WW streateries are subject of code amendments

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council adopted amendments to their municipal code in relation to streateries and sidewalk seating. In the spring of 2021 Walla Walla developed a pilot program for streateries. Surveys conducted by the city in 2021 showed that majority of downtown businesses and residents supported the streateries.

During a December 2023 work session, the council directed city staff to return with proposed code amendments for the streateries, which were presented at last week’s meeting.

Eating establishments in downtown Walla Walla began offering outdoor dining in response to restrictions placed on indoor dining during the pandemic. Federal funding for COVID-19 allowed the city to provide $15,000 in grants to restaurants to construct streateries, which are outdoor dining locations in parking areas adjacent to the establishments. Walla Walla County provided an additional $15,000 in grants.

The standards brought to council included defining streateries as outdoor dining areas, similar to permitting for sidewalk seating. The amendments allow for sidewalk seating and streateries. The number of streateries would be limited to eight, which is the current number of streateries in downtown Walla Walla. The permits would be on an annual basis. The fee would be $250 for a streatery, sidewalk seating, or both if an establishment so chooses.

“The ordinance provides for 90 days from adoption of the ordinance to be compliant with the operational standards, and then until the end of the year to be compliant with standard plans that require construction,” said Deputy City Manager Preston Frederickson who made the presentation to council.

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Elkhorn Media Group