After a lengthy discussion at last night’s city council meeting, Nevada City will be extending outdoor dining until at least Labor Day, Monday, September 6th. The decision coming after hearing from interim city manager Joan Phillipe that staff and community had met to discuss how the city would be moving forward on June 15th when the state is lifting most COVID-19 requirements. The main topic is what to do about Commercial Street along with outdoor dining and entertainment issues in other areas.

Council was presented three options for Commercial Street. One is to keep the street closed to traffic, the second is to reopen the street, and the third is a compromise to have a lane open for traffic during the week, but close the street on weekends.

The need to change the mask ordinance was also discussed, but no change is needed as they align CDC requirements
Phillipe and interim police chief Ted Stec also presented an enforcement solution for restaurants that do not comply with outdoor design guidlines.*

The guidelines refer to space set up and umbrella use rather than tenting, and limiting setups to two parking spaces.
Council voted to keep Commercial Street closed to traffic; limit outdoor music to acoustic only, and adopt design guidelines. An ad hoc committee, including council members Gary Petersen and Daniela Fernandez, was appointed by the Mayor Erin Minett to take a deeper look at what happens after September 6th.