Parklets

A parklet is a small public space created by converting on-street car parks into outdoor dining or seating areas, using materials and structures that could be easily removed if required.

These temporary mini-parks provide usable space in areas where footpaths are too narrow to accommodate outdoor dining or seating.   

They support local businesses by providing additional space and opportunities for outdoor dining.

Parklet permits

You need a parklet permit if you intend to place temporary furniture or objects in an on-street car parking space outside your shop or business. 

You don’t need one: 

• to place objects within private property – you just need the property owner’s permission 
• to permanently alter a section of street using materials, structures, furniture, or objects that couldn’t be easily removed if required – for instance concrete, paved areas or furniture or objects that are fixed to the street surface. You’ll need to apply for an encroachment licence to do that 
• to place furniture or objects on part of the footpath (rather than in a parking space). You’ll need to apply for an outdoor dining licence to do that. 

Sandwich boards can’t be considered as part of a parklet application. These are licensed separately, see: Sandwich Boards. 

Wellington hospitality venues with outdoor dining on public land have been smokefree and vapefree since 1 March 2023. For more information, please see the Smokefree Wellington policy. 

How to apply

Read the parklet design guide

The design guide explains where a parklet is permitted and provides design requirements and specifications for parklets. It also includes advice and considerations to help you develop a high-quality parklet.  

If you would like some advice before you submit your application on the viability of the location or considerations for design, please send your queries to parklets@wcc.govt.nz.

What you'll need to provide  

With your application you’ll need to provide: 

• A site aerial map – at least one aerial photo or site plan of your site, highlighting the parking space(s) you would like to use, and identifying any utilities or services that are on or near the proposed site. 
• Site context photos – two or more site photos of the parking spaces you would like to use. These photos should include any street elements, furniture, utilities and show what is surrounding your chosen parking spaces. 
• A to-scale detailed parklet design plan with dimensions which include:
  • proposed placement of tables and chairs
  • proposed placement of any other temporary furniture eg planters, umbrellas, heating devices.
• Elevation and/or section – a to-scale drawing showing an elevation view of the design, including accurate dimensions of the parklet features.  
• Photos or product images showing the outdoor furniture and elements you intend to use. 
• Public liability insurance – evidence that you hold public liability insurance of at least $2 million for the outdoor area you plan to use. This public liability insurance must remain current while the approval is in force. Please note your application will not be approved without this. 

Submit your application

You can apply for your parklet through our online form.

Apply online

You can also download and fill out an application form. Email the completed form to parklets@wcc.govt.nz

Application for a parklet permit (119KB PDF) 

Cost

All fees include GST.

As a business, you need to pay for construction, installation and maintenance of your parklet.

Renewals  

All parklet permits are issued for one year, but it is usually possible to have a parklet in place for longer.   We will send you a reminder before your permit expires to apply for a renewal.  

Renewal is subject to an annual monitoring inspection to check the parklet still complies with the required permit conditions and to identify any issues. If any changes are required, you will have an opportunity to make these. The annual inspection and review are a key part of the renewal process.  

Annual fees include the renewal fee and permission for the space to be used for another year. 

Approval process 

Your application will initially be assessed against the Parklet Design Guide to identify any transport safety, urban design, health and safety, alcohol, or food licensing issues. 

We’ll let you know the outcome of this assessment within 10 working days. It may take longer if more information is required. 

If you are intending to serve alcohol in the parklet, now is a good time to apply for an alcohol licence variation. The process for a variation to the conditions of your alcohol licence takes at least 35 working days.  

Please note, the approved hours for a parklet space serving alcohol may differ from trading hours of the business. This will depend on risk factors and public safety. 

Conditions that will apply if a parklet is approved

If your proposal for a parklet is approved, you will need to meet a range of conditions. You can read an example of the standard conditions below. There may be others added that specifically relate to your site or parklet. 

Contact us 

If you want to know more about parklets or the application process, please:

Email: parklets@wcc.govt.nz