Outdoor Seating

Temporary Outdoor Dining & Retail Program

On December 6, 2022 and January 17, 2023, the City Council adopted an interim urgency ordinance extending the Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail Program (initially adopted in 2020 during the pandemic). The interim urgency ordinance will expire on December 5, 2024 unless the City Council adopts a permanent ordinance prior to expiration. Please review the materials below for more information.

If you are a business owner and want to use the outdoor private and/or public space adjacent to your business, the City has created a streamlined no-fee Temporary Outdoor Dining & Retail Permit Application for three categories of outdoor dining and retail: Use of Outdoor Private Property, Use of Public Sidewalks, and Use of Public Parking Spaces. 

TEMPORARY Outdoor Seating Permit Application Guidelines

ORDINANCE NO. 2022–04 

ORDINANCE NO. 2023-01

Resolution 2020-42

Please note that this streamlined process is intended to cover non-permanent items that would not normally require a building permit. For example, tables, chairs, tents or collapsible awnings, etc. ADA requirements, building and fire codes must still be adhered to and any permanent structures or buildouts will still require permits and City approval. Please view Resolution 2020-42 for more information or contact City staff for additional guidance at community@el-cerrito.ca.us.

To learn more about City's response to COVID-19, please visit our Business Resources page at http://el-cerrito.org/1422/COVID-19-Resources-for-Local-Businesses.


Fatapples



Businesses: If you would like to designate a public parking space for curbside pick-up/take out, please contact us at community@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.
Curbside Pick Up