Explore Videos

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signs legislation to extend free Safe Start café street and outdoor dining permits through January 31, 2023. Over 250 businesses throughout Seattle have taken part in the program since June 2020.

In June 2020, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) streamlined the permitting process to allow businesses to quickly obtain a free permit to open a temporary outdoor café or merchandise display on the sidewalk or curbside, or a free street closure permit allowing businesses to operate in the street in front of their business. The temporary permits were previously set to expire on May 31, 2022, and will now be extended automatically to January 31, 2023, as the City updates the existing permit program and develops a transition plan.

Speakers and attendees include:

Mayor Bruce Harrell, City of Seattle

Councilmember Dan Strauss, Seattle City Council

Interim Director Kristen Simpson, Seattle Department of Transportation

Steve Hooper, Seattle Restaurant Alliance

Roberto Dominguez, La Carta de Oaxaca