San Diego restaurants face deadline to keep outdoor spaces

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Outside eating grew to become important throughout the pandemic, with many San Diego eating places increasing into the sidewalks and streets to accommodate prospects.

However the short-term permits that allowed them to take action are expiring and the deadline to use for brand spanking new ones is July 13.

However together with the brand new permits come new guidelines.

In response to the town, eating places which have so-called streetaries, areas constructed out onto the street, will now should pay an unique use price.

Relying on the placement, the town says that could possibly be wherever from 10 to 30 {dollars} per sq. foot.

David Roger with Fillipi’s Pizza Grotto in Little Italy says their price would work out to about $20,000 a yr.

However the brand new guidelines additionally state that if the enterprise opens their house to the general public, and clearly posts indicators saying so, they do not should pay the price.

In different phrases, anybody may come and sit within the house and so they haven’t got to purchase a factor.

Fillipi’s is opting to try this and says that takes the price down from $20,000 to round $2,500 -$3,500.

However Roger wonders what points may come up, and in addition says the brand new restrictions come at a time when many individuals are nonetheless solely comfy consuming outdoor.

As of Wednesday, a metropolis spokesperson stated they’ve acquired 15 purposes, with extra being processed.

If companies have not utilized for a allow by the deadline they’re supposed to begin instantly planning to take down their buildings.

As for enforcement, the town says companies that do not comply may face fines.