Santa Ana restaurants are experiencing a remarkable reconfiguration from the inside out with the Safe Outdoor Dining Program, a $500,000 initiative provided by the County of Orange’s First Supervisorial District and implemented by the City of Santa Ana.
Over 20 restaurants that applied for the program and received written consent from the property owners were eligible to receive outdoor dining patios or beautiful wood-finish decks, along with umbrellas, bistro lights, outdoor furniture, and commercial planters. The custom outdoor dining patios were built flush to curb heights and ADA accessible.
“Restaurant guests will be able to enjoy the beautiful Southern California warm weather in a safe manner through the assistance of the outdoor dining program, while also helping our local businesses get through the pandemic,” Mayor Vicente Sarmiento said. “I encourage everyone to visit these restaurants and have your meal al fresco.”
The City of Santa Ana’s Community Development Agency worked in tandem with contractors Choura and VX Design Solutions, LLC to design, construct, and install the outdoor patios for 22 restaurants along two main corridors, 1st Street and 17th Street. The Planning & Building Agency was instrumental in streamlining the process for outdoor dining expansions and will continue to solidify a policy that will benefit businesses for years to follow.
Businesses are excited and thankful to the City of Santa Ana and Supervisor Andrew Do, Orange County’s First District Supervisor, for the opportunity to participate and receive Safe Outdoor Dining patios and look forward to serving their customers al fresco.
While this program has closed for new applicants, the City of Santa Ana changed its regulations during the pandemic to make it easier for all restaurants to offer outdoor dining. Businesses interested in creating an outdoor dining area, patio or parklet can find the new guidelines on the City’s website.
To see the outdoor dining guidelines and find a list of restaurants that offer outdoor dining, please visit our website.