The city of La Mesa is updating their Outdoor Dining Ordinances in an effort to continue to support local businesses. 

On Sept. 19, City Council held an informal outreach session to discuss updates and gather community input on the outdoor dining review process. 

City of La Mesa Communications Manager Grecia Aguilar explained that “Many businesses in La Mesa appreciate outdoor dining and several new establishments have shown interest in applying for permits to permit outdoor seating.” 

The objectives of the Outdoor Dining Update include but are not limited to expanding outdoor dining opportunities for restaurants citywide, creating a streamlined review process, addressing potential impacts, and creating consistent standards to maintain public health and safety. 

Currently, as indicated by the Community Development Department, “Outdoor dining areas are permitted as an accessory use associated with a legally permitted restaurant, bar or cocktail lounge in commercial zones. This provision does not apply to sidewalk cafes located within the public right-of-way.” 

The City of La Mesa’s website explains that sidewalk cafes — areas of a restaurant that are extended onto a public sidewalk for dining — are currently allowed in public right-of-way areas with a Site Development Plan application for restaurants located in the Downtown Commercial zone.”

When asked about outdoor dining, Mayor Mark Arapostathis said that “Outdoor dining is a great option for qualifying restaurants that want to offer patrons the chance to sit outside. It also provides businesses with the opportunity for additional seating. As long as businesses adhere to the ordinance, outdoor dining benefits both them and the city.” 

John Bedlion, owner of Johnny B’s, explained that he offers outdoor dining — as his customers often prefer to dine outside when possible. 

“I think the City of La Mesa should expand all of the options for outdoor dining on public property,” Bedlion said. “It would make it more equitable for all of the restaurants that have the room to expand. The bump outs on the street corners in the Village should be eligible for dining expansion.”

La Mesa Village Association Vice President Michelle Huey shared that for most restaurants and eateries in the Village, utilizing outdoor dining is common, especially since Covid-19. “Many, if not most, diners request outdoor seating over indoor seating,” she said.

Curbside Eatery & Drinkery has utilized a Covid-19 temporary outside dining permit since 2020, according to General Manager and Owner Brenda Leek. 

“Outside dining is the most [popularly] requested seating area, when the weather is comfortable,” Leek said. “We’re still in a temporary permit, therefore it’s always a challenge keeping our guests within the invisible boundaries of maintaining the required 5-foot right of walkway for the pedestrians. Once the permit is granted, I will redesign the seating arrangements within the allowed fencing perimeter.”  

The City of La Mesa’s website and social media pages will be posting updates on engagement events and future project deliverables. 

More information on current policies can be found at https://library.municode.com/ca/la_mesa/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT18STSI_CH18.18SICA.

Photo credit: City of La Mesa