Burlington Businesses: Restaurant and fitness flexibility

In response to Governor Cooper's Phase 2 restrictions, the City of Burlington has expedited permit processes for restaurants and fitness classes in Burlington to increase outdoor dining capabilities and allowing fitness classes to be held (with social distancing) at Burlington's Parks such as Springwood, Fairchild, and Joe Davidson. 

OUTDOOR DINING

Two existing tools have been modified to provide staff-level review of proposed outdoor seating at no charge. These applications are available now online at www.BurlingtonNC.gov/Planning.

1) A Temporary Use Permit allows restaurants to apply to use a portion of their parking lot to provide additional seating. Fitness studios could use the same tool to apply to use a portion of their parking lot for classes instead of parking.

2) An Outdoor Dining Permit allows applicants to request seating opportunities on public property (excluding streets). Once approved, outdoor dining is allowed until 30 days after the governor ceases restaurant capacity restrictions.

These applications, including proof of property owner approval, certificate of liability insurance, and a sketch plan, are reviewed and approved at a staff level which can be done expeditiously. 

Senior Planner Conrad Olmedo is handling this process. He can be reached directly at 336-513-5415 or by email at colmedo@burlingtonnc.gov.

FITNESS IN THE PARK

Additionally, the Burlington Recreation and Parks Department is coordinating applicants for the Outdoor Fitness Permit, linked here. This permit will allow fitness classes to be operated by an establishment at one of Burlington’s park green spaces. 

Recreation and Parks Events Coordinator, Emily Crowley, is the staff contact for these applications. She can be reached at ecrowley@burlingtonnc.gov or 336-229-3149.

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