SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego’s emergency ordinance allowing outdoor dining operations during the COVID-19 pandemic is running out of time.
“The city worked very well with us to do this temporary permit and it was a life saver, a life saver for a lot of us here, it was great to have,” said Daniel Drayne, owner of The Field Irish Pub in Gaslamp. Fourth.
Hundreds of restaurants and bars have offered outdoor dining through the city’s temporary outdoor business operations permits. Next month, however, those permits will expire.
If businesses want to continue their outdoor options, they must now apply for a new permit called Spaces As Places, which will come with more regulations and safety requirements.
“There are requirements to limit the size of decks so that emergency operations can occur. No elevated roof structures are allowed, electrical wiring is not allowed to cross the sidewalk, either at grade or in the air, and we expect solar lighting to be used,” said Chris Larson, program coordinator. “We need the plans sent to the city where we will have our engineers review them. We will issue permits and then have inspectors inspect the work when it is done.”
Larson says the new permits are for food and beverage establishments only. Of the 500 companies with temporary permits, only about 20 have applied for Spaces As Places permits so far.
The application deadline is July 13.
Drayne says he got his request right away, having spent thousands of dollars on its structure and modifications.
“I think it will make a big difference. It’s going to be a permanent basis, so everyone will conform to the city’s rules, which you know, everyone can do that and I think it will be very, very beneficial for everyone here. I think customers are going to love it,” Drayne said.
Peter Morales, who runs Operacaffe, says he’s worried the city will require him to have a smaller, less sturdy patio.
“I want to do the right thing, but I want to ensure customer safety. I think that’s more important than having a structure that’s just a fence and some water barricades. I don’t think that’s safe for people,” Morales said.
City officials say any business that applies before the deadline can continue to operate with the temporary permit until the new one can be processed.
