Restaurant Guidelines to Reopen

Indoor Reopening Requirements

  • Retail and assembly occupancies permitted interior occupants not to exceed 50% of their design occupant load while maintaining social distancing. (Building and Fire Code Officials can assist in providing that number if unknown)
  • Any rearranging of interior furnishings must be done so in a way that maintains a minimum 4-foot path to an exit in addition to 6-foot distance separation requirements.
  • Outdoor seating must be arranged in a way that does not interfere with an interior occupant’s egress path to a public way while maintaining 6-foot distance separation requirements.
  • No exterior furnishings are to be within 4 feet of an exit on either side.
  • Hand sanitizing stations such as self- standing pumps or wall units not to block fire alarm pull stations, extinguishers or exits.

Sidewalk Outdoor Seating

Additional seating may be added outside on sidewalks, so long as minimum distance separation and ADA clearance requirements are being met (Click for example).

  • Distance separation: 6-foot minimum separation from seats between tables.
  • ADA clearance: Minimum 4-foot clearance must be maintained along outside sidewalk area.
  • Fire clearance: Minimum 4-foot required from any furnishings on either side of entrance/exit.
  • Clear path must be maintained to public right of way.

Seating should be kept within the front of the storefront, unless otherwise approved by property owner to expand in front of other businesses.

Outdoor Seating in Parking Spaces

City Owned Master Parking

Parking spaces may be used to accommodate additional outdoor seating

  • Only permitted within spaces approved by City.
  • Spaces shall be clearly marked off for seating using cones, tapes, etc.
  • Must maintain distance separation & fire clearance requirements
  • Hand sanitizing stations such as self- standing pumps or wall units not to block fire alarm pull stations, extinguishers or exits.
  • Tables and chairs permitted. Couches/lounge chairs not allowed.
  • Umbrellas and pop up tents (10’ x 10’ max.) shall be permitted.
    • Pop up tents must be brought in at night and shall not be affixed to the building or ground. Tents should be safely secured so as not to become a safety issue.
  • Outdoor lighting may be included, and must adhere to maximum foot candle amounts. Lighting should be installed in a manner so as to prevent tripping hazards.

Must submit signed agreement

Signage

  • A-frame sign permitted on sidewalks. (4 foot ADA clearance must be maintained)
    One, 32 sq. ft. banner may be installed on building to announce re-opening
  • If business is internal to a building and does not have street frontage, a banner/sign (32 sq. ft.) may be installed elsewhere on the property
  • Additional ground signage may be added to reinforce social distancing practices (e.g. one way walkways, 6’ separation reminders, etc.)

Privately Owned Master Parking & Stand Alone Restaurants

Parking spaces adjacent to building may be used to accommodate additional seating.

  • Up to 10% of required parking may be utilized for outdoor seating.
  • When possible, spaces in front of restaurant should be utilized. All drive aisles shall remain clear for traffic.
  • Spaces shall be clearly marked off for seating using cones, tapes, etc.
  • Must maintain distance separation & fire clearance requirements.
  • Hand sanitizing stations such as self- standing pumps or wall units not to block fire alarm pull stations, extinguishers or exits.
  • Tables and chairs permitted. Couches/lounge chairs not allowed.
  • Umbrellas and pop up tents (10’ x 10’ max.) shall be permitted.
    • Pop up tents must be brought in at night and shall not be affixed to the building or ground. Tents should be safely secured so as not to become a safety issue.
    • Should a larger tent be needed, owner shall work with staff (Fire, Building & Community Development) to identify potential location. All required permits will need to be obtained before installation.
  • Outdoor lighting may be included, and must adhere to maximum foot candle amounts. Lighting should be installed in a manner so as to prevent tripping hazards.

Handicap spaces must be kept open and accessible.

Must submit written approval from property owner for use of spaces.

Owner shall ensure outdoor seating areas do not conflict with drive thru/curbside pickup parking.

Signage

  • A-frame sign permitted on sidewalks. (4 foot ADA clearance must be maintained).
  • One, 32 sq. ft. banner may be installed on building to announce re-opening.
  • If business is internal to a building and does not have street frontage, a banner/sign (32 sq. ft.) may be installed elsewhere on the property.
  • Additional ground signage may be added to reinforce social distancing practices (e.g. one way walkways, 6’ separation reminders, etc.).

Contacts for more information:

Fire: 954-346-1396

Code: 954-344-5964

Zoning: 954-344-1160

Building: 954-344-1025