Medford Now Accepting Outdoor Dining Applications

MEDFORD, MA – Medford restaurants and eateries can now send applications for outdoor dining options to the city’s Department of Planning, Development, and Sustainability.

Beginning on April 4, Medford is accepting applications for the outdoor dining season, which lasts from March 1 to October 31.

All restaurants interested in expanding to include outdoor areas for dining – such as full table service, seating areas for take-out, café seating or benches – must apply through the city’s outdoor dining permitting system.

Restaurants with permits with already designated outdoor areas are not required to apply for an annual outdoor dining license. The application is available here. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Restaurants planning to serve alcohol in outdoor dining areas must also apply for an Alteration of Premises license from the Medford License Commission.

The city is looking to accommodate as many restaurants as possible for the 2023 season, subject to a review of factors including physical geography, availability of space/accommodation for neighboring businesses, accessibility, health and safety requirements, and others deemed necessary by city staff. Guidelines for outdoor dining, including dimensional and operational requirements can be found here.

Medford business owners are encouraged to ask questions about the permitting process before submitting the application please contact the Office of Planning, Development, & Sustainability via email at yniwa@medford-ma.gov or via phone (781) 393-2480.