After listening to feedback from restaurant operators, neighborhood leaders, and residents, local government leaders announced an expedited permit process that enables restaurants to temporarily expand their dining areas.
The Evansville Restaurant Relief Program will enable restaurant operators to expand their outdoor dining areas onto the existing property and public rights-of-way.
“This program will empower participating restaurants to provide a sense of normalcy and safety to their customers,” said Mayor Lloyd Winnecke.
Indoor/outdoor restaurant seating will be limited to Back on Track Indiana plan capacities (50 percent before June 14 and 75 percent beginning June 14). No application or permit fees will be charged for review or approval, although fees otherwise charged for encroachment permits or reviews are not waived by the program.
“As a local business owner, I understand the crisis’ impact on restaurants and other small businesses,” said Vanderburgh County Commissioner Jeff Hatfield. “By providing this type of relief, we’re giving our workforce tools to reopen responsibly.”
The temporary program ends after July 3 and is subject to change in the event additional protections and guidelines are put in place
Sincerely,
Chairman: Deputy Mayor Steve Schaefer
