A surge of sidewalk cafes are turning trendy Ballard inside out. They're good for business, customers love them, and new zoning permits are getting the green light.

From 2001 to 2005, just one establishment per year recieved a sidewalk cafe permit in Ballard, but this year four have so far been granted. Zak's, Sofrito Rico. Hazelwood, and Egan's Ballard Jam House joined India Bistro, The Matador, Lombardi's Cucina and about six others.

"We look at Europe as a model for sidewalk cafes, the piazzas, that romantic notion of a wonderful lifestyle," says Beth Miller, executive director of Ballard Chamber of Commerce. "When you eat inside, you are limited to those you came with. Dining outside you feel connected with the energy of the community."

Miller points out that in addition to the warmth of the community, the warm weather sent Ballard's restaurant patrons outside. "We had a lot of hot days this summer, and the sidewalk cafes were especially popular. Now it's a little chilly to eat outdoors, but people still do."

Zak's is on Northwest Market and its owner, Larry Johnson, hopes Miller is right. He just spent over $4,500 on permits, metal railings, and four tables and chairs on his new sidewalk eating area. "Its our first go round," said Johnson, who named his cheerful burger joint after his youngest son. "We're going to experiment leaving it open past summer. It draws attention, and people gravitate toward other people having a good time."

Drew Church is co-owner of Hazelwood, an upscale bar, also on Market Street. He tended bar for eight years at Hattie's Hat around the corner before opening Hazelwood last year. His sidewalk cafe permit was just approved.

"The inside is small and we can use the extra space," he says of his 600 square-foot, hip two-story layout, adding, " And at nighttime we look closed when we're open." All Ballard establishments must apply for their permit through the Department of Planning and Development, and the Seattle Department of Transportation. But unlike Zak's, Hazelwood hugs the northwest edge of the Ballard Avenue Landmark District, so Church had a bit more beaurocracy.

Restaurants and bars located in the Ballard Avenue Landmark District applying for a permit must comply with the district's criteria for "street furniture." This includes outdoor tables, chairs, and planters which need to be compatible with the district's aesthetic, and, according to its web site, "afford generous pedestrian flow."

Church plans bench seating framed with ornamental branch railing. There will be five feet of sidewalk width between the end of his railing and the edge of the "tree pits." Five feet to the curb or other obstruction, like a tree, is standard, but the Seattle Department of Transportation required Zak's provide an additional foot to allow for the occasional overflow of patrons next door at the Majestic Bay movie theater.

Rob Mattson is seattle district coordinator of Ballard for the Department of Neighborhoods. Ballard is one of thirteen Seattle districts. He says he might be the first person an applicant contacts in the three-month-or-so beaurocratic journey.

"I'll provide a roadmap of how to proceed," says Mattson, a Ballard resident. "I check with neighbors, listen to your plan, and see if your proposal is likely to happen." You may also get a visit from Mattson if the neighboring businesses complain after you've enclosed your outdoor area.

"A lot of folks push their plants and umbrellas out past their railing," Mattson says. "Over time a couple of inches becomes a couple of feet. If you can fit two more rows of tables you can make more money. It's kind of a game we play."

Mattson is not a party-pooper and does appreciate the Ballard trend of outdoor eating. "Northwest Market Street is 22-feet wide in places, and when you drive by and see people eating outside, it looks like a happening place. The danger is if you get too busy you pinch pedestrians, and we are sensitive to those in wheelchairs."

Mattson recalls sidewalk dining "almost didn't exist until the mid-80's when we began to get requests. It used to just require a single permit to occupy the right of way. They began to serve alcohol outside, then added overhangs, heaters, and things." In the early 90's a joint effort was made by the city. to regulate growth.

"Sidewalk cafes add friendliness, color and flavor to the community," says Gregg Hirakawa of the city department of transportation. "What we do is grant private use to the public right of way."

He shares Mattson's concerns with the disabled, and crowded sidewalks in general.

"Storeowners put stuff out on sidewalks like sandwich signs chained to trees. They're knee high and people run right into them. Chances are these don't have permits. But generally we don't go looking for things, people have to complain first."

To apply for a permit, the city transportation deparment charges $300 for a review, $165 for a survey, and $1.56 per square feet of outdoor space. To renew annually, they charge $97 plus the same square-foot charge.

The Department of Planning and Development charges a one-time fee which averages about $2.500.

"Basically, anything that business does on public property concerns (the city department of transportation," says Hirakawa. "Private property issues are directed to the Planning and Development."

Alan Justed is director of community relations for Planning and Development. One zoning concern is if the restaurant or bar going for a sidewalk cafe permit is small. "If your place is tiny, we might require you to build a new bathroom if it does not have one. Otherwise the neighboring businesses complain about your customers using theirs," says Justed. His department "serves notice" by publicly displaying the application for a 15-day "comment period."

One final bit of beaurocracy. The restaurateur must carry a million dollar minimum liability insurance policy to protect against someone being injured alfresco.

The headaches and fees add up, but so do the profits. And Ballard merchants are hoping to see more customers brave all four seasons to dine outdoors. Says Mattson, "Until eight years ago they were only allowed to put tables and chairs out in April and remove them in October. Some figured out customers were willing to sit out in the rain."