Lawrence officials say temporary outdoor patio permits will again carry fees; inspections, barriers and seasonal removal required

Pat Ruiz, of the Inspectional Services Department, told attendees at a Lawrence City meeting that the city will resume charging for temporary outdoor patio permits under Lawrence Housing Code 5.76 and outlined application and safety requirements.

"It's $70 per month. And a $100 application fee. So for the season, it's gonna be $570 for the permit," Pat Ruiz said, describing the April–October permit season and the fee breakdown. Ruiz said applicants must apply through CitizenServe and submit a floor plan showing tables, seating and occupancy; the plan need not be produced by an architect.

Ruiz said the permit process requires inspections by the Fire Department and the Building Department before a patio may open and that inspections will be coordinated. "Hopefully we could coordinate everything," said Lieutenant Frias of the Fire Department, who said fire prevention will work with building officials so applicants can get a single coordinated inspection.

Ruiz outlined other requirements: a letter of permission if a sidewalk installation would infringe on a neighboring property, photographs of the area showing the planned layout, and the expectation that applicants provide their own barriers because the city "is not providing barriers for anybody anymore." He added that the department will strictly enforce removal of furniture and other items from city sidewalks when the season ends in October.

The Chair said the body could not vote on the policy at this meeting because a required member was absent; Ruiz and staff will bring the item back for a vote at the next or a subsequent meeting.

No motion or formal vote was recorded during this session.