Outdoor Dining Rebate Program

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

Side Walk Café

Allows a restaurant or bar to place tables and chairs within a fixed boundary so patrons can dine on the sidewalk

Full Street Closure

Allows three or more restaurants and bars to close a block for dining in the street

Curb Lane Closure

Allows for dining in curb lanes, full street closures, or parking lots; also liquor-only sidewalk cafes

Service Area

The Outdoor Dining Rebate Program is open to businesses located within the Albany Park & Irving Park SSA #60 boundaries.

  • Lawrence Avenue: Pulaski Ave to North Branch Chicago River

  • Montrose Avenue: Central Park Ave to North Branch Chicago River

  • Irving Park Road: Central Park Ave to California Ave

  • Kedzie Avenue: Ainslie St to Irving Park Rd

  • Kimball Avenue Lawrence Ave to Leland Ave

Process

Below are the steps and timeline for applicants:

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 5: 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. 

For more information please contact:

Catherine George
SSA#60 Manager

cgeorge@northrivercommission.org
312-344-0333