Durham looks to create permanent outdoor dining spaces

Durham is looking to make its outdoor dining spaces created to accommodate COVID-19 regulations permanent.

Restaurants were able to set up outdoor seating in city-owned parking spaces starting in July 2020. Those restaurants will have to move back indoors by the end of the month unless the Durham City Council votes to designate these spaces for outdoor dining permanently.

“Under the existing regulations, businesses may apply for an outdoor seating permit for up to 25% of their indoor capacity, on an adjacent sidewalk. This amendment allows these restaurants and bars to provide outdoor seating up to 50% of the indoor capacity," the ordinance said.

Most Durham residents and businesses owners say they would like to make these outdoor dining spaces permanent. A recent survey of Durham residents and visitors, conducted by Downtown Durham., Inc, showed more than 80% support using parking spaces for things other than parking.

Elizabeth Turnbull, who owns Copa Restaurant on Main Street, said having the additional space, permanently, would help her business and create jobs.

"If we can keep something similar to what we have set up now, hopefully a little bit nicer visually, it means the world of difference to us," she said. "It can mean the difference between surviving and not."

Durham Mayor Steve Schwel said that he hopes the city will be able to keep outdoor dining.

"We’ve heard from a lot of people that want outdoor dining to be made permanent in Durham," he said. "And I want outdoor dining to be made permanent in Durham."

The city plans to discuss outdoor dining in its upcoming work session on Thursday.