Eugene streamlines "streatery" application process

The temporary application process is now free.

Way for restaurants in eugene to serve a few more customers.

They can now apply to be "streateries"..

Kezi 9 news reporter emma jerome joins us live to explain how they're similar to outdoor seating you might be used to, but with some adjustments.

Emma.

That's right renee, what's different about this new option is now businesses who neighbor public rights of way like sidewalks or even parking lots can apply to place seating there..

The idea is to promote social distancing while increasing the number of people they can serve.

The application isn't even up online yet, but businesses can reach out to the city directly if they are interested.

The city has had a process for approving businesses to allow seating in these public spaces for a while now but what this adjustment does is make it easier to apply and waive all fees.

This is a temporary change... that will only last until the end of october but people are already taking advantage of the change and say it feels good to meet again.

("i actually enjoy it.

Everyone gets tired of doing the work and then getting home and not being able to do anything so it's nice to see people and even talk to them from 10 feet away) the process for getting approved is case-by-case.

There is no umbrella rule that restaurants can meet and then just decide to place seating in these spaces.

But, we know the requirements include keeping the sidewalk clear..

Allow pedestrians to be pedestrians.... and if they plan to use street parking spaces to place seating, they have to make sure customers aren't in danger of being hit by a car.

I spoke with business owners who said the time it took from starting the application to serving people outdoors was less than a few hour process.

In the next hour hear more about that process reporting live in eugene emma