligibility Checklist is approved, applicants will be invited to complete a Parklet Application or a Street Café Application.