WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — After helping restaurants survive the pandemic and transforming neighborhood streets across the District, many of Washington, D.C.’s iconic streateries are disappearing as the city begins enforcing new requirements for permanent outdoor dining structures.
The changes mark the end of an era that began in 2020, when the District temporarily allowed restaurants to expand seating into parking lanes and curbside spaces to help businesses stay afloat during COVID-19 restrictions.
Now, after multiple extensions, restaurants that want to keep outdoor dining structures must comply with the District’s permanent streatery program, which includes updated design, accessibility and safety standards…