City of New Orleans Extends Outdoor Seating Options Through End of 2020 (9.04.2020)

The City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits has announced it will extend through the end of 2020 its temporary suspension of enforcement of off-street parking requirements for restaurants and bars with a Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) food permit and will continue to issue Sidewalk Use Permits in order to provide additional outdoor seating that is properly socially distanced.

The City will not enforce off-street parking requirements for restaurants and bars with this Louisiana Department of Health certification through Dec. 31, 2020, meaning that these food service establishments can use private parking areas for outdoor seating. This does not require a separate permit; however, land used must be privately owned or leased by the establishment. Use of private parking areas must still meet all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), State Fire Marshal, and any other legal requirements. Strict social distancing requirements must still be enforced in outdoor seating areas.

Safety and Permits will also issue temporary Sidewalk Use Permits valid through Dec. 31, 2020, with no permit or use fees charged. Applicants must be licensed as a restaurant or as a bar with LDH certification and must meet all applicable sidewalk use rules (City Code 154-531 et seq.). Use of sidewalk seating must still meet all ADA, State Fire Marshal, and any other legal requirements. Strict social distancing requirements must still be enforced in outdoor seating areas. Applications or questions can be submitted via email to outdoordining@nola.gov. See permit details and requirements at the One Stop Shop.