Program Description
In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on our restaurants, the Albany Park & Irving Park Special Service Area #60 (SSA) launched the Outdoor Dining Rebate Program. Sidewalk cafes and patios create welcoming and vibrant business corridors by activating public space, encouraging pedestrian traffic, inviting interaction with businesses, and contributing to the aesthetic landscape with attractive furniture and greenery. To encourage businesses within the Albany Park & Irving Park SSA to invest in installing sidewalk cafes, SSA #60 will reimburse up to $1000 for eligible, patio-specific expenses to help offset the costs of creating or maintaining this outdoor area as a benefit to the community and commercial district. Rebate funds are limited.
Businesses can choose from three outdoor dining types.
1) Sidewalk Café - allows a restaurant or bar to place tables and chairs within a fixed boundary so patrons can dine on the sidewalk
2) Full Street Closure - allows three or more restaurants and bars to close a block for dining in the street
3) Curb Lane Closure - allows for dining in curb lanes, full street closures, or parking lots; also liquor-only sidewalk cafes
Eligibility
The Outdoor Dining Rebate Program is open to businesses located within the Albany Park & Irving Park SSA #60 boundaries.
Boundaries of SSA #60
- Montrose Ave: The Chicago River to Central Park Ave
- Lawrence Ave: The Chicago River to Pulaski Ave
- Kedzie Ave: Ainslie Ave to Irving Park Rd
- Kimball Ave: Lawrence to Leland
- Irving Park Rd: California to Central Park Ave
Process
Below are the steps and timeline for applicants:
- All outdoor dining permit types are processed through the City of Chicago online permitting portal.
STEP 1: Applicant submits completed Outdoor Dining application to the City of Chicago
STEP 2: After the application is approved, applicants will be directed to pay via the portal.
STEP 3: Upon payment, CDOT will notify the applicant electronically that the permit has been approved. The permit itself must be available upon request. Electronic copies are acceptable. The SSA Rebate will be paid to the name used to pay the permit fee.
STEP 4: Applicant applies to the SSA #60 Outdoor Dining Rebate Program. A complete application includes a copy of the Outdoor Dining permit and all receipts associated with patio costs, submitted by email to Catherine George at cgeorge@northrivercommission.org or in person at 3403 W Lawrence Ave Ste 301, Chicago, IL 60625
STEP 6: SSA #60 Manager evaluates and approves each application. Upon completion of the SSA #60 Outdoor Dining Rebate Program Application, she will inspect the outdoor dining space and take photos. A check of up to $1000 will be processed within 21 business days, and delivered to the applicant.