City Approves Outdoor Seating for Small Eateries

Hermosa restaurants, bakeries and snack shops housed on private property are now allowed to offer outdoor dining to customers.

The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance this week that will designate outdoor seating areas for these small eateries housed within local shopping centers or strip malls, such as Jamba Juice and Pick Up Stix.

A number of these businesses have been providing outdoor seating in the past without a permit (see accompanying images).

"Currently the code only allows this type of outdoor seating with a conditional use permit," Community Development director Ken Robertson said at a City Council meeting on Tuesday. 

But now, this new amendment to the city's private property zoning code includes allowance for up to 13 chairs and tables to be used for dining outside of the businesses.

The ordinance does not allow for alcohol or music in the seating area. And the new seating cannot obstruct pedestrian traffic or parking.