Order provides greater clarity on what businesses can provide in outdoor commercial spaces
By Toi Creel
On Wednesday, August 19, the City of Santa Monica extended the use of outdoor commercial spaces, allowing businesses more time to expand services and serve customers outdoors in the midst of a global pandemic.
It’s the third revision of the 18th supplement to Santa Monica’s local emergency declaration. The supplement allows for greater use of outdoor space for local businesses including furnishings and materials. It also added an extra 30 days for businesses to decide the status of outdoor dining by either getting into an encroachment agreement or getting a permit from the City. In order to maintain outdoor dining services, businesses must have an official agreement with the City by September 17,which is when the supplement will expire.
The efforts to extend outdoor dining are being spearheaded by the Santa Monica Economic Recovery Task Force who partners with the Santa Monica Business Improvement Districts along with the local community.
Among other things the supplement provides greater clarity on what businesses can provide in outdoor commercial spaces including: furnishings, canopies, propane heaters, tables and chairs.
The supplement did note that all furnishings must be removed in the event of an emergency. It also authorizes the director of Community Development Department to enter into temporary license agreements to use portions of certain public parking facilities or the Santa Monica pier for temporary use of gyms and fitness establishments.
The application to renew will be online at the temporary outdoor use website at santamonica.gov/temporary-use-of-outdoor-areas. Businesses can also submit interest to borrow outdoor commercial zone materials from the City. For questions or to submit your application, email the City at econdev@smgov.net