The City of Menifee has created a temporary program to expand options for restaurants, and other similar businesses, to operate in outdoor settings adjacent to their businesses. The intent of the program is to allow for greater physical distancing and safety for patrons when the state’s public health orders allow restaurants and bars to resume sit-down service.
The Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit program will provide businesses an opportunity to temporarily add or expand dining areas to outdoors as a way to increase occupancy and comply with health guidelines and measures put in place by the state.
Restaurants interested in adding new outdoor dining spaces or expanding their existing space on private property can submit a no-cost “over-the-counter” temporary use permit application to the City Community Development Department with a plan for the location and how they will layout a space that accommodates customers and meets social distancing guidelines and health measures.
Businesses desiring to increase outdoor dining opportunities within privately owned property will need to ensure they receive approvals from the landlord or property owner as part of the application requirements.
Conditions for the program include the following:
- Dining areas cannot block vehicle or pedestrian traffic, or fire access.
- Temporary perimeter barriers shall surround the outdoor dining area (if location in existing parking areas) and should not exceed 36 inches.
- Dining tables must be placed to allow six-foot social distancing between groups of customers.
- Unless hours of operation are expressly extended or restricted by the permit, hours of operation for outdoor uses shall coincide with their normal hours of operation.
- Amplified sound is not allowed.
- Restaurants must comply with all applicable state and county laws and regulations pertaining to outdoor dining, including but not limited to sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, under this provision.
- Permits expire automatically 30 days after the end of the Statewide Declaration of Public Health Emergency unless terminated sooner.
- The outdoor dining area shall not interfere with access under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Expansions beyond the host building storefront/face or property boundaries will be permitted if the affected adjacent property owner(s) consent in writing to this expansion.
