Outdoor Dining & Retail in the Right-Of-Way
Outdoor Dining & Retail License
Outdoor Dining & Retail License applications can now be found on OneStopPGH.
Applicant Guidance can be found here.
A business owner must apply for an Outdoor Dining & Retail License to use the public right- of-way (the sidewalk or parking lane) for their business operations. The fee for an Outdoor Dining & Retail License is $150.
What is the Outdoor Dining & Retail License?
On February 17, 2022, Mayor Ed Gainey signed Ordinance 2022-0073, which creates new standards for Outdoor Retail and Dining in the City of Pittsburgh. This change comes after The City streamlined its review process of outdoor dining and retail to accommodate COVID-19 safety measures under the emergency declaration, in order to support our business community, especially restaurants, during trying economic times.
These new standards guidelines give authority to the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI), through the issuance of licenses, to permits the use of portion(s) of the public right-of-way for food and retail services. The new Outdoor Dining and Retail License streamlines regulations, standards, and procedures for outdoor dining or retail activities to better serve our business community while also putting into place new expectations for license holders to maintain accessibility, appearance, safety and maintenance a part of the privilege for the use of public space.
This guidance applies to the public ROW under the stewardship of DOMI. It does not extend to any public lot, park, other public property, or private property. Other approvals from the City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI), Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), or others may still be required. Other permits and licenses referenced in this document are not comprehensive.
Applications for retail display with four (4) seats or fewer under this subsection shall be exempt from site plan requirements of this chapter as long as they can demonstrate that they meet all requirements in Placement and Design Requirements for Use of Sidewalk in § 425.03.
Important Resources
Required Application Information
- OneStopPGH registration
- Business name and address
- Hours of operation
- Site Plan (see requirements on page 10)
- Three photos of the proposed Outdoor Dining & Retail area
- Certificate of Occupancy for the business
- Certificate of Insurance
- Signed Terms and Conditions
Lawrenceville Outdoor Dining Grant Program
Statement Purpose
The Outdoor Dining Grant Program provides grant funding to business district supporting organizations or community development corporations (like LC) in the City of Pittsburgh to allocate towards outdoor infrastructure that allows restaurant activity to occur safely outdoors in preventing or mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 virus on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.
Program Funding
The Outdoor Dining Grant Program is funded through an allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI).
Eligibility
Bar; Bar & Restaurant; Restaurant; Cafe/Coffee Shop businesses located in Lawrenceville. Businesses that are supported through this grant must have been in operation prior to March 31, 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible activities include:
- Allowing outdoor dining to occur outdoors on a permanent scale to promote economic activity following the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Funds can be utilized to build-out infrastructure for outdoor dining along the public right of way and private property where applicable, with the purpose of preventing or mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 virus;
- Street closure, parking space utilization and sidewalk space are all eligible spaces for outdoor dining infrastructure to be established through this funding;
- Design/Architect fees can be paid for through this grant;
- Businesses supported through this grant program must have been in existence prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, March 31, 2020.
- Businesses must provide a 20% match.
Eligible purchases include:
- Outdoor tables and chairs
- Umbrellas
- Planters
- Paint
- Winterization
- Lighting
Parameters of the Grant
Grants are distributed via reimbursements. Meaning you have to provide the funds upfront upon being awarded the grant, then you’ll be reimbursed by the organization via check. Materials cannot be purchased before notification of being selected as an awardee.
Tier 1 – $1-$5,000
Tier 2 – $5,000-$10,000
Once awarded:
Businesses will pay for all costs upfront.
Submit receipts for approval to LC.
LC will reimburse the business after receiving funds from the URA.
Timeline
July 24th, 2023 – Application opens
September 8th, 2023 – Application closes
September/October 2023 – Awardees announced
Reporting
Businesses must submit receipts for any purchases; track and submit net sales quarterly based on when awarded the grant money [up to a full year]; fill out any demographic data requested by LC.
Technical Assistance
Toole Design will be available for businesses to assist with applying for permits, planning out infrastructure design, and answering questions throughout the duration of the program.
Notification
LC reserves the right to:
- Reject any and all applications.
- Announce all loan commitments publicly.
Additional Information
For additional information, please contact Abi Gildea at abi@lawrencevillecorp.com; 412-621-1616×102.
