Compliance Checks for Outdoor Business Operations in San Diego Set for August – NBC San Diego

San Diego will begin temporary outdoor business operation compliance visits on Aug. 2, allowing business owners additional time to make required changes.

Compliance checks and enforcement will begin with businesses currently operating in the public right of way without a city-issued Temporary Outdoor Business Operation permit. Enforcement on non-compliant businesses was initially set to begin on July 13, following a one-year extension of the outdoor retail and dining ordinance passed by the San Diego City Council.

Permit holders were mailed a letter on May 24 to notify them of what would be necessary to comply with all permit requirements.

For businesses with a TOBO permit that have non-compliant structures and other violations, enforcement will not occur until after Sept. 6.

“One of the few bright spots for local businesses during the past 18 months has been the success of outdoor dining and shopping,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “The city is committed to helping businesses retain outdoor operations while working with them to make it safer in the long run.

“We strongly encourage businesses to use this time to determine how to bring their outdoor dining structures into compliance with the necessary fire and safety regulations,” he concluded.

The city is encouraging TOBO permit holders to self comply, ensuring operations are located, designed and built as approved within the permit guidelines. All unpermitted business operations can apply for a TOBO permit.

Restaurants were given the opportunity to expand seating into parking spots and sidewalks, now they may need to make changes to stay up to code, reports NBC 7’s Dana Griffin

During inspections, city staff will be checking for violations including:

• Unpermitted structures and decks in the right of way — including the street — that were not designed, reviewed and inspected for state and local requirements;
• Platforms built in the street with added walls and roofs;
• Railings taller than 45 inches;
• Liquid propane gas heaters within tents and structures;
• Fire extinguishers not installed in tents and structures;
• Electrical extension cords crossing the sidewalks;
• Unpermitted tents that are 400 square feet and larger;
• Tents or canopies that have been in use for more than six months in a year;
• Materials used for tents that do not meet the State Fire Marshal’s standards;
• Improper drainage and blocking the natural flow of water to city storm drains;
• Americans with Disabilities Act violations; and
• Red and blue curb encroachments.

The city will continue to work on a case-by-case basis with business owners to ensure compliance with all codes that protect public health and safety.

To help qualified small businesses and restaurants with other tenant improvements, the city recently began the Small Business and Restaurant Assistance Program. The program is intended to help qualified small businesses and restaurants navigate the permitting process and get guided assistance through virtual meetings.

A TOBO permit is required when conducting business in the public right of way, including in parking lanes and sidewalks, but is not required when conducting business on private property. A San Diego Fire-Rescue Department permit is required when using tents or temporary structures covering more than 400 square feet.

For more information about the program and a grant opportunity to offset the cost for TOBO applicants to comply with the modifications, go to sandiego.gov/TOB or call (619) 446-5150.