Policies to help businesses impacted by COVID-19 crisis will be extended in Carpinteria

CARPINTERIA, Calif. - The Carpinteria City Council is set to extend the COVID-19 emergency ordinance through the end of the year, as a way to help struggling businesses.

The City Council report shows no major complaints to the policies allowing for more outside dining, patios and a relaxation of certain rules and fees due to the pandemic.

The Downtown Business Advisory Board in the city has been working closely with the owner on the program, and possibly keeping it in place permanently.

Governor Gavin Newsom has said he is hoping to have the state fully reopened by mid-June.

That could mean the end of some emergency actions but Carpinteria officials say they want to help businesses with their recovery through December 31, 2021 with this extension.

A city report says:

The City's COVID-19 Outdoor Business Permit program allows businesses to apply for
and receive permits to operate certain business activities on a temporary basis within
City street right-of-way and on private outdoor areas such as parking lots and drive
aisles. The program began operating March of 2020 and 28 permits have been issued
to date; 19 for private property locations and nine for street right-of-way locations.
Permits have been issued for seven churches, 14 restaurants, bars/breweries/wineries,
and seven personal service businesses, e.g., gyms, barbers/salons. Twelve permit
holders responded to an informal City survey and all responded that the program has
been successful and wish for it to be extended.