Medford Bringing Back Outdoor Dining Program In 2021

MEDFORD, MA — The city is opening the application process for 2021 outdoor dining. Starting Friday, March 19, and continuing on a rolling basis into May, Medford will accept applications for eligible restaurants that wish to offer outdoor dining.

The city streamlined its permitting process last year to help local businesses at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. With the assistance of Shared Streets grants from MassDOT, Medford hopes to potentially expand the program this year.

The City will accommodate as many restaurants as possible for the 2021 season, subject to a review of factors including physical location, availability of space/accommodation for neighboring businesses, accessibility, health and safety requirements, and others deemed necessary by city staff.

Regulations and guidelines are subject to change based on the latest public health data.

All restaurants interested in any kind of outdoor seating, including but not limited to full-table service, seating areas for takeout, café seating or benches, must apply through the city's outdoor dining permitting system.

All establishments must apply for a permit even if a proposed Outdoor Dining setup will take place on privately owned property. The application is available at http://bit.ly/medford-outdoor-dining21. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, as follows:

· Round 1 Deadline: April 1st | Round 1 Decision: April 16th

· Round 2 Deadline: April 15th | Round 2 Decision: April 30th

· Round 3 Deadline: April 29th | Round 3 Decision: May 14th

· Round 4 Deadline: May 13th | Round 4 Decision: May 28th

The Office of Community Development will hold webinars about the program on Thursday, March 25 and Monday, April 12:

March 25th, 2pm:

https://zoom.us/j/93055018833?pwd=YkU1TS9iaXpQRUJvZzJKdnJKd2hudz09

Meeting ID: 930 5501 8833

Passcode: 080135

Dial by your location

+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abLfdq6VJ

April 12th, 11am:

https://zoom.us/j/98546399368?pwd=UFhRK1BpYjVBb0RVRElKTC8wclZjQT09

Meeting ID: 985 4639 9368

Passcode: 208929

Dial by your location

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/addgtfRXJj

If you need assistance completing an application or have questions about the permitting process, contact Miranda Briseño in the Office of Community Development at mbriseno@medford-ma.gov or 781-393-2480. You can also make an appointment for application help at https://calendly.com/medford-ocd, or call 781-393-2480 to schedule an appointment.