D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 24, § 4599
4599.1
When used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed, unless otherwise provided:
ADA – Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, approved July 26, 1990 (104 Stat. 353; 42 U.S.C. § 12181 et seq.).
Alley Streatery – a Streatery that provides expanded outdoor dining within an alley network adjacent to one (1) or multiple food establishments.
Alter or alteration - a change in the design or configuration of either the exterior or interior of a Streatery or its site; including railings, walls, roof, awning, sign, or flooring.
Applicant - a person who is applying for or who has obtained a Streatery Permit.
Building Permit - a permit issued by the District Department of Buildings that authorizes performance of a specified activity.
Certificate of Use - a one (1) year renewable certificate, issued by the District Department of Buildings, pursuant to 24 DCMR § 306, authorizing the operation of a Streatery in the public space.
Chairperson - the Chairperson of the Public Space Committee.
D.C. Building Code- the District of Columbia Building Code (2017), referred to as the “Building Code,” which consists of the 2015 edition of the International Building Code (IBC), published by the International Code Council (ICC), as amended by the Building Code Supplement of 2017 (12-A DCMR), available at https://dob.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dob/publication/attachments/2017%20District%20of%20Columbia%20Building%20Code_Part%201.pdf.
D.C. Fire Code - the District of Columbia Fire Code (2017), referred to as the “Fire Code,” which consists of the 2015 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC), published by the International Code Council (ICC) and available at https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2015, as amended by the Fire Code Supplement of 2017 (12-H DCMR).
D.C. Vehicles and Traffic Regulations - Title 18 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, “Vehicles and Traffic.”
Department - the District Department of Transportation.
Design - the physical features of a Streatery, including:
Director - the Director of the Department, or his or her designated agent.
District - the District of Columbia.
Fire Chief - the Fire Chief of the District, or the Fire Chief's designated agent.
Legitimate Theater – A building, or a part of a building, that is designed and used for the presentation of live plays and other forms of dramatic performance. The facility typically has a stage or other performing area plus tiers of seats for the audience, or other arrangements for the audience to sit or stand to view the performance.
Owner - the holder of the legal title to real property as recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in the Office of Tax and Revenue of the District of Columbia.
Parking lane Streatery – a Streatery that provides expanded outdoor dining within the parking lane adjacent to one or multiple food establishments.
Parking lane Streatery for multiple businesses – a Streatery that provides expanded outdoor dining within the parking lane for and adjacent to multiple food establishments.
Permittee – an entity that has been issued a Streatery Permit.
Prepared food – food that is assembled, but not heated by means other than microwave or toaster, on the premises of a prepared food shop.
Prepared food shop – a place of business that offers seating or carry out service, or both, and which is principally devoted to the sale of prepared food, non-alcoholic beverages, or cold refreshments. This term includes an establishment known as a sandwich shop, coffee shop, or ice cream parlor.
Public space - all the publicly owned property between the property lines on a
street.
Public Space Committee - the committee established in 2009 for the purpose of making final determinations in cases involving the use of public space as specified by Mayor's Order No. 2009-114 dated June 18, 2009.
Restaurant – a place of business that does not meet the definition of a “fast food establishment” or “prepared food shop”, where food, drinks, or refreshments are prepared and sold to customers primarily for consumption on the premises. Any facilities for carryout shall be clearly subordinate to the principal use providing prepared foods for consumption on the premises.
Sidewalk - the portion of surface space located between the curb line and the building line intended for the use of pedestrians.
Sidewalk Extension - a section of roadway adjacent to the curb that is designated for pedestrian use, and not for parking or vehicular traffic.
Streatery or Streateries - any authorized occupation of the parking lane of a roadway or use of designated parts of an alley network or travel lane used specifically for outdoor dining.
Streatery Block Permit – a Streatery Permit for either a parking lane Streatery for multiple businesses, or a Streatery in an alley or travel lane.
Streatery Design Permit – a Streatery Permit for the structural and design elements of the outdoor dining area.
Streatery Permit – a permit for a Streatery, issued by the Director of the District Department of Transportation pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and Chapter 2 of this title, authorizing the use and occupation of public space in the District of Columbia.
Travel lane Streatery – a Streatery that provides expanded outdoor dining by occupying one travel lane, multiple travel lanes, or the entire roadway.
SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 73 DCR 007863 (May 22, 2026).