Supporting Our Coastal Restaurants

As efforts to make al fresco dining permanent across the City progressed over the past year, many restaurants in the Coastal Zone faced challenges due to complex and costly coastal parking and permitting requirements.

This week, Councilwoman Traci Park successfully secured nearly a million dollars in funding to assist coastal restaurants in Council District 11 with making their outdoor patios permanent. During the pandemic, the City’s Al Fresco program served as a vital lifeline for local businesses, helping them remain open and supporting workers financially.

As the City transitions to a permanent al fresco dining program, coastal restaurants have encountered significant obstacles due to stringent state regulations and fees that can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. To address this issue, Councilwoman Park has led efforts to support coastal restaurants by subsidizing their permit application costs.