What type of permit do you need for putting up a Sidewalk Joy spot?
I get asked a lot what rules and regulations there are when putting up a Sidewalk Joy spot. Are permits required? Here’s what I know.
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. I cannot speak to everyone’s exact situation, I’m just sharing some starting points.
It depends where you live:
I know, I know. I wish I had the perfect, thorough repository of all rules and regulations for every place but I just don’t. I was able to get the rules and regulations for my city (Portland, Oregon) by chatting with someone who works for our city government. If you’re putting up a spot on your own property here the restrictions are minimal and reasonable (i.e. your spot shouldn’t have anything dangerous in it, be in maintained in good condition, not block the sidewalk, or have electricity running to it, and so on). It’s a different story when installing one publicly (see below).
Look to the Little Free Libraries or other Sidewalk Joy spots:
A good indication that my city didn’t have super strict rules or a rigorous permitting process for these spaces was the fact that we have over 1,000 Little Free Libraries around of all shapes and sizes. I recommend asking the stewards of Little Free Libraries or Sidewalk Joy spots near you whether they have seen any rules, restrictions or experienced complaints about their little libraries just as a starting point.
Public vs. Private Property
USUALLY the rules are more lenient for installing a space on your own private property (or the private property of someone you know that has agreed to let you install a space). Getting something like this installed publicly is often a bit more of a process. I personally do not recommend putting a space like this up in public without obtaining permission because I’d hate for anyone to be fined and/or have their installation taken down. That being said, sometimes people have gone that route with varying levels of success.
I’m going to reach out to a few folks who have obtained permissions to put their spot up in a public place and share their stories here in an updated blogpost soon.
What about HOAs?
HOAs are tricky and I’d recommend seeking permission from them by demonstrating the value that your proposed space would bring to the area. You could also try to make a space that fits within their criteria. Like if no permanent installations are allowed, perhaps you could build one on wheels and chain it to a fence? Just an idea.
Partnering with a Business
Some people have made a partnership of sorts with a local business wherein they install a Sidewalk Joy spot outside a business and the business keeps an eye on it. It can be a win-win allowing someone who didn’t have a place to host a spot get to create and maintain one and it often brings more foot traffic to the to business.
I plan on updating this post with some specific stories and details soon so check back!