The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to support the local economy by giving local eateries and businesses options for providing outdoor dining and shopping experiences.
Businesses in the unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County are eligible, and must seek a simplified temporary permit from the County Planning Department. The application and a self-certification form will be available online at https://www.sccoplanning.com, with permits issued electronically and good for 180 days, with the possibility of an extension. Permit fees will be waived through the remainder of 2020.
With a temporary permit, businesses would be allowed to expand into adjacent parking lot areas so that the physical distancing and health protocols in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic can be met. Retailers and restaurateurs are eligible — however, restaurants offering outdoor alcoholic beverages will need to verify outdoor eligibility parameters and standards with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).
The Planning Department will concurrently work on establishing temporary permit standards that could offer longer timeframes for modified operations. The Board of Supervisors also directed the departments of Public Works, Parks and Environmental Health to administer encroachment permits, licenses and other procedures in ways that would allow for outdoor dining and other commercial uses on public property, such as by using portions of public parking areas including lots or roadways.
For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. Residents may also call (831) 454-4242 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week.