Survey Finds Support for Streamlined Permitting Process and Minimal Fees for Outdoor Dining

Survey results reveal positive feedback for outdoor dining setups amid municipal ordinance changes

By Sam Catanzaro

Last week we asked readers for their feedback on outdoor dining setups that many restaurants shifted to during the pandemic. We conducted this survey amid a backdrop of municipalities – including Santa Monica and LA – passing and proposing ordinances that require new permit applications and fees for restaurants hoping to maintain their outdoor dining.

Here are the results.

The first question we asked was “Have you enjoyed the expanded outdoor dining options that many restaurants shifted to during the pandemic? In total, we collected 405 responses with 91 percent answering “Yes”.

Next, we asked, “Do you think expanded outdoor dining should be a permanent