Overview
- The council approved an emergency bill Tuesday night reducing the per‑square‑foot charge from $20 to $15 and granting added flexibility on design requirements.
- The emergency changes will be in effect for 225 days, providing a buffer for longer‑term policy decisions.
- Permanent streatery rules took effect Monday, but DDOT says active enforcement will not begin until early next year.
- Restaurant owners report annual costs could reach $15,000 to $24,000 under the permanent program, prompting some to remove their outdoor setups.
- City data cited by officials show only 67 of nearly 140 businesses have applied for new permits, and 38 have requested help to dismantle their streateries.