City licensing and economic development staff told the Public Health and Public Safety Committee on June 9 that they have taken steps to simplify outdoor-dining permitting and renewal and that the current fee structure — established after public outreach in 2023 — will be reevaluated for the fiscal 2027 cycle.

Michael Poteer, licensing operations manager, said the city standardized the initial application and has detailed instructions for applicants on required materials, inspections and when an amendment is required. Poteer said a recent renewal-process adjustment implemented with ISD building and fire colleagues has already shown operational improvements; staff reported that roughly 20 percent of renewals were submitted in the first week after the change took effect.

On costs, city staff said the current fees were the product of outreach in 2023 and were set with a planned re-evaluation in fiscal 2027. The city reported approximately $105,000 in 2025 revenue tied to the use of public space for outdoor dining; staff explained the fee framework applies across different types of public space (widened sidewalks or displaced parking spaces) and was intended to balance public investment in space with business participation.

Councilors discussed trade-offs between preserving parking and encouraging outdoor dining. Some councilors said they favor preserving parking in certain areas but also want to encourage outdoor seating for walkability and neighborhood vibrancy; staff said they will start formal discussion of potential fee changes in early 2026 to align with the budget process and to give the incoming administration an opportunity to participate.

What’s next: staff plan outreach to businesses and an early-2026 start to the re-evaluation process for fees and related policy; councilors may follow up directly with staff about neighborhood-specific concerns.