Application Forms & Guidelines for the Reopening of Outdoor Dining Service

June 1, 2020

In response to Governor Lamont's Executive Order Number 7MM issued on May 12, 2020, the City of Danbury has established a two-tiered process for the reopening of outdoor dining service.

"We want to see our local businesses get back up and running, while still protecting the public safety of our community," said Mayor Boughton. "Danbury is a business-friendly community and this process is meant to show that."

Process for Reopening Restaurant Outdoor Dining Service

For restaurants with existing approved outdoor dining on a patio, the City will issue a Certification to reopen the existing outdoor dining space. To obtain a Certification, restaurant business owners/operators will be required to submit a request for Certification to the City of Danbury Permit Center. Requests will be verified by the Zoning Enforcement Officer as to the existing approvals and then forwarded to the Department of Health and Human Services ("DHHS") for review in accordance with its established Restaurant Outdoor Dining Reopening Guidance document. This guidance document contains information and specifications relative to the protection of public health in accordance with the Reopen CT Guidance document and State Department of Public Health protocols. Once the DHHS has approved the Certification request, the Permit Center will issue a Certification certificate and the restaurant may reopen.

For restaurants desiring to establish new outdoor dining areas, restaurant business owners/operators will be required to submit a Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit Application (PDF) to the Permit Center. The Permit application must be completed by the restaurant owner/operator. A required drawing or illustration must accompany the Permit application depicting, with reasonable accuracy, the outdoor area that is proposed to be used and what is proposed to be placed, built, or erected in the outdoor area (including any tent, canopy or covering), and a narrative (with or without accompanying illustrations) that explains any noise, waste management, odor, light pollution, and environmental impacts expected from same and how said impacts will be managed. Compliance with DHHS Restaurant Outdoor Dining Reopening Guidance document will also be required. Additional acknowledgement will be required on the Permit application. Applicants must identify if the restaurant is intending to sell alcoholic beverages in the new outdoor dining area or proposing to use public land.

Consistent with Executive Order Number 7MM, the City's two-tiered expedited process allows restaurants to get fast-tracked permission to create or expand outdoor dining areas and use public sidewalks or other public outdoor areas to create or expand restaurants. Applicants should note that all drawings and additional information requested by the City during the review process are intended to ensure the protection of public health, safety and the environment. Temporary Outdoor Dining Permits will be issued for 90 days and may be extended at the request of the applicant.

View the Certification Application for Restaurants to Reopen Existing Dining (PDF).
If you are a club, cafe or brewery, you must fill out an additional form. Use the Existing Restaurant Patio Certification (PDF).

View the Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit Application (PDF).
If you are a club, cafe or brewery, you must fill out an additional form. Use the Addendum to Request for Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit (PDF).

You can also pick up either form from City Hall during the hours of 8 am through 6 pm. Monday through Thursday. Completed forms/applications can be dropped off in the lobby of City Hall during those same hours or emailed to the Permit Center.

There are no fees associated with either application. Complete applications will be processed in accordance with the Executive Order, or within 10 calendar days. Certifications may be processed sooner. Applicants can check with the Permit Center regarding the status of any application. The previous questions may be sent to the email of Sean Hearty, ZEO and Director of the Office of Permit Coordination

No restaurant shall be permitted to provide temporary outdoor dining until such time as either a Certification or a Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit has been issued by the City. No restaurants may be reopened until all required inspections have been completed.

Restaurants on State Right-of-Way

Restaurants who wish to put outdoor dining/seating within the State highway right-of-way have to fill out an additional form with the State of CT. View the Application for Permit to Allow Outdoor Dining / Seating or Other “Outdoor Activities” (PDF)

View the Public Health Guidelines (Spanish) (PDF).

View the Public Health Guidelines For Restaurant Outdoor Dining Reopening (PDF).