More outdoor dining options could open up in Springfield in the coming days.
Springfield City Council is expected to vote Monday night on two emergency bills. They would ease requirements for outdoor dining spaces during the economic recovery period from COVID-19.
One bill would suspend enforcement of the parking ratios for restaurants. That would allow the use of restaurant parking lots as outdoor dining spaces during the mayor’s declaration of civil emergency.
The other bill would waive the application fees for encroachment permits in the Downtown Springfield and Commercial Street Community Improvement Districts for sidewalk cafes through November 30. It would also modify the insurance requirement for sidewalk cafes during the civil emergency.
The public is invited to speak about the bills Monday night, but you have to sign up by 5 p.m. Sunday, May 31, by calling (417) 864-1651 or emailing acotter@springfieldmo.gov.
Learn more here.
