Sidewalk Extensions & Streateries Project Page

Georgetown’s streatery program launched in 2021 and fueled Georgetown’s post-pandemic economic recovery. It continues to shape our public realm and has further activated our commercial district – currently supporting outdoor dining for dozens of restaurants. Since installing the streateries and sidewalk extensions, crashes and serious injuries have also been reduced on M Street and Wisconsin Avenue by 50%, making our roads safer and more comfortable for all users.

In 2026, the streatery program, which is run by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), transitioned from a temporary program to a permanent one wherein streatery permits for outdoor dining must now be held by individual restaurants. To comply with DDOT’s new city-wide permanent guidelines, the BID and food establishments have applied for new permits to keep streateries where desired and approved, while removing sidewalk extensions, bus stop extensions, and streateries that are no longer desired or eligible under DDOT’s new program. For the benefit of the community, below are some changes that we can all expect to see throughout Georgetown.

DDOT’s Temporary Streatery Permit program expired on November 30, 2025.

All food establishments must now obtain a Streatery Design Permit from DDOT to bring their structures into compliance with DDOT’s new permanent program. Food establishments are responsible for maintaining and managing all components of their outdoor dining, from permitting to paying an annual public space maintenance fee.

In keeping with DDOT’s new guidelines, the BID secured a Block Permit for M Street & Wisconsin Avenue. While the Block Permit is intended to evaluate existing and proposed curbside uses, the Streatery Design Permit (obtained by food establishments) will show the design and construction details for all outdoor dining features. For more information on specific permits and applications in progress, head to DDOT’s Public Space Activation webpage.

The Georgetown BID also has a construction permit for limited daylighting areas of decking and barriers near the intersection of M & Wisconsin and in front of the sidewalk cafes in the1500 block of Wisconsin Ave NW. This permit also includes in-street micromobility corrals for parking bikes and scooters off the sidewalks.

All streatery and construction applications must be reviewed by the Old Georgetown Board as part of the DDOT approval process.

If you are a BID-member business and are interested in a Streatery, or already have one, please refer to DDOT’s streatery webpage and send an email to info@georgetowndc.com for assistance.