Oklahoma City Streamlines ‘Streatery’ Approval Process For Temporary Outdoor Restaurant, Bar Seating

Press release from the City of Oklahoma City:

June 24, 2020

The City of Oklahoma City has created a streamlined process for bars and restaurants to obtain the necessary permit for a “streatery”, as demand increases for temporary outdoor seating.

A streatery (street + eatery) uses on-street parking spaces adjacent to a business to allow for outdoor seating where sidewalk or patio space is not available or not practical. Unlike the similar “parklet,” which is available for use by anyone just like a public park, streatery space is specifically reserved for customers of the associated establishment.

The City will administratively review streatery applications through the normal application process for a revocable permit issued by the Public Works Director. Creating well-defined criteria for use in an existing administrative process makes it easier for businesses to quickly adapt to increasing demand for outdoor, socially distant seating space during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Generally speaking, businesses within the city limits of Oklahoma City can use two on-street parallel parking spaces or three angled spaces for their streatery. Solid barriers (like planters or wood construction at least 3 feet tall) must separate the streatery from other parking spaces and the street. The streatery must also be ADA-compliant.

The permit will allow streateries to be temporarily located in the public right-of-way until Dec. 30. The permit holder will be responsible for maintaining the streatery, including daily cleaning, maintenance and pest control and for coordinating and paying for removal by or before the permit expiration date. Evidence of liability insurance for a minimum coverage of $1 million naming the City of Oklahoma City as an additional insured is also required for approval.

Business owners may request reimbursement for expenses related to their streatery from the City’s Coronavirus Relief Fund Business Support Program, which is administered by The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.

Find the full guidelines and requirements here, and a link to the revocable permit application here. Links are also available in the News & Information section of the Public Works Department website at okc.gov/pw.

This press release was produced by the City of Oklahoma City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.