Seattle is one step closer to making 'streateries' permanent

Seattle’s “streateries” were the city’s answer to help restaurants survive the pandemic while protecting public health: the city waived permits and fees to allow businesses to use sidewalks and curbside space.

Now, the city council is one step closer to making its café street program permanent.

Taylor McAtee was among the many Seattle business owners who built an outside seating area for his brewery in Greenwood. It was meant to be temporary, but he recently tore that down for a permanent structure.

“Some people in the community are never really going to feel comfortable about coming into a crowded restaurant and prefer the health benefits that these street cafes offer,” McAtee said.

Seattle’s streatery program was designed to be temporary; it’s set to expire in January. But the city council has been working on a long-term solution.

On Tuesday, the council’s transportation committee approved legislation that includes a fee structure for outdoor dining permits. For example, restaurants could pay more than $1,200 in issuance fees to cover expenses like lost parking space and the cost of reviewing their sidewalk setups. Other additions would be extra.

“I’ve been waiting for this day, even before I thought I would run for office,” said Councilmember Dan Strauss, who sponsored the ordinance. “I have wanted to see us have more vibrant street space by using entrepreneurial spirit of our small businesses.”

The full council will vote on the new program and fee structure next week.