Earlier in the year, the city of Lakeport asked for the public’s input on outdoor dining and design options for that type of dining in the downtown area. Over 600 people participated in the survey with almost three quarters of those responding being in favor of sidewalk and on-street dining. Just under a quarter were in favor of sidewalk but not on-street dining. According to the RecordBee, at the beginning of the pandemic, outdoor eating areas were built across city sidewalks and into the streets and parking areas, to help keep local restaurants afloat as they were able to seat patrons outside. Once the pandemic began to subside, the planning commission agreed that a more permanent standard for outdoor seating had to be developed. The question of permitting and who should pay is now an issue, so the Commission is not ready to make a recommendation, and the issue will be addressed next week at the planning commission’s next meeting.