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San Fernando council OKs outdoor-dining rules for sidewalks but bans outdoor alcohol on city right-of-way
Summary
After a public hearing, the council approved an ordinance to permit permanent outdoor dining in the public right-of-way with design and accessibility standards, but voted to prohibit outdoor alcohol consumption in right-of-way dining and to retain an administrative citation schedule for violations.
The San Fernando City Council voted to approve standards for permanent outdoor dining on public sidewalks and other rights-of-way, adopting rules on design, accessibility and hours of operation while adding a council-approved restriction: alcohol consumption is prohibited in outdoor right-of-way dining.
City staff presented a draft ordinance and application procedure that would allow restaurants to apply for a public-right-of-way encroachment permit with materials, site plans and per-seat capital-sewer fees. Planning staff emphasized minimum clear paths for pedestrian travel, accessibility requirements and that barriers such as planters or fencing are required when alcohol is served. Staff also listed prohibited items for right-of-way dining including live entertainment, televisions and smoking.
Council debate focused on enforcement, nuisance control and penalties. Councilmember Joel Fajardo told staff he prefers starting the program without outdoor alcohol and testing enforcement before expanding outdoor alcohol allowances: "I think even this permits outdoor alcohol consumption ... I would not support having the outdoor alcohol," he said. Several members raised concerns about litter, recurring graffiti and whether fines would be sufficient to change operator behavior.
Formal action: Councilmember Joel Fajardo moved to approve the ordinance as presented with 3 specific changes requested at the meeting: prohibit outdoor consumption of alcohol on public rights-of-way, retain a three-warning administrative enforcement process leading to administrative citations, and leave citation amounts and updates to existing city resolution processes. Councilmember Patty Lopez seconded; the motion passed on roll call (yes votes recorded by all members present).
Why it matters: The ordinance standardizes how restaurants will build and operate outdoor seating on sidewalks and public property in commercial districts, sets hours (generally 7 a.m.–11 p.m., midnight in the downtown SP-5 district), requires ADA-compliant clearance and establishes permit fees tied to seating. Council directed staff to refine outreach materials and to coordinate enforcement messaging with police and code enforcement.
Ending: Staff will prepare the ordinance language reflecting council’s changes for finalization and post the permit materials and outreach notices to the city website and Metro-style community events.
