Chula Vista City Council approves return of curbside dining citywide

Chula Vista's City Council unanimously approved an ordinance this week permitting business owners citywide to build outdoor dining platforms in the public right-of-way, effectively bringing back curbside dining beyond the downtown Third Avenue district, Voice of San Diego reported.

The move reverses a two-year-old ban that ended outdoor dining platforms amid complaints about lost parking and use of public space. The original curbside dining had flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on Third Avenue, which the city has long sought to develop as a regional destination.

Under the new rules, business owners must obtain permits, pay fees, and comply with size and design regulations for the dining platforms, also known as parklets. City officials hope the ordinance will help restaurants attract more customers and leverage Chula Vista's favorable climate to enhance the urban core's appeal.

Economic development leaders plan to introduce a separate ordinance for sidewalk cafes following this curbside dining approval. Councilmembers cited goals including strengthening the restaurant scene and attracting visitors to the nearby Gaylord Pacific Resort as reasons for expanding outdoor dining options.

The city refers to Third Avenue and its surrounding areas as the 'urban core,' positioning the outdoor dining expansion as part of broader efforts to revitalize this area and boost entertainment options in South County.