The City of Geneva has adopted new temporary outdoor seating guidelines to assist restaurants and bars in expanding their outdoor dining options when the State transitions to Phase 3 of the “Restore Illinois” plan Friday, May 29.

The City will be distributing the information to local restaurant owners and has posted the new guidelines, Mayor Kevin Burns’ new executive order, an FAQs document, and an interactive map on the City’s COVID-19 response web page.

Geneva restaurants and bars can utilize outdoor space to serve customers starting May 29. Establishments will be allowed to expand their outdoor dining or create new outdoor dining space on private property, courtyards or parking areas with owner consent in compliance with social distancing and State rules. Parking restrictions will be relaxed during this temporary period.  

If private property expansion options are unavailable or very limited, outdoor seating may be located on public property using parking lots, sidewalks or parkways if certain conditions are met. City approval is required and can be initiated by submitting a free application online. The  Illinois  Liquor  Control  Commission adopted temporary regulations regarding the sale and/or consumption on public property. Restaurants and bars must receive approval from the City for the expansion of outdoor seating on public property and submit the temporary outdoor seating liquor license application along with applicable insurance.

The City created an interactive map to help restaurants identify opportunities for additional outdoor seating areas.

Tables must be placed 6 feet apart outdoors, and restaurant employees are required to wear face coverings as part of the State’s health guidelines. All outdoor dining areas must continue to comply with Kane County Health Department regulations.

Any expanded temporary outdoor seating will revert to the original use after the State lifts orders restricting restaurant capacity, or the Mayor or City Council repeals the City’s Executive Order.

The transition to the “Restore Illinois” Phase 3 also allows personal care services, daycare facilities, fitness providers, offices and retail stores to reopen May 29 under new State guidelines, which also have been posted on the City’s website.