SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall has signed an emergency proclamation to allow businesses to expand their outdoor operating capacities.
“We want to ensure businesses have the ability to maximize their revenue while also creating a safe environment for our residents and visitors,” Mayor Mendenhall said in a news release. “It has been an incredibly difficult year for many businesses, especially small businesses and food and beverage establishments, and we want to do everything we can to assist by expanding their options to do business.”
Emergency Proclamation 17 eases permitting restrictions for the use of temporary structures, both on private property and in the public right of way. The proclamation also waives permitting for temporary structures under 200 square feet.
“These updated provisions enable expanded outdoor dining to help restaurants serve patrons safely this winter,” said Dee Brewer, Executive Director of the Downtown Alliance, in the news release. “Long term, they will also foster some pretty cool outdoor dining environments--similar to what you might find in Europe--to attract and delight local and visiting diners to Salt Lake City.”
The proclamation applies to restaurants and retail businesses, allowing for expanded retail services, retail sales and outdoor dining.
In April, COVID-19 restrictions resulted in a 70 percent year-over-year loss in revenue for Salt Lake City restaurants.
"While many food services and drinking businesses have been able to innovate with their operations and regulations have been more flexible for the industry, the year over year losses remain at 39% as of September 2020," the news release states.
Business owners who are interested in applying for temporary permits are urged to contact the Economic Development team at ed@slc.gov.