City of New Orleans Expands Outdoor Seating Options During Phase One (5.17.2020)

The City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits announced it will temporarily suspend enforcement of off-street parking requirements for restaurants and bars with a Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) food permit and will issue temporary Sidewalk Use Permits in order to provide additional outdoor seating that is properly socially distanced.

“In Phase One, we’re still very concerned with the potential for virus spread, which is why eligible indoor establishments are limited to 25% capacity,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “However, my administration is working closely with residents and businesses to identify creative ways to expand low-risk operations, like allowing more outdoor seating than zoning and parking restrictions would normally allow. I encourage food service establishments to consider these options that could expand their ability to operate safely in Phase One.”

Off-Street Parking

The City will not enforce off-street parking requirements for restaurants and bars with LDH certification through Sept. 30, 2020, meaning that these food service establishments can use private parking areas for outdoor seating. This does not require a separate permit; however, land used must be privately owned or leased by the establishment. Use of private parking areas must still meet all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), State Fire Marshal, and any other legal requirements. Strict social distancing requirements must still be enforced in outdoor seating areas.

Temporary Sidewalk Use Permits

Safety and Permits will also issue temporary Sidewalk Use Permits valid through Sept. 30 with no permit or use fees charged. Applicants must be licensed as a restaurant or as a bar with LDH certification and must meet all applicable sidewalk use rules (City Code 154-531 et seq.). Use of sidewalk seating must still meet all ADA, State Fire Marshal, and any other legal requirements. Strict social distancing requirements must still be enforced in outdoor seating areas. Applications or questions can be submitted via email to outdoordining@nola.gov. See permit details and requirements at the One Stop Shop.

Information from https://ready.nola.gov/incident/coronavirus/city-of-new-orleans-expands-outdoor-seating-option/