Santa Ana restaurants and retailers can now temporarily expand their operations into outside spaces, under an executive order signed today, May 28, by City Manager Kristine Ridge.

The measure is intended to help these businesses maintain safety precautions and comply with the State of California’s COVID-19 Stage 2 reopening requirements for dine-in service at restaurants and in-store shopping.

Under Executive Order No. 5-2020, licensed restaurants, food establishments and retail businesses in Downtown Santa Ana may temporarily expand dining and retail operations onto sidewalks and parking spaces on City roads or parking lots.

All licensed restaurants, food establishments and retail businesses citywide may temporarily expand dining and retail operations on private commercial property by utilizing up to 50 percent of the off-site private parking spaces servicing the property.

The businesses don’t need a permit to operate in these outdoor spaces but must follow new City guidelines included with the executive order.

The order is effective immediately and will remain in effect while California is in Stage 2 or Stage 3 of the pandemic reopening plan, unless modified by the City.

The executive order is at www.santa-ana.org/sites/default/files/2020/05/covid_eo5_20200528.pdf

The Guide for Expanded Restaurant + Retail Space is at
www.santa-ana.org/sites/default/files/2020/05/covid_eo5_exhibit_20200528.pdf

This and other pandemic-related executive orders, news and resources are at www.santa-ana.org/covid19.

As local businesses reopen, the City of Santa Ana reminds the public to continue to use safe practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including wearing face coverings when near others in public, using social distancing and frequently washing hands.