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OROVILLE — Outdoor sidewalk dining is coming to downtown, and business owners are happy about it.
“I think it’s great,” said Brian Wong, owner of Ton Fong Lo and Union restaurants, as well as Paris City Hall. “The whole point of this is that it gives people a sense of community and allows them to interact openly with their friends and community. You become more open, you connect more, you support more community. That’s what it’s all about. .”
The Oroville City Council unanimously passed a new outdoor sidewalk dining ordinance during its Jan. 4 regular meeting.
“It’s essential to the downtown business district,” Mayor Dave Pittman said.
The ordinance targets the historic commercial district bounded by High Street, Oliver Street, Arlynne Memorial Drive and Oak Street. New regulations also include “gateway sites,” defined as the area from the intersection of Montgomery Street and Feather River Boulevard to Purple Line Urban Winery and Bedrock Park, with an eye toward future development. included in.
Community Development Director Patrick Piatt said the impetus for the ordinance came as a result of the temporary ability to move dining outdoors during the coronavirus pandemic, but there were no formal zoning regulations. said.
“This codifies that restaurants can have outdoor dining,” Piatt said. “Permits are still required, some of which are costly, and some of which are not.”
Gracie Stewart, owner of children’s clothing store Tiny High Knees and manager of Provisions Restaurant on Montgomery Street, said her restaurant is already working with the city to obtain the necessary permits to take advantage of the new ordinance. He said he was doing it.
“I think it’s a positive thing and we’re excited about it,” Stewart said. “That’s good. We’re going to try it out to see what we can get out of it and how it can help us grow our business.”
Stewart said Provisions has a “beautiful patio dining area” in the back of the restaurant, but some people may enjoy sitting in the front instead of “people-watching,” especially when the weather is nice. She said there may be “some tables” on the sidewalk, especially during the summer when the restaurant serves cornhole at its First Friday event.
Outside Unicorn Ice Cream and Treats on Myers Street, a city bench provides owner Chris Lytle with an outdoor spot for his customers to sit, the first time he’s been outdoors since it opened in 2021. There’s also a small table and a few chairs set up, and Lytle said he’s “very excited.” ” about the new ordinance, and “I’m glad outdoor dining is now legal downtown, even though most customers are walking around eating ice cream.”
Other downtown restaurant owners also think the new outdoor restaurant code will benefit their businesses.
“I think this is going to be great for the community and all the businesses downtown will benefit. People are going to love it,” said Byrd Street Vendors owner and Downtown Business Association president. said board member Lori Summers. “I think it’s going to bring more people downtown and bring in more revenue. Instead of taking drinks and food to go, they’re going to sit outside and see what’s going on and what other stores are out there. They will take the option to look around, take a break, and refuel for more shopping.”
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