City of Santa Fe issued the following announcement on June 10.
Santa Fe’s dining scene is deservedly celebrated around the world, but events of recent months have changed the dining landscape and left many establishments struggling. Now the city is looking at ways to help restaurants reopen safely and expand their footprints into sidewalk and street space. The result could be a more pedestrian-friendly, fun and exciting landscape, whether near the downtown or further afield in different neighborhoods.
Under current State of New Mexico restrictions, restaurants are allowed to resume indoor seating at 50 percent maximum occupancy effective June 1. Bar and counter seating are still prohibited; to be served, customers must be seated at tables positioned at least 6 feet apart, per the amended emergency public health order, among other required and recommended COVID-Safe Practices.
By allowing restaurants to expand their outdoor footprint they can serve more patrons, and in the process create a more vibrant Santa Fe streetlife ambience.
“Santa Fe continues to innovate and experiment in response to the economic impacts of Covid-19,” said Mayor Webber. “We’ll partner with restaurants, hotels, all parts of our tourism and hospitality industry across the city to get businesses going and people working. We’ll keep The Santa Fe Promise: safe, open, together.”
“Our unique restaurants have made Santa Fe an internationally acclaimed dining destination,” said Randy Randall, Director of Tourism. “They are an integral part of our history, social scene and economy and this is one more way we can support them; to add to their dining space as they continue to provide jobs, and a world-class dining experience for locals and visitors alike.”
Applications for expanded outdoor dining will be considered on a case by case basis and can include some of the following options:
· $100 permit fee required by City Ordinance charged only if a permit is issued
· Sidewalk dining directly in front of the establishment, 5’ pedestrian walkway required
· Use of parking space directly in front of establishment, cannot be major artery or speed limit over 25
· Serving alcohol would require additional permit
· Extra out door space cannot exceed 25% of their currently licensed floor plan
· 3’ rigid fence around the service space
· “Right of Way” permit would make the space available through Labor Day weekend with an option to renew until the end of October
All street situations are different with each restaurant location, so these options may not be a possible in all situations. The City will review each application based on its unique set of circumstances.
The city will also work with restaurants to use private parking areas to the extent possible if they have the support of the landlord or private parking owner. This is a land use issue and the City will use maximum flexibility in reviewing every request.
Finally, the City is working with New Mexico Alcoholic Beverage Control to determine how the restaurant’s floor plan can be most easily expanded (up to 25% of the current licensed area) to allow extension of any alcoholic beverage service that is offered.
Original source can be found here.
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