Here's How Danbury Restaurants Get Approved For Outdoor Dining

DANBURY, CT — Mayor Mark Boughton has detailed the city's process for the reopening of outdoor dining.

The "two-tiered expedited process" will allow local restaurants to get fast-tracked permission to create or expand outdoor dining areas and use public sidewalks/public outdoor areas for outdoor dining, according to Boughton.

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

Restaurants with outdoor dining must request a certification to reopen from the Danbury Permit Center. In order to obtain a certification, the city must be able to verify a restaurant's existing approvals and confirm that the establishment meets Danbury’s Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for a safe reopening.

If a restaurant owner wishes to establish a new outdoor dining area, the owners/operators will be required to submit a Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit application to the Permit Center. If approved, the temporary permit will be issued for 90 days with the opportunity to extend. Application requirements and details can be found on the City of Danbury website.

The certification form and Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit Application are still being finalized, and will be made available on the city website available for pickup at City Hall when complete, according to Boughton.

Completed applications will be processed within 10 calendar days.

Any questions on the guidelines below can be sent to Sean Hearty, zoning enforcement officer and director of the Office of Permit Coordination, .

Restaurant owners/operators should review the following documents prior to applying:

• Complete Process for the Reopening of Outdoor Dining Service
• DHHS - Public Health Guidance for Restaurant Outdoor Dining Reopening