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Board approves trial sidewalk seating for Chivo Ristorante through Dec. 31, 2025
Summary
The Columbia City Board of Works and Safety unanimously approved a trial sidewalk seating plan for Chivo Ristorante on March 25, 2025, after the restaurant owner addressed spacing, insurance and safety concerns raised by board members and adjacent business owners.
Columbia City’s Board of Works and Safety voted unanimously March 25 to allow Chivo Ristorante to install sidewalk seating on a trial basis from March 25 through Dec. 31, 2025.
The request was presented by Weston Davidson, representing Chivo Ristorante, who said measurements and photos in his packet show the proposed layout and spacing. Davidson told the board that the four previously approved tables are 2 feet wide (the tables measure 23 inches) and that the new arrangement would leave roughly 4 feet of pedestrian clearance between the rows and building in most places. "The measurements are right," Davidson said during his presentation.
The plan also relies on a written permission from a neighboring salon owner identified as Joanne, who agreed to allow three tables outside her storefront and asked whether the restaurant would be responsible for accidents. Davidson replied that his business would accept responsibility and that he could provide additional-insured coverage if Joanne requested it.
Board members and staff raised public-safety concerns during discussion. A staff member highlighted that several vehicles have driven into downtown buildings in the past year and suggested protective bollards or similar measures to provide a barrier between parked cars and seated patrons. The board noted that tables placed farther from the building would bring patrons closer to the roadway and that adjustments would be needed for special events that close streets or bring tents and cables through the area.
The board approved the seating plan on a motion made from the dais and seconded by another board member; the motion passed unanimously of those present. The approval is explicitly a trial arrangement through Dec. 31, 2025, with the board reserving the right to revisit the layout if safety or event conflicts arise. The restaurant was told to coordinate with city staff about insurance and event-day adjustments.
The board chair said the restaurant may return to request a longer-term extension if the trial is successful.
