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Puyallup is Open(Air) Pilot Program
The COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented economic impacts on all types of businesses, with restaurants and retail being some of the first to close and some of the last to reopen at full capacity. As vehicle traffic and parking use has substantially decreased as a result of the pandemic, the City of Puyallup is exploring how we can use existing assets differently by opening the right-of-way as a safe way for our local businesses and the community to come back to downtown.
Open-air dining and shopping offers the community a way to enjoy the outdoors while supporting local business. Outdoor dining and shopping brings much-needed vitality to our city’s shopping and dining districts, while adhering to social distancing and other state requirements. Thank you to all participating businesses and those investing in Puyallup! Let’s continue to Support Local.
Four program options are available for businesses to choose from, based on location and what is most feasible for their establishment. See options below.
If you have questions about the program or which element might be the best fit for your business, contact Economic Development Manager Meredith Neal.
Spring 2023 Parklets Lottery
Our Spring and Summer Parklets lottery is now closed. We will announce the participating businesses in the coming days ahead.
As our Open(Air) program continues to operate during the rainy season, we know that outdoor heating can assist in maintaining business by keeping customers warm! The City of Puyallup has coordinated with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue to obtain information outlining outdoor heating options and requirements.
Outdoor Heating Flyer
Guidance for Tents and Canopies
Important Information:
- No permit is needed for portable heating, unless it relies on LPG in and amount in a public setting.
- No permit is needed for a tent under 400 square feet. Code still applies for the use of heating appliances in this application.
- An operational permit is needed for tents over 400 square feet. Exceptions are open sided awning types up to 700 square feet with separation distances maintained.
- No cooking (grease laden vapor collection) is allowed in any tent regardless of size.
Parklets are located in a parking space (parallel or angled) in the right-of-way. A barrier from traffic is required. They function as an extension to an existing restaurant’s seating area or retail store. Parklets are permitted during regular operating business hours of the host establishment.
Retail pop-ups can be on either private or city-owned property, in designated parking lots or on an abutting sidewalk to the establishment. They function to increase the capacity of a single retail store or host several establishments, safely, in one location. Pop-ups may operate outside of regular operating business hours of the host establishment(s).
Temporary street cafes function as an extension to an existing restaurant’s seating area and are permitted during regular operating business hours of the host establishment. Street or alley closures (full or partial) are required and approved on a case-by-case basis through a site visit. A Special Events Permit is required.
Please use the links to the right to access our program tip sheets for each option and read more about the application process, general guidelines, and other requirements. If you have any questions about the application process, please reach out to the contact listed on the appropriate tip sheet.
| Temporary Program | Tip Sheet |
|---|---|
| Sidewalk Cafe | Information |
| Curbside Cafe/ Parklet | Information |
| Retail & Dining Pop Ups | Information |
| Street Cafe | Information |