CAPE CORAL, Fla. — On Monday, May 11th, the Cape Coral City Council will consider a plan that could temporarily allow restaurants to expand their outdoor seating areas to previously restricted spaces.
That expansion would include the use of parking lots and additional outdoor spaces as areas for more seating, further allowing businesses to comply with CDC guidelines.
The details of the proposed regulations include:
- Different regulations for businesses that are located on City owned or controlled parking lots;
- Must comply with building and fire code requirements;
- Must comply with Department of Health requirements;
- If serving alcoholic beverages must have proper licensing from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco
- On private property, the outdoor seating area cannot exceed 25% of the restaurants required parking
- On City parking lots, the outdoor seating area cannot exceed 10 spots or 1,400 square feet (whichever is less)
- If erecting a tent or sun shelter as part of the seating they must obtain a tent permit.
Businesses are required to register with the City of Cape Coral by emailing the name, location, contact information and a description of the outdoor seating arrangements to planning@capecoral.net.
