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District of Columbia

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 3, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in the District of Columbia, we recommend that you visit D.C.'s COVID-19 Recovery Resources or Food Resources.

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Description of Program and Relief

Reimagining Outdoor Space: Restaurants and Retail

The District of Columbia’s stay at home order was lifted on May 29, 2020. As part of the District’s Phase One reopening, outdoor spaces can be transformed in the following ways:

  • Restaurants can convert sidewalk space, alleys, parking lanes and travel lanes into parklets and outdoor dining seating.

  • Community organizations (specifically, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, Main Street Organizations, or Business Improvement Districts) can turn an entire block face of parking or travel lane(s) into streateries; and parts of an alley or other public space into dining plazas.

  • Retailers can use outdoor space for curbside pickup and delivery.

Government or Lead Agency

District of Columbia’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ARBA), DC Health

Dates Available

All permits for outdoor seating and pick-up/drop-off are currently set to expire on July 24, 2020, but could be extended.

New and expanded outdoor locations approved by ARBA may be used through midnight, October 25, 2020.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Restaurants not adding new or expanding existing outdoor space can begin immediately. No registration is required. Restaurants expanding or adding new outdoor sidewalk seating must first register online and can then start immediately on the sidewalk space outside of the pedestrian clear path once registration is completed, but need to apply for a public space permit within five days. Parklets and streateries must register and then get approved for a public space permit before can they can begin.

Businesses must follow any applicable Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration guidelines.

Businesses must meet physical distancing and safeguard measures that generally include minimum buffers of four and six feet between pedestrians/customers and seating area/tables.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

For more information about ARBA’s new and expanded outdoor dining guidance, please contact ARBA’s licensing division via email.

List of Additional Information

For more details, please visit click here, here, and here.

For new and expanded outdoor dining FAQs, visit this website.

For more information about selling and serving alcoholic beverages in new and expanded outdoor dining seating, please visit this website.

Click here to register if you are requesting new or expanded outdoor space.

To apply for a public space permit, visit this website after completing your registration.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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