Outdoor Business

COVID-19 Relief Temporary Outdoor Facilities Registration Program

On June 19, 2020, the Alameda County Public Health Office further relaxed shelter-in-place restrictions by permitting the reopening of outdoor restaurant dining, outdoor bar service (with food), indoor/outdoor retail, outdoor fitness classes, outdoor museums, and religious services, subject to health and safety requirements. On March 31, 2021, the County advanced to the Orange Tier of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, also allowing bars to operate outdoors without meal service.

Businesses should review Alameda County guidance for operation of outdoor personal services, outdoor pools, and other industries and businesses that have reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic in Appendix C (PDF) of the Shelter-in-Place Order. They should also review industry-specific guidance from the State of California for outdoor hair salons and barbershops (PDF), and outdoor personal services. The California Department of Consumer Affairs also provides guidance on outdoor operations (PDF), including the types of services that hair salons and barbers can provide. Before reopening, all businesses must complete a Site-Specific Protection Plan (PDF) and put into place protocols and procedures to protect customers and employees from COVID-19.

City-Level Outdoor Facilities Process

In conjunction with changes to the Alameda County Shelter-in-Place Order, the City of San Leandro has developed a streamlined, no-cost outdoor facilities process to assist impacted businesses reopen quickly and in conformance with Alameda County regulations. The COVID-19 Relief Temporary Outdoor Facilities Program outlines the parameters by which restaurants and food providers, retailers and other outdoor activities permitted by Alameda County Public Health may operate in San Leandro. Recognizing the needs and limitations of businesses and the temporary nature of the outdoor activities, efforts have been made to keep the program as simple and low-cost as possible.

In order to participate in the program and provide outdoor facilities, businesses need to complete and submit the registration form (PDF), which certifies that they will comply with applicable city, county and state health and safety requirements, and provide business insurance information. Submittal of detailed site plans and materials details will not be required. Once a business has submitted the registration form and insurance forms (if operating on public property), they may begin outdoor operations without further City approval. The City will review the registration form and insurance and if there are problems with the application or operations, the City will reach out and work with the business to correct.

Following All Protocol

Per Alameda County Public Health, all businesses operating during the shelter-in-place, whether indoors or outdoors, need to develop and comply with a Site-Specific Protection Plan (PDF) (template provided through this link) and implement risk assessment and individual control measures, physical distancing, disinfecting and cleaning protocols, and employee training to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Businesses may email COVID Recovery with questions regarding developing their Site Specific Protection Plans.

Additional guidance for operating procedures for businesses by type may be found in the California Statewide Industry Guidance. Guidance for a number of industries is provided, including for

Additional local guidance to supplement that state guidance is available at the Alameda County Public Health's COVID Recovery page.

Restaurants will also need to comply with any requirements of Alameda County Department of Environmental Health.

Temporary Catering Authorization

Businesses serving alcohol outdoors must obtain COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorization from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Please note that the service of alcohol is only permissible in combination with a meal. For more information about the requirements for bar serving meals, see page 14 of the Shelter-in-Place Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).