This emergency bill amends District of Columbia law to adjust the Streatery Program, which governs outdoor dining and other public-space restaurant uses. It lowers the annual public space rental fee for a streatery permit to no more than $15 per square foot, delays enforcement of the Streatery Guidelines and related rules until no sooner than January 15, 2026, and states a District policy of promoting streateries as a beneficial use of public space that supports local businesses and a more vibrant dining scene.
The bill also gives the Public Space Committee limited authority to waive certain program requirements if the waiver would not create an undue risk to pedestrians or other roadway users. Those requirements include spacing from curb cuts, driveways, alleys, and trees; limits on enclosure height and vertical supports; and maximum seating capacity. If a permit holder receives such an exception, the holder must seek renewal through the Public Space Committee every two years. In addition, the bill amends the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Amendment Act of 2016 to require that one designated roadway corridor include the 2000-2400 blocks of 18th Street NW in Ward 1, and it adds streatery and curbside-space recommendations to the corridor-design process.
Impact
The bill temporarily changes District transportation and public-space permitting rules by reducing streatery fees, postponing enforcement, and expanding administrative flexibility for the Public Space Committee. It affects the Department of Transportation’s Streatery Program, public-space rental permitting, and the corridor-selection provisions of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Amendment Act of 2016. The measure is emergency legislation and therefore applies for no longer than 90 days unless replaced by further action.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment appears supportive of streateries and outdoor dining, as reflected in the bill’s express policy statement promoting them and the unanimous final reading vote. The 13-0 final passage suggests broad agreement on the need to provide short-term relief and regulatory clarity for businesses using public space. The earlier 9-4 vote on an amendment indicates there was some disagreement on specific details, but the bill ultimately advanced with strong support.
Contention
The main points of contention likely centered on how much flexibility to give streatery operators and how to balance business interests against pedestrian and roadway safety. The bill allows waivers from spacing, enclosure-height, and seating-capacity rules only if they do not create an undue risk, which suggests concern about safety and public-space impacts. The amendment vote also indicates some disagreement over the bill’s terms, though the record provided does not identify the specific objections or sponsors.