Parklets

Parklets are an innovative approach to outdoor dining that provide an opportunity to incorporate greening, bicycle facilities and public art in the city.

The City of Adelaide has a focus on maintaining the safety, accessibility and appearance of its footpaths, while helping businesses create unique and ambient parklet experiences.

Parklet permits allow Council to balance the needs of businesses and all city users.

What is a parklet?

You’ve probably seen them in some of the city thoroughfares. A parklet is created by transforming a section of existing on-street parking into a small, high-quality urban space. They typically provide seating and landscaping to the vicinity.

Parklets provide public amenity, including outdoor space for nearby cafés and restaurants, bike racks, planter boxes, benches, landscaping, and other features. They add to the vibrancy of the streetscape, in turn, increasing activity in a safe manner in the area, while supporting local businesses. We encourage applicants to consider these aspects in their designs as these features add to the cultural life and vibrancy of the city and improves the wellbeing of residents and visitors.

Who can apply?

Expressions of interest for parklets may be submitted by:

  • Business owners i.e. café, restaurant or shop operators
  • Property owners
  • Community and not-for-profit groups
  • Business organisations
  • Private individuals
  • Groups of the above.

More information on location and design criteria can be found in the Parklet Operating Guidelines.

Other conditions

  • The Parklet permit conditions must be followed at all times.
  • All applications for parklet permits are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  • As parklets are located on the road certain locations are not suitable due to safety and service requirements.
  • Special conditions may be attached to individual permits if needed, or where conditional approval is available.
  • Structural and design requirements need to be met.
  • Development approval is required for fixed infrastructure.
  • South Australian law prohibits smoking in outdoor dining areas. This includes e-cigarettes, shisha, and hookah. Visit SA Health for more information.

Cost

The permit holder will be liable to pay the loss of revenue when the parklet occupies a ticketed parking bay. This amount is confirmed after we receive your expression of interest and can be anywhere between 4 to 8 thousand dollars per bay, per annum.

A bank guarantee will also be required for parklet designs that incorporate fixed elements. The amount of the bond depends on the number of fixed elements interfacing with Council’s assets.

Use our parklet permit fee calculator to estimate your annual permit fee before applying.

Parklets

Fee calculator

Express your interest

Parklets are an innovative use of public space and may impact on-street parking bays. Stakeholder consultation will be undertaken for all parklet applications as part of the assessment process. All potential applicants are encouraged to engage in conversations with neighbouring stakeholders about their plans before expressing their interest.

Express your interest