Georgetown, Texas – In a move aimed at revitalizing the downtown core, the Georgetown City Council voted on Oct. 27 to give initial approval to a Street Patio Pilot Program. The ordinance creates a trial period during which local restaurants and businesses can convert public on‑street parking spaces directly in front of their storefronts into outdoor dining areas.
Program details and limits
The pilot caps the number of parking spaces used for each patio at three, and limits each block to two street patios. This structure is intended to balance the needs of businesses with the preservation of parking for residents and visitors.
Costs for participating businesses are set at $2,610 for a single space, $5,010 for two spaces, and $7,410 for three spaces. These fees cover the city’s administrative and enforcement expenses.
Sidewalk cafes deferred for further feedback
Originally, the proposal also included sidewalk cafés. Council members decided to defer that portion of the plan to gather additional input from business owners. The council may revisit the sidewalk‑café component later in the pilot, at which point businesses would need to choose between a street patio or a sidewalk café.
Enforcement safeguards
The ordinance outlines clear safeguards to protect public safety and property rights:
- Street patios must be directly adjacent to the business that operates them.
- If a patio encroaches on neighboring property, the business must obtain the property owner’s consent.
- Patio setups may not block or obstruct public pedestrian sidewalks.
These measures aim to ensure that the pilot enhances the downtown experience without compromising pedestrian access or neighboring property interests.
Parking impact and mitigation
While the pilot could temporarily make up to 134 on‑street parking spaces unavailable, officials noted that a new 450‑space public parking garage planned for the intersection of Ninth and Main streets will more than offset the loss.
Background and next steps
The council first discussed a pilot program for downtown sidewalk cafés at a Nov. 25, 2025 meeting, noting that many businesses had already been using sidewalk space informally. The most recent discussion took place at a Sept. 8 City Council workshop, where council members refined the street‑patio concept and set the parameters for the pilot.
Moving forward, the council will monitor the pilot’s impact on downtown traffic, pedestrian safety, and local business revenue. If the results are positive, the ordinance could be expanded or made permanent, potentially providing a lasting boost to Georgetown’s vibrant downtown dining scene.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
