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Council tightens streetery rules, reduces fee and requires two-year renewal for exceptions
Summary
The Council approved emergency and temporary amendments to the streetery (outdoor dining) program that lower the public-space rental fee to $15/sq ft, delay enforcement until Jan. 15, 2026, and require eateries granted exceptions to seek public-space committee renewal every two years.
The Council adopted emergency and temporary amendments to the District's streetery program aimed at lowering costs for small businesses and creating a predictable enforcement timeline while preserving public-safety review.
Council Member Helland described the emergency declaration's main changes: reducing the public-space rental fee from the proposed $20 per square foot to $15 per square foot and delaying DDOT enforcement until 01/15/2026 to give businesses time to register. He said the declaration also encourages the Public Space Committee to grant exemptions when they do not create undue pedestrian risk. Council Member Pinto offered an amendment requiring that permit holders who had been granted an exception apply for renewal to the Public Space Committee every two years; Pinto said the change would invite public comment and ensure a formal review of exceptions. After debate over whether DDOT's annual fee-based renewal currently allows meaningful public input, the Council approved Pinto's amendment by roll call (9-4) and passed the emergency/temporary measures as amended.
Supporters framed the changes as a balance between protecting public space and sustaining neighborhood businesses; opponents cautioned about cost and administrative burden if two-year reapplications are interpreted as full new applications.
