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El Centro, CA.– In accordance with State and Imperial County Public Health Orders, El Centro businesses such as restaurants, fitness facilities, and personal services will be able to use designated outdoor areas for their operations as part of new guidelines developed by the City of El Centro. The COVID-19 Outdoor Business Guidelines allow certain businesses to use outdoor areas such as parking spaces, landscaping areas, and in certain cases, public sidewalks to conduct business operations. Outdoor areas must maintain parking spaces designated for people with disabilities and access in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, allow for the appropriate vehicle and pedestrian circulation, and must not block driveways fronting a public street. Canopies may be used and do not require a building permit unless they exceed 1,000 square feet in total area. Businesses may also use adjacent public sidewalks when located along a road with a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less and provide maintain a clear path of travel that has to be a minimum width of four feet (4’-0”) within the public sidewalk that is clear of all obstructions. Any qualifying businesses interested in utilizing an outdoor area should review the COVID-19 Outdoor Business Guidelines available online at the City of El Centro COVID-19 Resources webpage http://www.cityofelcentro.org/cm/index.asp?m=1&page=45&subpage=5.
Businesses complying with the COVID-19 Outdoor Business Guidelines do not require any additional permits with the City of El Centro. Inspections by City staff are not required, but businesses may request further assistance in complying with these guidelines and schedule a courtesy inspection by contacting the City of El Centro-Planning and Zoning Division at (760) 337-4545.
For additional information, please contact the City of El Centro-Planning and Zoning Division at (760) 337-4545, via email at ecplanning@cityofelcentro.org, or by visiting City Hall, 1275 W. Main Street.
