The City of Harrisonburg may authorize Downtown businesses and restaurants to place certain improvements, fixtures, and outdoor dining areas on public property or within the public right-of-way in the B-1 Central Business District. These encroachment licenses are reviewed and issued by the Department of Community Development.
- What is an encroachment license?
An encroachment license allows certain private improvements or activities to occupy public property or public right-of-way, provided that adequate space is maintained for pedestrian circulation and subject to City approval and conditions. Examples may include outdoor dining, planters, portable furnishings, awnings, canopies, wall and projecting signs, and wall-mounted fixtures such as ATMs or kiosks.
- Who may apply?
You may apply if you are proposing an eligible encroachment
- within the B-1 Central Business District, and
- on public property or within the City right-of-way immediately adjacent to a lawfully existing establishment.
- What types of encroachments may be authorized?
- Outdoor dining facilities, including tables, chairs, railings, umbrellas, and similar movable furnishings
- Non-permanent fixtures, such as planters and portable furnishings
- Permanent appurtenances to a building, including wall and projecting signs, marquees, awnings, canopies, fire escapes, and wall-mounted fixtures such as ATMs or kiosks
Some encroachment requests may not qualify under this process. These requests would need to be reviewed by City Council before the encroachment can occur.
- How do I apply for an encroachment license?
Submit a completed application form to Community Development, along with the following:
- A letter describing the reason for the request
- A plan or drawing showing the proposed encroachment, including dimensions, clearances from curbs and pedestrian facilities, and relation to buildings, utilities, and property lines
- A description of materials, installation method, and duration, if non-permanent
- An application fee of $100
For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Development at (540) 432-7700 or CDPlanning@HarrisonburgVA.gov.