SEATTLE — Outdoor dining is sticking around a while longer in Seattle as the city is extending its free outdoor dining permit program through Jan. 31, 2023.
Mayor Bruce Harrell signed legislation Tuesday to extend the Safe Start Program, which simplifies the process of applying for the permits and waives application fees.
Safe Start permits were originally set to expire May 31, 2022.
“Last year between supply chain, labor and the cost of lumber, it really wasn’t feasible for us,” said Charli Anthe, the co-owner of Moshi Moshi Sushi & Izakaya in Ballard. “But we are looking at being able to do it for the upcoming season, which we’re really excited about.”
Councilmember Dan Strauss, who sponsored the legislation, says the extension is part of a “pathway to permanence” for outdoor dining and will give the Seattle Department of Transportation time to come up with a permanent plan.
“The permits will cost money and there will be design regulations and size regulations, etc. and we want to make sure we are setting up small businesses to succeed with their entrepreneurial spirit,” said Strauss.
SDOT expects to have a draft proposal of a permanent plan by this spring.
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