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PR 26-0545

Streatery Program Rulemaking Approval Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

D.C. authorizes regulatory rulemaking for the Streatery Program, establishing permanent rules for restaurants using public street space for outdoor dining and seating.

Referred to Committee on Transportation and the Environment
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Bill Summary · PR 26-0545

Legislative bill overview

PR 26-0545 is a resolution that approves rulemaking for Washington D.C.'s "Streatery Program," which allows restaurants to use street space for outdoor dining and seating. The resolution authorizes the Department of Transportation or relevant agency to develop and implement regulatory rules governing how this program operates, including standards for permits, safety, accessibility, and management of public sidewalk space.

Why is this important

The Streatery Program represents a permanent expansion of pandemic-era outdoor dining that became popular during COVID-19 lockdowns. This rulemaking will determine how extensively restaurants can occupy public streets, affecting pedestrian access, neighborhood character, business competitiveness, and city revenue from permit fees. The rules will shape whether this becomes a major feature of D.C.'s streetscape and economy.

Potential points of contention

  • Sidewalk access and pedestrian equity: Concerns that restaurant streeteries could reduce accessible pathways for pedestrians, wheelchair users, and delivery workers, or create unequal access between restaurant-heavy and restaurant-sparse neighborhoods
  • Small business vs. large business impacts: Uncertainty about whether permit costs and application complexity favor large restaurant chains over independent operators, and whether all neighborhoods benefit equally
  • Public space monetization: Debate over whether private businesses should pay to use public streets, how revenue is used, and whether this sets precedent for other commercial uses of public space

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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