Outdoor dining throughout San Diego may stick around a while. (City of San Diego)
Outdoor dining, San Diego

‘Spaces as Places’

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

It looks as though the City of San Diego listened to droves of consumers who expressed fondness for the hundreds of outdoor dining spaces that restaurants created at the start of the pandemic. What were temporary permits to build them as an emergency response to the crisis can soon become eligible for permanent status.

Starting Jan. 6, restaurateurs may apply for the new, permanent permits based on several models and safety requirements put forth by the city. Applicants must do so by July 13, 2022, which is when the temporary permits expire.