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Committee clears permanent "streetery" ordinance to make outdoor dining program permanent
Summary
The committee heard a presentation on a permanent outdoor dining (streetery) ordinance that would replace a temporary COVID-era program, add a fee structure, seasons and inspections, and voted to send the measure to new business with a recommendation to approve.
A Detroit City Council committee on Monday moved to codify a permanent outdoor dining program — known in the ordinance as a “streetery” — sending the proposed amendment to Chapter 43 of the City Code to new business with a recommendation to approve.
The ordinance would convert the temporary outdoor dining allowances created during the COVID pandemic into a permanent program and add a permit fee structure, defined permitting seasons, required inspections and interdepartmental review involving Public Works, Municipal Parking, Fire and Building Safety.
“Streetery is a food‑based establishment where the sidewalk, parklet, parking lot are converted to outdoor seating,” said Christina Peltier, deputy director of Complete Streets in the Department of Public Works, as she introduced the item. Maya Turner, a planner on DPW’s Complete Streets team, described an application window, permit seasons (summer, fall/winter, annual), and a fee schedule that includes temporary permit and plan review fees, inspection fees and a municipal parking charge to cover lost meter revenue for parklets.
City staff said inspections will be performed by DPW and supporting departments to confirm safety and that the physical setup matches approved plans. The ordinance requires a minimum six‑foot pedestrian path that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act; if a sidewalk cannot retain that width, the application would be denied, staff said.
Business groups and residents called in support during public comment. “This is another alternative option for folks that want more space and want more ventilation, to eat,” said Bernard Majunski, who identified himself as a resident. Rod Liggins of the Detroit Regional Chamber said the chamber “wholeheartedly support[s] the ability for street eateries or outdoor eating.”
After the presentation and public testimony, committee members voted, with no objections, to send the ordinance to new business with a recommendation to approve.
The ordinance will be scheduled for formal consideration on the council docket; staff said they will continue outreach to participating restaurants and administer permit seasons from an online portal to be migrated to OpenGov.
