City Council votes to allow restaurants to keep outdoor dining structures after the pandemic ends

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- While it may not be the best time of year for dining alfresco, the city just made it possible for restaurants to keep their outdoor options.

The City Council voted in an almost unanimous decision in favor of changing zoning rules to make outdoor dining setups permanent.

The 43 to 6 vote is just the first step in restaurants having the additional outdoor seating option.

Guidelines will have to be created for eateries that want to keep their outdoor seating.

And there will have to be clear rules in place for any restaurant that would want to build outdoor seating in the future as well as how much they'd owe the city for the permit.

ALSO READ | Reporter's mom crashes his live shot to say 'Hi, baby!' | VIDEO

WSYX reporter Myles Harris was in the field in Columbus, Ohio, reporting Tuesday when his mom happened to drive by.

----------

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More New York City news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a News Tip