Managing Your Space on the Main Street Promenade
Effective March 18, 2026: The sidewalk cafe permit has been replaced. Here's what's new.
Over the past several years, business and property owners shared a vision for the Promenade: better maintenance, more security and more activity along the corridor.
The new Main Street Promenade Management Program is a direct response to that feedback.
What You'll Find Below:
- Outdoor Licensing: How to obtain a permit for outdoor dining or retail.
- Design Guidelines: Standards for outdoor spaces, including layouts, furniture and amenities.
- Grant Programs: Information about DTH+ Alfresco grants for upgrading outdoor spaces.
- Events & Programming: How to host events on the Promenade.
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Outdoor Licensing Design Guidelines Grant Programs Events & Programming
The New Management Program
Effective March 18, 2026
Enabled by a new City of Houston Ordinance, Downtown Houston+ (DTH+) will oversee the daily care and management of the Main Street Promenade within the service area shown below:
As a collective of three civic agencies (including the Houston Downtown Management District), DTH+ brings the same expertise from operating in places like Market Square Park directly to your storefront on the Promenade.
What DTH+ Will Provide:
- Enhanced Services: Increased security presence and daily maintenance.
- Streamlined Licensing: A faster, simpler permit process for outdoor spaces.
- Active Programming: Markets, music and events that drive foot traffic to Main Street businesses.
Dedicated Clean & Safe ambassadors will maintain a daily presence on the Main Street Promenade from 7am to 11pm, handling routine upkeep while proactively identifying and addressing on-street issues. A private security team supplements this effort with foot patrols and responsive service for businesses and visitors.
These teams provide ongoing reporting and data that allow Downtown Houston+ to adjust operations and deployment as needed.
To report cleaning, maintenance, or safety concerns, call 713-223-2003.
Expand Your Business: License Your Outdoor Space with Downtown Houston+
As the primary license holder for the Main Street Promenade, Downtown Houston+ now manages all outdoor space licensing.
This updated system simplifies the process and makes it faster and easier for businesses to extend activity onto the Promenade.
How It Works
Instead of a traditional city permit, DTH+ issues a sub-license for your outdoor space, enabling you to use sidewalk areas for:
- Outdoor dining and cafe seating
- Non-permanent furniture and fixtures (e.g. chairs, tables, umbrellas)
- Planters and decorative elements
To obtain your sub-license, follow these steps:
- Consult: Review the application, read the Design Guidelines, and reach out to Marlon Connley at DTH+ to talk through the sub-license that applies to you.
- Apply: Draw your site plan and assemble your documents. Submit the application to DTH+.
- Receive Approval: DTH+ will collaborate on necessary information and finalize the application. If approved, you will be issued a sub-license for your outdoor space.
- Build: Begin construction and installation of your outdoor space. If approved for an Alfresco grant (which requires a separate application), submit your receipts and proof of installation for partial reimbursement.
Application Coming Soon See the Design Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I still need a sidewalk cafe license from the City?
No. The new DTH+ outdoor space sub-license replaces both the previous sidewalk cafe license and the More Space Main Street license.
Q: I already have a sidewalk cafe license from the City. When does it expire?
You may continue operating your outdoor space under your current sidewalk license. Before it expires—and if you plan to use additional Promenade space—our team will help transition you to the new sub-license.
Q: Is there a cost for the sub-license?
No. Sub-licenses are free to businesses.
Q: How long does the license last?
Sub-licenses must be renewed each year.
Questions? Reach out to Marlon Connley, Senior Programs Administrator.
The New Look for Main Street: Promenade Design Guidelines
The Main Street Promenade Design Guidelines help businesses create outdoor spaces that are attractive, safe and functional—ensuring each business can express its own identity while maintaining a cohesive look along the corridor.
Understand Your Space
The Promenade includes four types of outdoor areas that businesses may license.
Your location and storefront width will determine which applies to you:
- Bistro Space: Area of less than 6ft. available for sub-license activation, adjacent to the building face.
- Cafe Space: Area of 6ft. or more available for sub-license activation, adjacent to the building face.
- Outdoor Room: Area available for sub-license activation, not directly adjacent to the building face.
- Interior Extension: Area available for sub-license activation, adjacent to the building, that enables a direct connection between the interior space and an enclosed exterior area.
Quality & Furnishings
To maintain a high-quality pedestrian environment, the guidelines outline expectations for the design and durability of outdoor setups:
- Durability: Requirements for commercial-grade materials designed to withstand Houston's climate.
- Aesthetics: Guidance on furniture styles, color palettes, and greenery that complement Main Street's historic and modern architecture.
- Safety & Access: Standards for maintaining clear pedestrian pathways to ensure the Promenade remains accessible and walkable for all.
When Do the Guidelines Take Effect?
The new Promenade footprints are available immediately, pending approval of your Outdoor Space Sub-License application.
We understand that upgrading furnishings requires planning; therefore, these requirements will not be enforced by the City of Houston until 2027.
This transition period gives existing businesses time to gradually align with the new guidelines—and our team is here to help along the way.
Questions? Reach out to Marlon Connley, Senior Programs Administrator.
New Funding for Outdoor Spaces: DTH+ Alfresco Grant
Downtown Houston+ is committed to helping you invest in your outdoor space through the Alfresco grant program.
Alfresco Grant: Spring Cycle
- Receive up to $10,000 for non-permanent fixtures and furnishings for outdoor spaces.
- Receive up to an additional $5,000 if you're also adding permanent fixtures, like an awning or lighting (these will require a permit from the City of Houston).
How It Works
- Consult: Review the Design Guidelines and meet with the DTH+ team to discuss your vision.
- Apply: Submit your application and wait for approval before making any purchases.
- Build: Purchase your pre-approved items and install your new outdoor space.
- Get Reimbursed: Submit your receipts to DTH+ to receive your grant funding.
Please note: Alfresco grants are reimbursable, meaning that you submit receipts and proof of purchase once the work is complete. Grant money will not be awarded up front.
Applications are due the 2nd and 4th Fridays of March, April, May and June.
Questions? Reach out to Marlon Connley, Senior Programs Administrator.
Host an Event on the Main Street Promenade
Downtown Houston+ now officially oversees all events and programming along the Main Street Promenade. This means we are your single point of contact for bringing the street to life—whether we are producing the event ourselves or helping you host your own.
How to Host an Event:
- Submit an application: Complete the online event application on our website. A $100 application fee applies.
- Review & Approval: The Downtown Houston+ Events Team will review the application, confirm next steps with the organizer, and issue the permit upon approval.
Ready to apply? Fill out an application for Third-Party Events.