City restaurants and stores can now stay on the streets.
Pittsburgh City Council passed the legislation today bringing back the popular pandemic and making it permanent. It will allow restaurants and retailers to keep using sidewalks and streets for a bigger footprint.
Councilman Bobby Wilson said the URA is also planning to offer grant funding to help businesses buy better outdoor furniture.
"Businesses are trying to find different ways to not only keep staff, but they are also trying to keep their customers. In Pittsburgh, we're trying to be a friendly city towards business and to make sure we're doing it the right way."
The legislation had strong support from groups like Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, which says the measure helps small businesses and adds vibrancy to downtown.
Council also voted to amend the bill to include stipulations for making the outdoor set-ups safe and accessible for those with physical disabilities.
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