San Rafael Extends Outdoor Dining Permits Through November 2022

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Outdoor dining in San Rafael isn’t going anywhere for a long time.

City officials Wednesday approved an extension of San Rafael’s COVID Outdoor Dining program through at least November 30, 2022.

“The City and elected officials listened to the restaurant community and heard from them that the significant capital investment of building a semi-permanent structure was only worthwhile if restaurants were allowed to continue to operate in the space for an additional year beyond the original November 1, 2021 expiration date the City initially provided,” city officials said in a statement.

Restaurants that already have a valid permit for their semi-permanent outdoor dining area do not need to take any action — the expiration date in their valid permit will be automatically updated, city officials said.

Any restaurant considering building a semi-permanent outdoor dining area in a parking lane must submit an application online on the city's COVID Outdoor Dining program webpage.

City officials over the next six months will consider the criteria for extending some outdoor dining "parklets" permanently.

A list of San Rafael restaurants currently offering outdoor dining are that have been approved to do so can be viewed here.