To support the local restaurant community as they begin to reopen to in-person service, the Town of Parker issued an emergency order on May 21, 2020 that will allow restaurants, bars and similar businesses to apply to temporarily expand their outdoor patio seating areas to serve additional customers, while maintaining social distancing requirements.
This order puts an application process in place for restaurants and bars to request the extension of their patios onto front and side yard setback areas, public or private sidewalks and private parking lots for the duration of any State or local public health agency orders that impose occupancy limits and physical distancing requirements. The Town’s goal is to proactively provide some measure of relief to our restaurants and bars by allowing additional occupancy and seating, as well as to prepare them for re-opening in anticipation of the State issuing guidance for restaurants and bars.
“This has been an extremely difficult time for the restaurants in our community, so it’s a priority for us to help facilitate a successful reopening,” said Michelle Kivela, Town Administrator. “We believe that this effort will benefit our local restaurants and encourage residents to come out and support them, while also maintaining a safe social distance.”
Restaurants and bars that are interested in applying for this exemption may visit www.ParkerOnline.org/TempPatioPermit to read more about the program and apply. Proposals must include plans and accommodations for safety, mobility, and local and emergency access.
While the application process is now open, businesses that are approved to extend their patios may not do so until the State Health Department lifts restrictions on dine-in restaurants and bars.
For additional information about the Town’s COVID-19 response and re-opening plans, please visit www.ParkerOnline.org/Coronavirus.