COLUMBUS – To help restaurants, bars and other dining establishments struggling under restrictions on seating capacity and serving hours during the coronavirus pandemic, the city of Columbus is implementing a pilot program that will allow restaurants to expand their outdoor seating into streets, alleys and parking lots
In an effort to assist local restaurants during COVID-19, we have implemented a Temporary Outdoor Seating Program. It allows restaurants to apply to use the public right of way for temporary seating or expand seating to their parking lots. https://t.co/PLSfgs7ZDP pic.twitter.com/JlFSYpDlJS
— Mayor Andrew Ginther (@MayorGinther) August 31, 2020
Beginning Tuesday, restaurants and bars can apply for exp[edited approval of permits under the Temporary Outdoor Seating Pilot Program to set up temporary outdoor on-street dining areas or to expand seating into sidewalks, alleys or parking lots as long as the additional space does not force the business to exceed maximum capacity.
“This gives restaurants a better chance to survive the Coronavirus pandemic as they continue to work hard to serve the Columbus community and add to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods, supporting small businesses that thrive when the hospitality community succeeds,” John Barker, president and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association, said.
Seating areas permitted must comply with the requirements of the program and with state and local health mandates intended to slow or prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
Restaurants on streets with speeds 30 mph or less are eligible. All locations must be in an existing parking lane and edge barriers, either concrete or water-filled, are required to maintain a safe distance between vehicular traffic and patrons. Dining areas cannot block vehicle or pedestrian traffic or interfere with disability access.
When expanding into a parking lot, the business is allowed to use no more than 25% of its parking spaces.
Tents are allowed, as long as 75% of the sides remain open when in use.
The state reported 1,453 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 Tuesday for a total of 124,610 with 4,165 deaths and 16,421 active cases. The state’s positivity rate among those tested for the coronavirus is 4.5%.