Local businesses can now apply for a permit to expand their serving space into the public right of way and parking spaces. The City created the pilot program last week with the goal of increasing capacity at local restaurants while accommodating safe physical distancing.
The outdoor café seating areas (either on the sidewalk or in an on-street parking space) are commonly referred to as “streateries” and the City created this program to add additional options to the public and support local business. Last Friday, Claim 52 worked with the City of Eugene Permit Information Center to obtain the first of these permits. Other businesses have reached out and staff are working to assist them.
"We are adapting our processes as fast as possible to help our local businesses open safely and get Eugeneans back to work,” said Sarah Medary, City Manager Pro Tem. “Using the outdoors, including sidewalks, parking stalls, and possibly streets in some areas, is a way we can work together so patrons and employees can maintain 6 feet of distance from each other.”
The City already had a process to allow sidewalk seating, but the pilot program simplifies the process, eliminates the fee, and makes it possible to spread beyond the just the sidewalk.
How to Acquire a Permit
To learn more about acquiring a permit, businesses can contact the City’s Business Help Team at bizhelp@eugene-or.gov. The Business Help Team assists employers as they seek to keep their businesses afloat by answering questions about financing options, reopening guidelines and other topics. The team is working to be flexible to meet the needs of different businesses as rules change and needs evolve.