FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021

CONTACT: MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO As part ofhis efforts tohelpSan Diegosuccessfully rebound from the pandemic, Mayor Todd Glorias Spaces as Places programreceived approval from the City of San Diegos Land Use & Housing Committeetoday. This passage moves theprogramforoutdoor structures one step closer toCity Council approval.

San Diegans havemadeclear how much they love the outdoor dining and spaces that arose from theCOVID-19pandemic, and I have been committed to finding a way for them to stay, Mayor Todd Gloriasaid. This program will create an avenue for temporary outdoor structures constructed in response to the pandemic to become permanent installations, ensuring long-term options that are safe, equitable and accessible for everyone.

On August 4, 2020, theSan DiegoCity Council approved an emergency ordinance allowing Temporary Outdoor Business Operations(TOBOs)as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This allowed businesses to conduct outdoor dining within the public right-of-way to allow dining establishments to continue to operate when indoor operations were limited due to public health orders.In May, the City Council granted an extension on TOBOsthrough July 13,2022.

Spaces as Placesis a comprehensive program designed by the Citys Planning Department to transition temporary spaces from an emergency response to a permanent program with established design and safety standards.Supporting businesses in traditionally underserved communities,theSpaces asPlacesprogramwilloffer avarietyof optionsforquality outdoorplacesthat promotedining, walking, biking, public artwork and other enjoyable public interaction.

Spaces as Places provides flexibility for businesses, improves access for people with all abilities, increases opportunities for more enjoyable pedestrian travel, andhelpsfoster social interaction and community building.TheSpaces as Placesproposal will be brought to the City Council for adoption inOctober.

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