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Council approves ordinance to standardize how downtown restaurants request street permissions
Summary
Councilmembers unanimously moved Ordinance 2025-6 forward after staff described a new standardized annual permit process for restaurants to use sidewalks or curb space for seating and displays.
The Columbia City Common Council on June 10 approved Ordinance 2025-6 on first reading, a measure to standardize the application and annual permit process for downtown restaurants that seek to place tables, chairs or other items in street or sidewalk areas.
Supporters said the ordinance aims to create consistent boundaries and requirements so restaurants operating downtown follow the same rules and comply with local, state and federal regulations.
A council member explained the change grew from previous approvals made by the Board of Works and the city administration’s experience permitting several restaurants. The ordinance creates an annual application process and requires solicitors to provide proof they will follow relevant laws and maintain a certificate of liability insurance. “We have that they need to provide a certificate of liability coverage,” a council member said during the discussion.
Council members clarified that the ordinance applies to regular operating days and not to special events that close streets for festivals. Staff said festival-related street closures are handled through a separate process and are not part of the annual restaurant permit. Officials also said the city would retain flexibility in enforcement and the ordinance is intentionally not overly rigid; the purpose is to put consistent boundary lines in place so businesses operate under the same expectations.
Council member Brent moved to approve Ordinance 2025-6 on first reading; Council member Tad seconded. The motion passed unanimously among those present and the ordinance will return for a second reading.
Background: Council and staff said the downtown restaurant sector has expanded and city leaders want a standardized permitting process to reduce inconsistent approvals and ensure insurance and safety requirements are documented.
