Arlington Expands Outdoor Dining, Curbside Pickup Options

ARLINGTON, MA — Following the Select Board's approval of the Arlington Economic Development Recovery Task Force's recommendations June 1, the town announced Monday that a Temporary Outdoor Dining License application for expanded outdoor dining is available for local restaurants.

Town officials also established an expedited application process, internal review and issuance of approvals to allow for expanded use of public spaces for outdoor dining.

The Select Board's office will issue approvals for temporary extensions on public and private property. Applications, which can be submitted at arlingtonma.gov/permits, will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. Ali Carter, Economic Development Coordinator, is conducting outreach to Arlington's small business community to encourage restaurants to apply for this program.

The Arlington Consumer Survey showed community support for this program; of the 1,354 respondents, 68 percent indicated they do not anticipate dining inside for at least a month or more, and 89 percent supported continuing curbside pickup options during the COVID-19 crisis. Just over 84 percent of respondents said they were more likely to patronize a small business if there were more options for outdoor dining or shopping.

"The town is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during this phased reopening," Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said in a statement. "We're exploring creative solutions, like expanded sidewalk seating, conversion of on-street parking spaces, and 15-minute curbside parking, so that businesses that don’t currently have outdoor dining areas won’t be left out of the reopening."

The application process for outdoor seating opened Monday, June 15. Applications must be accompanied by a site plan for outdoor seating, along with proof of insurance. Restaurant owners can apply using an application form online or by submitting a printed application.

Town staff will review applications and forward approved proposals to the Select Board office, which will issue temporary outdoor dining licenses. Once restaurants have applied and received approval, they can immediately begin outdoor service on the sidewalks adjacent to their storefront or in the public parking spaces outside their business.

Additionally, restaurants and retail business owners will have the opportunity to request up to two dedicated 15-minute curbside pickup parking spots. The town will review these applications and designate these parking spots by June 22.

Under state reopening regulations, outdoor dining tables and chairs must be a minimum six feet apart, and tables cannot seat more than six people. Workers must wear face coverings, and patrons must wear face coverings until they are seated. In locations with park-let dining, the town requires separation between the travel lane and the dining area to protect diners. Restaurants must also identify accessible pathways along the sidewalks for pedestrian travel.

For more information, visit arlingtonma.gov/economicdevelopment or contact Ali Carter, Economic Development Coordinator in Arlington’s Department of Planning and Community Development at 781-316-3095 or acarter@town.arlington.ma.us. For all other COVID-19 updates from the Town of Arlington, please visit arlingtonma.gov/covid-19.