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La Mesa council adopts new sidewalk‑dining policy, repeals 1984 sidewalk‑cafe ordinance after restaurant concerns
Summary
After months of public outreach, La Mesa moved to repeal its 1984 sidewalk‑cafe ordinance and adopt a consolidated sidewalk‑dining policy that streamlines permitting, extends sidewalk dining opportunities across commercial zones, and includes council amendments on permit renewals, termination notice, and operating hours.
The La Mesa City Council on Jan. 27 introduced an ordinance to repeal La Mesa Municipal Code chapter 18.18 and adopted a new sidewalk‑dining policy designed to simplify permitting and expand outdoor dining across the city’s commercial zones.
City staff told the council the policy replaces the dual system of sidewalk cafes and outdoor dining with a staff‑level sidewalk dining permit plus an Encroachment Maintenance and Removal Agreement (EMRA), keeping insurance requirements and instituting three‑year permit renewals. "The proposed policy requires only a sidewalk dining permit and an EMRA," said Laura Marker, the staff presenter, summarizing the streamlined review process.
The draft policy includes technical safeguards: a required unobstructed path of travel (minimum 4 feet wide and 7 feet high), site‑distance clearances at intersections, and separate rules for fenced (required when alcohol is served or for pop‑out areas) and unenclosed dining. Staff proposed temporary sidewalk‑dining permits to allow existing…
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