St. Cloud outdoor dining permits required this summer after ending free barriers policy.

Starting this summer, St. Cloud will end its six-year policy of providing free barriers for outdoor dining patios, requiring restaurants and bars to apply for a new Community Event Permit. Applications will be reviewed individually, with city officials prioritizing the preservation of on-street parking, traffic safety, and pedestrian flow. While businesses can still use sidewalks for seating without a permit, the shift aims to better balance public space use, support local commerce, and ensure orderly street management.