SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Wednesday an expansion of street closure permit options to support businesses, building on the sidewalk and curb space permits the city already offers.
>>Seattle city leaders announce free sidewalk, curb space permits to help businesses reopen
The goal of the new permits is to give restaurants and businesses more space to operate while allowing customers and others more space to move, safely following the governor’s Safe Start plan.
The city began accepting applications for the street closures Wednesday.
“We must all fight the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in our region. As we are seeing increasing cases from social gatherings and indoor dining, we can create additional opportunities for our restaurants and businesses to safely operate outdoors,” said Durkan. “Building on our successful sidewalk cafe and curb space permit pilot, we are announcing the availability of citywide street closures for businesses and communities who wish to apply.”
The new permits are available for up to six months. The Seattle Department of Transportation will be accelerating the permit review process so businesses can access this resource.
“Issuing street closure permits so Seattle can get back to business in a way that allows people to remain safe and healthy is key to an equitable economic recovery,” said Sam Zimbabwe, SDOT Director. “Staff are prioritizing street closure permit requests, offering coaching sessions, and soon we’ll have materials in multiple languages to support successful applications.”
Last month, the city also launched a series of Phase 2 reopening tool kits designed to help small businesses authorized to reopen navigate public health requirements and financial considerations.
Cox Media Group
