Title
A Resolution of the City Commission extending through August 30, 2022 the authority granted to the City Manager to relax current standards for outdoor/open-air dining and signage in order to provide for expanded outdoor seating opportunities to assist with social distancing at restaurants and suspending all applicable fees.
(Sponsored by Mayor Lago)
(Sponsored by Commissioner Anderson)
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In order to provide for expanded economic opportunities to establishments affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, while complying with social distancing measures, on May 26, 2020, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2020-119 which authorized the City Manager to provide expanded outdoor seating opportunities in the right-of-way, on private property, and on city-owned properties by relaxing the requirements in Appendix E, Section E.1(B)(4)1 and 3-3152 of the Zoning Code relating to outdoor dining/open-air dining requirements; to waive all fees applicable to outdoor dining/open-air dining permits; to provide for expedited permitting; to temporarily close streets, subject to County approval, if required, to provide restaurants with additional outdoor dining opportunities; and to relax applicable standards relating to signage. The City Manager was granted such authority through January 15, 2021, which was further extended through June 15, 2021 by Resolution 2020-266, to January 15, 2022 by Resolution No. 2021-76 and to May 31, 2022 by Resolution No. 2022-14.
The City Commission acknowledges that the expansion of such authority has been a successful measure to allow establishments to maximize their ability to serve patrons outdoors and that the expanded opportunities have been well-received in the community. As such, the City Commission wishes to extend the deadline set forth in Resolution No. 2022-14 through August 30, 2022.