Asheville will begin enforcement Aug. 1 against outdoor dining areas that use public streets or sidewalks without a permit or fail to meet city requirements. Restaurants operating tables, platforms or other dining features in the public right of way should have their approval in place before enforcement begins.
The city is accepting both new applications and renewals through its Development Portal. Applicants can use the city’s outdoor dining guide to identify the required documents and determine which rules apply to a sidewalk setup or an on-street “streetery” that occupies public parking space.
Renewal rates changed July 1 after City Council approved fees that are 50% lower than the previous amounts. The lower renewal cost and the Aug. 1 enforcement date create a clear transition point for businesses that continued using public space under earlier arrangements…