Temporary Outdoor Dining Registration
On Friday, May 22, 2020, Brooklyn Park Mayor Jeffrey Lunde issued a directive allowing regulatory flexibility so that restaurants and bars may begin to serve food and alcohol in outdoor areas. This move is in response to Governor Tim Walz’s announcement on Wednesday May 20 that restaurants can open for outdoor service on June 1. Mayor Lunde’s directive addresses the restaurants in Brooklyn Park that do not have outdoor seating or would like to expand their existing outdoor seating. It also loosens codes to support restaurants that would like to open in this capacity on June 1.
Brooklyn Park staff are here to support restaurant owners and committed to helping you find a solution that allows you to serve customers safely. Please fill out the Temporary Outdoor Dining Registration Form and include the requested documents for staff to review. Also, please read information below about what you need to consider as you plan to open.
Understand the basics
- No more than 50 customers may be at an establishment at a given time, tables must be 6 ft apart
- No more than four unrelated people may share a table, six if they are related.
- Reservations are required
- Employees must wear masks or face coverings.
- Customers are recommended but not required to wear masks
Get ready
The City can administratively approve site plans for expanded outdoor seating. Complete the form below so City staff can work on reviewing your plan
What you’ll need:
- A site plan showing location, number of tables and chairs (must be less than 50 chairs), and spacing plan showing all tables at least 6 feet apart
- Copy of your liquor liability insurance if you plan to serve alcohol
- Talk to your landlord. If you are in a building where more than one business shares the parking lot, work with your landlord to ensure you are not blocking access to other businesses.
- Be sure not to block access to your building or public right of way. City Planning staff can assist you if you have questions.
Other important information
- If you plan to use a tent, call the Fire Department at 763-493-8020 to schedule an inspection.
- This will NOT affect your Metropolitan Council Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) determination unless you determine you’d like to maintain an outdoor space long-term.
- Be sure you are following the State of Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) guidance. The State is asking that business have a plan prepared and displayed for employees to reference. Visit DEED’s website for more information and for a template to create a plan.
- See more information on our Business Resources page.
- Minnesota Department of Health Stay Safe Minnesota: Guidance for Safely Reopening Businesses
If you have questions about the form or the City’s temporary outdoor dining regulations, please contact our Planning Division at 763-493-8069. For general business questions please contact Daniela Lorenz at 612-280-9491 or email at Daniela.lorenz@brooklynpark.org