Goleta City Council approves outdoor restaurant dining program

GOLETA, Calif. - Goleta will now have more dining options available thanks to a new program allowing restaurants to expand their outdoor spaces.

Goleta restaurants are in need of additional space to serve customers now that they are allowed to reopen under Stage 2 of the State’s reopening plan and County RISE Guide.

On June 2, the Goleta City Council voted to suspend zoning and development permit requirements for open-air spaces and parking lots on private property and adopt an emergency expansion on restaurant dining. 

This will help restaurants to re-open safely, meet physical distancing and public health standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte said, “We are so pleased that some of our restaurants in Goleta will be able to expand their dining area to accommodate more customers. We encourage you to support our local restaurants by dining there or by continuing to order #GoletaToGo.”

Other specified uses that would be allowed to expand outdoors include retail sales, fitness and yoga classes, and faith-organizations.

Restaurants and other uses that want to expand into adjacent, open-air spaces do not need a permit, but must meet certain requirements.

For those wanting to expand into private parking lots, the business must also meet certain requirements and obtain a Temporary Use Area Expansion Permit from the City.

For more information, contact the Planning and Environmental Review Zoning Counter at 805-961-7543.