A South Coast city which was one of the first in the region to allow expanded outdoor dining during the pandemic is looking at tightening some of the rules.
The City of Santa Barbara is allowing expanded outdoor dining into 2022. But, the city is looking at proposals to improve pedestrian access, and aesthetics.
One of the biggest proposals has to do with tables on sidewalks. Bars and restaurants would no longer be able to put them on city sidewalks unless they were already permitted there before the pandemic.
No additional parklets would be allowed on city streets at this time. And, existing temporary outdoor seating areas can no longer have roofs, canopies, or tents. They can have umbrellas. The proposal also bans plastic patio chairs, and requires the outdoor dining patios to be painted with city-approved colors.
The City Council is set to look at the proposals Tuesday