Businesses able to utilize additional outdoor seating under new program

The Temporary Outdoor Dining program - which was approved by City Council on Tuesday - allows restaurants to utilize outdoor parking areas for dine-in service during the ongoing COVID-19 situation. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)

NORWALK - Restaurants feeling the strain of strict reopening protocols post-COVID-19 will be able to relieve some of the stress, thanks to a new outdoor dining program approved by City Council on Tuesday.

Even as the economy attempts to reopen itself after a months-long coronavirus stall, restaurants have still not been given full clearance to operate at normal capacity.

Instead, Los Angeles County is still limiting dining establishments to decreased occupancy (60%) and limited party size, with social distancing measures still in effect.

However, Norwalk’s new Temporary Outdoor Dining program will allow some outdoor dining options for sit-down establishments.

With the new program, a maximum of 40% of the existing on-site parking spaces required to serve the

restaurant may be converted to outdoor dining areas

Restaurants will still need to obtain a permit from the city in order to participate, and follow a set list of guidelines, including:

- all indoor and outdoor seating must be spaced at least six feet apart,

- all areas utilized for outdoor dining area must be made safe for dining by using signage and barriers, and, if necessary, temporarily modifying the traffic flow on the property,

- a significant physical barrier (such as concrete planters, etc.) to separate and secure the outdoor dining area from parking areas, walkways, and other outdoor spaces accessible by the general public,

- a maintained accessible path of travel for any areas within the outdoor dining area that are accessible to patrons at all times,

- Maintain ADA accessibility into and around all dining areas, and

- fire and emergency exits must always remain accessible and free from obstruction.

Access to and from public rights-of-way can also not be blocked or modified unless approved by the City though issuance of an encroachment permit.

Restaurants wishing to serve alcohol in their outdoor area must first obtain a California Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control (ABC) COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorization License from the ABC.

The program will expire December 31 of this year, unless extended or terminated early.