The Future of San Diego’s Outdoor Dining Structures

San Diego’s climate is famously comfortable almost year-round, making outdoor dining a popular choice for many restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary outdoor dining structures set up by establishments like The Rose wine bar in South Park have been crucial for their recovery. However, as the temporary permits for these structures expire, the City Council must decide whether to extend the permits or force businesses to take them down.

Many restaurant owners, like Chelsea Coleman of The Rose, see their outdoor dining investments as crucial for the future. The costs of creating these spaces have been significant, with the price of materials skyrocketing during the pandemic. Despite the uncertainty, these owners are hopeful that they will be able to retain some form of outdoor dining even after the permits expire.

While the mayor of San Diego, Todd Gloria, supports the idea of making outdoor dining permanent, there are still challenges to overcome. The city is working on a process to transition these temporary structures into permanent fixtures, but the details are yet to be finalized.

As the discussion continues, restaurant owners are facing issues with compliance, specifically concerning building regulations and fire codes. The city has noted over 800 fire code violations related to these outdoor structures. Fire officials have raised concerns about safety hazards, such as gas-powered heaters under unpermitted ceilings and awnings.

Despite the challenges, many restaurant owners see outdoor dining structures as vital for their business and the community. Juan Pablo Sánchez, owner of Super Cocina in City Heights, believes these spaces can enhance safety and change the perception of the area. However, the road to making these structures permanent will require a more intensive process and compliance with various regulations.

Ultimately, the future of outdoor dining in San Diego hinges on finding a balance between supporting local businesses and ensuring public safety. The journey from temporary to permanent structures will be challenging, but many owners are optimistic about the possibilities that lie ahead.