MODESTO OPENAIR INITIATIVE
The City has launched the Modesto OpenAir Temporary Outdoor Dining Initiative. This initiative is in response to Governor Newsom’s July 1, 2020 and Stanislaus County Public Health order of July 13, 2020 prohibiting indoor food service. Restaurants may use this opportunity to expand seating outdoors to remain open while mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
The City has worked with urgency to formally allow our small business owners to stay open, while remaining compliant with all local, state, and federal requirements.
Modesto’s OpenAir program will temporarily replace existing encroachment policies, eliminate fees, and expedite restaurant applications to expand seating outdoors on Public Rights of Way (ROW) or on private property.
While City staff learns to adapt to smaller budgets and accept additional workloads—staff is committed to service, and will review applications within three (3) businesses days from submission. This initiative is subject to change, and expires when the local emergency declaration is lifted or if stricter shelter-in-place orders become effective. More Info
