Applications are open for parklets and street cafés for the summer season!

This document provides an overview of the options. Applicants (which can be businesses, nonprofits, or Special Service Districts) can apply. There are three city-owned parklets available through a competitive process, and the street cafe program has been revamped from previous years to have somewhat more accessible rules and costs.

Parklets and cafes can be located on Lake Street directly, but due to the high speeds of the road the City of Minneapolis requires some extra protection that will cost more money. There are fewer hurdles for getting a café approved on a slower street, so businesses with a corner property or just off Lake Street might have an easier time.

Ways to participate:

Neighborhood organizations, street-level businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, and Special Services Districts are all invited to apply.

• City owned parklets – The City is looking for three community partners to host our City-owned parklets for the 2023 season. The City-owned parklets include all the necessary structures, plantings, chairs, tables, patio umbrellas, and public parklet signage. Hosts are responsible for day-to-day maintenance, such as watering plants, picking up trash, and reporting any issues. City-owned parklet hosts are selected through a competitive application process.

• Community parklets – Businesses and organizations can apply to create their own public parklet space. The design and installation of community parklets is the responsibility of the applicant.

• Street Cafes – Street level businesses looking to expand their outdoor seating can apply for a street café. This space functions as an extension of your business where you can seat and serve your customers.

These programs have been updated to include a street-level parklet and street café option, which means that sidewalk level platforms are no longer required as long as your location allows for it. This option is to help lower the cost for folks that are interested participating.

The City has also lowered meter hooding fees for street cafes in efforts to make the program more accessible to businesses located within metered parking areas. Meter hooding fees are waived for all parklets.

The deadline to apply to host a City-owned parklet is May 7. All other applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Contact parklets@minneapolismn.gov