On Monday, the Fort Dodge City Council approved a permit request from River Hops Brewing, 1014 Central Ave., to use part of the public sidewalk outside the business for an outdoor seating area.

The Public Sidewalk Cafe Permit request was approved as part of the council’s consent agenda and had no discussion.

According to the agenda documents from the meeting, the River Hops building is set back 3 feet from the public sidewalk area. The proposed outdoor seating area will be 12 feet by 6 feet, so it will only encroach on the sidewalk by 3 feet, leaving a span of approximately 10 feet of sidewalk to the edge of the street.

The city’s zoning ordinance allows for outside seating areas on public sidewalks through a conditional permit in downtown.

As part of the permit requirements, River Hops Brewing had to provide proof of insurance that meets the city’s requirements, sign a lease agreement with the city, have a state license to serve alcoholic beverages outdoors and pay a $30 permit fee.