Cafés and restaurants rely heavily on outdoor seating, especially in the milder months, and shops on displaying goods to attract passers-by. But the pavement is a public space for pedestrians, and using it is governed by the municipal requirements for the sidewalk occupancy permit issued by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. This guide explains the basic principle, what the requirements include, the drawings required, elements of successful outdoor seating design, and why applications are rejected and how to avoid it.
The Basic Principle
The pavement is for pedestrians, and the permit gives the shop owner temporary additional use under the requirements, without harming pedestrian movement or street elements such as lighting, planting and street furniture. In other words, a successful application depends on showing the seating will obstruct no one.
What Do the Requirements Usually Include?
- An occupancy plan: showing the area required and the items used on it.
- Keeping a pedestrian path free of obstructions and continuous along the pavement.
- Materials and fittings consistent with the urban identity: the requirements allow, for example, covering the seating floor with artificial grass or rugs consistent with the urban identity.
- The approved standard specifications for the items used.
Drawings Required
A drawing approved by an engineering office, an architectural plan, section and perspective, and a photo of the actual seating area. See The sidewalk occupancy permit.
Elements of Successful Outdoor Seating Design
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Furniture | Light, movable tables and chairs in colours that match the shopfront |
| Boundaries | Planters or light barriers marking the area without being fixed |
| Shade | Folding umbrellas, per the canopy requirements |
| Lighting | Warm lighting that does not dazzle passers-by and is not hung on public lamp posts |
| Flooring | Permitted materials consistent with the urban identity, without replacing the pavement tiles |
Read: Shop and restaurant canopies and Facade and signage requirements.
Displaying Goods in Front of Shops
Displaying goods on the pavement follows the same principle: a defined, licensed area, an open pedestrian path, and not blocking neighbouring shopfronts. Goods spread beyond the licensed area are among the most frequently recorded issues on inspection rounds.
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Drawings that do not show dimensions or the pedestrian path.
- Fittings that do not meet the requirements, such as fixed structures.
- No investment contract when the pavement is an investment pavement.
- Seating that conflicts with neighbouring building entrances or parking.
Safety and Operation
- Do not run exposed electrical cables across the pavement.
- Keep heat sources (heaters and stoves) away from umbrellas and flammable materials.
- Gather the furniture outside working hours if the requirements call for it.
For restaurant safety requirements generally: Civil Defense requirements for restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a canopy be placed over the seating?
Canopies have their own requirements; read: Shop and restaurant canopies.
What if I use the pavement without a permit?
Using the pavement without a permit is a municipal violation under the Regulation of Fines and Penalties.
Can the permit be renewed?
According to Balady it cannot be renewed; a new permit is issued after it expires.
May I replace the pavement tiles to improve the look?
The pavement is public property and changing it needs the competent authority's approval; use the permitted temporary flooring.
How much area can be occupied?
It is set by the requirements, the pavement width and the required pedestrian path, and shown on the engineering drawing.
Related Guides
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that designs outdoor seating and shopfronts and prepares the approved drawings for sidewalk occupancy applications. Learn about our interior and exterior design services, or Learn more about our Sidewalk Occupancy Permit service. contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.
