Williamsburg City Council voted Thursday on a new ordinance which would continue to allow restaurants to serve their customers outside during the coronavirus.
“As we entered into Phase 1, we very quickly tried to adapt our zoning code to allow for expanded outdoor seating,” City Manager Andrew Trivette said during the City Council meeting. “We wanted to be as flexible and as nimble as possible so that the restaurants in the city could take advantage of that.”
The special events permits will allow temporary outdoor seating until July 31, or until the restaurants are allowed to open their indoor dining areas 100 percent.
The following streets affected by the permits: Duke of Gloucester Street from Boundary to Henry streets, Prince George Street from Armistead Avenue to the entrance to P3 Parking Lot located next to the Goodwin Building and Prince George Street from Armistead to Boundary streets, according to the ordinance.
Previously, Trivette released temporary zoning guidance and special permits so restaurants could offer outdoor dining and curbside pick-up.
The new ordinance is an extension of his actions.
“This is geared towards those special event permits,” Trivette said. “The tables and chairs on Duke of Gloucester Street that were purchased by the city are public seating and public right of way that don’t require a permit.”
Trivette also will give more rules to restaurants and customers as well as create a plan when the farmers market reopens, according to the ordinance.
“The City Manager shall issue rules and regulations regarding the use of the dining areas by adjacent restaurants and diners, and shall develop a plan for accommodating the farmers market when the market reopens.”
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