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Purpose of the Program
The City of Bellingham’s Outdoor Dining Structure Program, which applies to streateries and parklets, is part of the Commercial Right-of-way Use program. The Commercial Right-of-Way Use program, adopted by the City in 2019, allows businesses to apply for permission to use sidewalks and parking areas for vending, cafes, food trucks and streateries. The purpose of the program is to promote vibrant street life, prioritize pedestrian use, and support local businesses.
What is a streatery?
A streatery is an outdoor dining area that is an extension of a restaurant built in the public right-of-way, including within on-street parking areas.
Getting a Permit
Before constructing Bellingham streateries, businesses must obtain permits from the Public Works Department. The permitting process involves assessing traffic impacts, accessibility, and safety. For more information, please review the Commercial Right-of-Way Use Guide.
Past Program Expansion and Updates Underway
Expansion During the Pandemic
Due to pandemic-related restaurant closures, streateries with table service were allowed to be constructed, and additional measures like overhead coverings and heating elements were permitted to support outdoor dining through the winter months. Between March 2020 and December 2022, around 30 streateries were permitted, mostly in the downtown district.
Updates Underway
In the fall of 2022, City staff collaborated with students from WWU’s College of the Environment to assess the streatery program, considering existing conditions, public opinion, design, fees, and safety. The assessment included a visual survey of streateries, an online public opinion survey, and interviews with business owners. The recommendations aim to improve the program’s fairness and functionality while continuing to support active street uses. These recommendations and a fee ordinance will be presented to City Council fall 2024. More information is available in the 2023 Streatery Report and Recommendations.
Based on that assessment, and community and business feedback, the following program updates were identified and are underway:
- Design: We have developed design guidelines, including ADA accessibility standards, open structure requirements, landscaping, and material recommendations.
- Fees: We have recommended the adoption of an annual use fee based on 8% of the average appraised land value for downtown. This update is pending review and approval by Bellingham City Council.
- Safety: We have updated safety measures that include proper spacing, accessibility, fire safety, visibility, and maintenance requirements.
Travel lanes: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a handful of streateries were allowed to temporarily utilize travel lanes. This allowance has been revoked and streateries are limited to on-street parking areas only.
