District of ColumbiaD.C. emergency act capped rent for streatery permits in public space
During its term of no more than 90 days after mayoral approval, D.C.’s emergency act capped yearly public space rent for streatery permits at $15 per square foot.
What it does
During the emergency act’s term, D.C. set yearly public space rent for streatery permits at no more than $15 per square foot.
District agencies could not start enforcing streatery guidelines or applicable rules before January 15, 2026.
The Public Space Committee could waive some streatery spacing, height, or seating limits if the waiver posed no undue risk to road users. Permit holders with exceptions had to seek renewal every two years.
One selected road corridor had to include the 2000 through 2400 blocks of 18th Street NW in Ward 1.
Argument forA yearly rent cap of $15 per square foot could help businesses with streatery permits for outdoor dining in public space budget during the emergency act’s term.
Argument againstWaiving streatery spacing or seating limits could make nearby public space harder to navigate, even though waivers must not create undue risk for road users.
More detail
D.C. limited yearly public space rent for streatery permits to $15 per square foot. The limit applied to streatery permits for outdoor dining space in public areas. The act took effect after mayoral approval and could last no longer than 90 days.
District agencies could begin enforcement no sooner than January 15, 2026. The date applied to enforcement of streatery guidelines or applicable rules.
The Public Space Committee could grant limited streatery waivers, and permit holders with exceptions had to apply to renew. Waivers covered spacing near curb openings, driveways, alleys, or trees; enclosures or supports over 42 inches; and seating limits. A waiver could not create undue risk for people walking or using the road. Permit holders with exceptions had to apply to renew through the committee every two years.
One selected road corridor had to include the 2000 through 2400 blocks of 18th Street NW in Ward 1. This applied to one roadway selected as a designated corridor.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jan 2Act A26-0233 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 000059, Expires on Mar 19, 2026Latest
- 2025
- Dec 22Returned from Mayor
- Dec 19Signed by the Mayor and Enacted with Act Number A26-0233, Expires on Mar 19, 2026Became Law
- Dec 12Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Dec 29, 2025To Governor
- Dec 2Final ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Final Reading. Result: pass.Legislature
- Vote recorded Amendment (Pinto). Result: pass.Legislature
- Dec 2Amendment (Nadeau)Minor
- Dec 2Amendment (Pinto)Minor
- Dec 2Retained by the Council
- Dec 1B26-0516 Introduced by Councilmember Allen at Office of the SecretaryIntroduced
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