Council Adopts Modified Outdoor Dining Ordinance Allowing Outdoor Dining in Public Right of Way

The City Council conducted the second reading of an ordinance on Monday that would modify the city’s municipal code to permit outdoor dining in the public right-of way.

Previously the code provided for the use of public walkways for sidewalk dining with an appropriate permit. The code also set forth a notice and hearing process for the issuance of sidewalk dining permits.

“This ordinance implements and codifies modifications to Chapter 12.13 to permit outdoor dining in the public right-of-way, including on-street, which can improve the business environment and enhance the quality of life for Pasadena residents so long as such use is not inconsistent with the underlying dedication for public right-of-way, does not impede travel and does not interfere with the rights of adjoining property owners,” according to a city staff report.

The modified ordinance further deletes the provisions for notice and hearing of sidewalk dining permits.

Pasadena instituted outdoor dining along sidewalks, alleys and portions of barricaded streets in May 2020 after it passed an amendment to its local emergency declaration relating to restaurants and retail businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the City set a fee schedule, permit fees were waived in support of local businesses suffering the pandemic’s impact.