Murrieta Restaurants Can Expand Dining To Their Parking Lots

MURRIETA, CA — Murrieta restaurants that have reopened or are about to reopen amid coronavirus can use their parking lots for outdoor dining without the need for any permits or fees.

In a 5-0 vote Tuesday, Murrieta City Council ratified a city manager action that allows temporary use of restaurant parking lot spaces for setup of tables and chairs for outside dining.

The reason for the parking lot option is to give restaurants greater space to serve their patrons. On May 22, the state allowed Riverside County to accelerate some of its reopening, including allowing dining in at restaurants. But eateries are required to provide at least 6 feet of physical distance between customers and employees. For many restaurants, the distancing means removing tables and chairs and/or closing off fixed furniture inside dining areas.

In its guidelines, the state recommends that restaurants should "prioritize outdoor seating and curbside pickup to minimize cross flow of customers in enclosed environments. Restaurants can expand their outdoor seating, and alcohol offerings in those areas, if they comply with local laws and regulations."

According to the city, "By allowing additional outdoor seating, restaurants without patios will be able to facilitate outdoor dining, which is in greater demand as a result of the virus."

Parking lot areas that are off limits for dining include ADA spaces and access, fire lanes, and egress routes. Additionally, restaurants need to first receive approval from property managers for parking lot dining.

Restaurants account for 3,860 jobs in Murrieta; combined, restaurants and hotels account for 9.6% of the city's sales tax revenue, according to city documents.