KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With social distancing the new normal in the era of COVID-19, some Wyandotte County businesses now have the option to expand outdoors.
In a news release, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, said the new ordinance, approved by the Board of Commissioners, allows certain retail businesses to provide outdoor sales on sidewalks, yards, surplus off-street parking and “parklets,” or parking spaces that can be converted temporarily into a sidewalk extension.
Gunnar Hand, director of urban planning with the Unified Government, said the ordinance essentially legalizes sidewalk cafes, open-air markets and other retail spaces in typical public rights-of-way.
“These common areas are the most valuable and widely used public open spaces in our community," Hand said in the release. "The Ordinance is a dramatic statement that allows this space to create a safer, more dynamic, and supportive environment for businesses.”
The ordinance applies to bars and restaurants, traditional retail businesses, offices and nonprofit organizations. It does not apply to any business providing repair services or the sale of electronics, appliances or machinery.
Businesses that serve alcohol will need to get approval from the Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control.
The ordinance, which went into effect Thursday, will end on Dec. 31.
Any business that takes advantage of the ordinance must maintain recommended social distancing measures of 6 feet between employees, customers and others in the public.
Last month, the Kansas City, Missouri, City Council approved similar measures for restaurants.
