WORKSHOP ITEM - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
DISCUSS TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING POLICY EXTENSION
Background
In June, the city council adopted a temporary outdoor dining policy to allow the expansion of outdoor dining in non-traditional areas as a result of state restrictions related to restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight restaurants applied including:
• Acapulco
• Applebee’s
• Blainebrook
• Bricks
• Broadway Pizza
• Carol’s
• Ole Piper Inn
• Sticks and Stones
The policy expires on October 31, 2020. There have been no changes to the state restrictions set forth, therefore several restaurants have asked if the temporary outdoor dining policy can be extended into the winter months to allow for additional outdoor seating.
Staff recommends extending the expiration of the temporary outdoor dining policy through April 30, 2021. This will allow restaurants expanded outdoor dining through the winter/spring months. The city can reassess the policy if regulations at the State level change and/or when the policy is nearing expiration next spring.
In all likelihood, tents and heaters will be needed for outdoor dining in the winter. A tent permit is required through the Community Standards Department. They review occupancy, exiting, lighting and heating. Based on the direction from the city council in June, permit fees will be waived.
If approved, staff will reach out to the businesses that have an existing temporary outdoor dining permit and if they desire to either keep or install a tent this winter, require them to submit necessary documentation. Businesses that don’t currently have a temporary outdoor dining permit can also apply. Again, no fee would be charged. If a restaurant desires to use existing patio space not subject to the temporary outdoor dining policy, no permit related to this policy is required, however a tent permit is still needed.
Recommendation
Discuss the item and provide direction to staff whether to bring forward an amendment to the temporary outdoor dining policy to extend the expiration to April 30, 2021. A formal action would be presented at the October 19, 2020 city council meeting.