The City of Santa Rosa has just launched the Open & Out business program to activate additional outdoor seating in the public right-of-way. The Open & Out program allows for additional outdoor space for dining and seating following safe social distancing guidelines. Local restaurateurs may expand their outdoor seating by applying online for a permit. The new parklet program is modeled after similar programs in cities such as San Francisco and San Jose and allows businesses to expand their service area into the parking area of the street following the guidelines in the City’s Parklet policy.
To create additional outdoor space the City will allow the use of public and private outdoor spaces such as sidewalks, private parking lots and public parking spaces as long as access and safety allows, to accommodate the reopening of on-site dining for Santa Rosa’s restaurants as allowed by the Sonoma County Public Health Orders).
The City has developed a phased plan to expand outdoor seating options in three ways:
- Temporary Sidewalk Seating on public and private sidewalks city wide.
Allowable immediately assuming sidewalk width can accommodate, and criteria elements can be met. - Parklet Pilot Program (use of curbside parking areas) on public streets and private parking lots city wide.
Allowable immediately if criteria below are met. - Temporary Closure and Programming of Fourth Street between B Street and E Street.
Expected to start by June 26.
Additional Program Information, Requirements, and Considerations can be found at SRCity.org/OpenAndOut.
Permit Submittal is simple and quick and should be submitted digitally through the City’s online encroachment permit submittal portal.
Questions may be directed to the Economic Development Division at [email protected] or 707-543-3080.