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Council signals end to temporary open‑air outdoor‑dining permits; staff to move businesses to sidewalk‑cafe licensing
Summary
Public Works recommended sunsetting a temporary COVID‑era 'open air ICT' right‑of‑way permit on Aug. 1, 2026 and to transition affected businesses to the existing sidewalk‑café permitting process with an annual administrative license; council favored simplifying fees and encouraging outdoor activation.
City staff told the council a temporary right‑of‑way permit that allowed expanded outdoor dining during the pandemic — known as the 'open air ICT' permit — is scheduled to expire Aug. 1, 2026, and recommended affected businesses transition to the legacy sidewalk‑cafe permit.
Paul Gunzelman, public works and utilities, explained the temporary permit removed some of the standard permitting hurdles (no annual fee and a simplified review) and said staff now recommends letting that temporary program expire and moving those sites to the sidewalk‑cafe permit structure, with a modest annual administrative fee starting Jan. 1, 2027. He noted the city enforces ADA clearances, fencing for alcohol service, and other safety requirements and estimated a roughly $33,000 annual staff‑cost recovery for all sidewalk‑cafe/open‑air sites citywide.
Several council members urged the city to encourage outdoor activation and suggested waiving per‑chair fees while keeping a modest licensing/administrative charge to recover staff costs. "We should be encouraging this as much as possible," Vice Mayor Glascock said. Staff said they will bring a legislative item in July that clarifies the transition and proposed fee structure and will allow a transition window for existing businesses.
No final ordinance change was adopted at the workshop; staff will return with recommended text and an implementation schedule.
