Solana Beach, January 19, 2026
The Solana Beach City Council has passed the second reading of Ordinance 533, designed to enhance outdoor dining and streamline the approval process for local businesses. This ordinance focuses on safety, accessibility, and maintaining the coastal charm of the area while supporting small businesses and boosting the local economy. With the implementation of new guidelines, outdoor dining spaces in Solana Beach are expected to provide a better experience for residents and visitors alike.
Solana Beach Approves Second Reading of Outdoor Dining Ordinance
Solana Beach, California – The Solana Beach City Council has approved the second reading of Ordinance 533, updating regulations for outdoor dining and sidewalk cafés. This ordinance aims to streamline the approval process for outdoor dining establishments and enhance the dining experience for residents and visitors.
Key Provisions of Ordinance 533
- Streamlined Approval Process: The ordinance introduces a more efficient procedure for businesses to obtain permits for outdoor dining, reducing bureaucratic delays and encouraging economic growth.
- Enhanced Safety Measures: New guidelines have been established to ensure that outdoor dining areas are safe for patrons and pedestrians, including specific requirements for spacing and accessibility.
- Design Standards: The ordinance sets forth aesthetic standards to maintain the city’s coastal charm, ensuring that outdoor dining areas complement the existing urban landscape.
Background and Community Impact
In October 2023, the City Council presented a draft of Ordinance 533, seeking feedback from the community and local businesses. The council’s objective was to support small businesses and aid economic recovery by providing greater flexibility for property owners in the Central Commercial Zone. This includes relaxing parking standards for retail, personal service, and restaurant uses, as well as reducing the parking ratio for restaurants from 11 spaces per 1,000 square feet to 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet. Additionally, the ordinance provides a parking exemption for restaurants to operate one accessory food or beverage cart on private property and offers some exemptions from required parking for outdoor dining spaces.
The approval of Ordinance 533 is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy by attracting more visitors and encouraging residents to dine out, thereby supporting the hospitality industry in Solana Beach.
Next Steps
With the second reading approved, the ordinance is set to take effect in the coming weeks. Businesses interested in establishing or expanding outdoor dining areas are encouraged to review the new regulations and submit applications accordingly. The City of Solana Beach remains committed to fostering a vibrant and welcoming community for all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Ordinance 533?
Ordinance 533 is a new regulation approved by the Solana Beach City Council that updates the approval process and standards for outdoor dining and sidewalk cafés, aiming to streamline permits and enhance safety and aesthetics for outdoor dining establishments.
When will Ordinance 533 take effect?
The ordinance is set to take effect in the coming weeks following its approval. Businesses interested in establishing or expanding outdoor dining areas should review the new regulations and submit applications accordingly.
How does Ordinance 533 affect local businesses?
The ordinance is expected to positively impact local businesses by providing a more efficient approval process for outdoor dining, thereby encouraging economic growth and attracting more visitors to Solana Beach.
What are the key provisions of Ordinance 533?
Key provisions include a streamlined approval process for outdoor dining permits, enhanced safety measures for patrons and pedestrians, and design standards to maintain the city’s coastal charm.
How can businesses apply for outdoor dining permits under the new ordinance?
Businesses interested in establishing or expanding outdoor dining areas should review the new regulations and submit applications to the City of Solana Beach as per the updated guidelines.
Key Features of Ordinance 533
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Streamlined Approval Process | Introduces a more efficient procedure for businesses to obtain permits for outdoor dining, reducing bureaucratic delays and encouraging economic growth. |
| Enhanced Safety Measures | Establishes guidelines to ensure that outdoor dining areas are safe for patrons and pedestrians, including specific requirements for spacing and accessibility. |
| Design Standards | Sets forth aesthetic standards to maintain the city’s coastal charm, ensuring that outdoor dining areas complement the existing urban landscape. |
| Parking Exemptions | Provides a parking exemption for restaurants to operate one accessory food or beverage cart on private property and offers some exemptions from required parking for outdoor dining spaces. |
| Reduced Parking Ratio | Reduces the parking ratio for restaurants from 11 spaces per 1,000 square feet to 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet, offering greater flexibility for property owners in the Central Commercial Zone. |
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