Expand your seating capacity - outdoors!

The City is pleased to announce that our local restaurants can apply for a temporary permit for additional outdoor seating. Executive Order 2020-06 allows additional temporary outdoor seating in privately owned parking lots, on city sidewalks, and in limited areas where there is on-street parking spaces. We've made the application process simple and free, too.

Please remember to check with the State agencies who regulate your industry about their requirements to expand your outdoor seating.  You also need to ensure you are keeping the Governor's safe distancing guidelines intact while working out your plan. 

Questions? Call 352-523-5048 or email mromagnoli@dadecityfl.com. 

Here's the application and requirements: Temporary Outdoor Seating Application

Submit your completed application either through email to Melanie at mromagnoli@dadecityfl.com; mail it to 38020 Meridian Ave, Dade City, FL 33525; or drop it in the water bill payment dropbox at City Hall. If you mail or drop your application off, make sure the envelope is marked for permitting.

What's a Parklet or Dining Deck? That's not the only name you may hear it called. I've also seen street seats as a description. Basically, what a parklet, dining deck, or street seat is a deck on a public parking space in the street. They are typically surrounded by potted plants, creative planters, rails, even lights so that traffic can see folks sitting, resting, eating, and socializing. The City is going to pilot this program during these hard times, in limited areas. What are some of the benefits and how do I find out more information? Start here, with Smart Growth America's informational flyer. Then do some searching of images to find out what other communities have been doing. 

Here's what the Executive Order says: 

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-06
EXECUTIVE ORDER ISSUED PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 2020-02, WHICH DECLARED A STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) FOR THE CITY OF DADE CITY.

• WHEREAS, social distancing is imperative for the health of all and to reduce community exposure to COVID-19; and
• WHEREAS, the City proclaimed a local State of Emergency on March 16, 2020, due to the COVID-19 virus through Resolution 2020-02 and extended through other Executive Orders; and
• WHEREAS, the State of Florida effective May 5, 2020, will permit restaurants to serve up to 100% capacity outside as long as certain social distancing protocols are followed; and
• WHEREAS, economic recovery is important to the community at large; and
• WHEREAS, the City of Dade City Land Development Regulations provide for restaurants to serve outdoors through a site plan approval process.
• NOW, THEREFORE, the City Manager, by virtue of the power vested in me does hereby ordain:

SECTION 1 Declaration of Policy. Effective Tuesday, May 5, 2020, restaurants may apply for a temporary use permit for additional outdoor seating. Outdoor dining may be permitted on-site, in the adjacent right-of-way (sidewalks) or private parking area provided the following conditions are met: 

• The temporary seating area (area) does not take up more than 25% of required parking.
• The area, when located in a private parking lot, has been secured with screening, rope, temporary fencing/landscaping, or similar product provided it does not inhibit the free flow of pedestrian traffic.
• Approval of the property owner has been obtained, where applicable.
• All dining capacity (outdoor and indoor combined) cannot exceed the maximum occupancy of the existing location, in accordance with NFPA Life Safety Codes.
• All egress paths remain in accordance with NFPA Life Safety Codes.
• The area will not interfere with fire department access to any structure.
• Any temporary structures or coverings to be inspected in accordance with NFPA Life Safety Codes.
• No signs or advertisements shall be permitted on any outdoor furniture, including umbrellas or canopies.
• A permit has been obtained, which includes the submission of a drawing/sketch indicating the location of the temporary dining as it pertains to the restaurant, number of customers to be served, and method of securing if located in the private parking area. It will also include the submission of property ownership or landlord approval. There will be no permit fee.
• Temporary construction for parklets/dining decks will be allowed in public parking spaces on Meridian Avenue, between 8th and 7th Streets and between 6th and 5th Streets; and on 7th Street between Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd and Pineapple Avenue. Other locations will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with pedestrian and dining safety being of utter importance.  Any parklet/dining deck being proposed must coordinate with the Building Inspector for installation approvals in addition to the site plan process.
• Applications for the temporary use permits will be available from the Community and Economic Development Department through email request to mromagnoli@dadecityfl.com and posted online at www.dadecityfl.com.

SECTION 2 Separability Clause. If for any reason any section or provision of this Executive Order is declared to be invalid or unconstitutional the remaining section shall not be affected by such declaration.

SECTION 3 Repealing Clause. All Executive Orders, memoranda, and other issuances or parts thereof that conflict with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 4 Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect 8:00 a.m. May 5, 2020 and shall expire at midnight on June 30, 2020, unless otherwise renewed.