OROVILLE — Al fresco sidewalk dining is coming to downtown Oroville, and business owners are happy about it.
“I think it’s wonderful,” said Brian Wong, owner of Tong Fong Low and Union restaurants as well as the City of Paris Building. “The main thing about it is it will give people a sense of community, sitting open interacting with friends and the community. It will be more open, support more connections, more community. That’s what it’s all about.”
The Oroville City Council unanimously passed the new outdoor sidewalk dining ordinance at its regular Jan. 4 meeting.
“It’s essential for the downtown business district,” said Mayor Dave Pittman.
The ordinance covers the historic commercial district bounded by High Street, Oliver Street, Arlin Rhine Memorial Drive and Oak Street. Additionally, the “Gateway Site” — defined by the new regulation as the area from the intersection of Montgomery Street and Feather River Boulevard and extending to the Purple Line Urban Winery and Bedrock Park — is also included in anticipation of future development.
Patrick Piatt, the city’s community development director, said the impetus for creating the ordinance came about as a result of the temporary allowance to move dining outside during the COVID pandemic but that there was no formal zoning code.
“This now codifies the ability for restaurants to have outdoor dining,” said Piatt. “Permits are still required some of which have an associated cost, others have no cost.”
Gracie Stewart, owner of TinyHinies, a children’s clothing store, and manager of Provisions restaurant on Montgomery Street, said the restaurant is already working with the city to get the necessary permit to take advantage of the new ordinance.
“I think it’s a positive thing, and we’re excited about it,” said Stewart. “It’s a good thing, and we’re going to try it out to see what we can get from it and how it will help our business grow.”
Stewart said Provisions has a “beautiful patio dining area” at the back of the restaurant but that some people may enjoy sitting out front instead to “people watch” especially when the weather is good. She said the restaurant may put a “few tables” on the sidewalk especially during the summer months when they offer cornhole during First Friday events.
Outside Unicone Ice Cream and Treats on Myers Street a city bench provides an outdoor place for owner Chris Lightle’s customers to sit along with a small table and a couple of chairs he has placed outside since the business opened in 2021, but Lightle said he’s “excited” about the new ordinance and “glad outdoor dining is legal downtown now, even though most of my customers walk around eating their ice cream.”
Other downtown non-restaurant business owners also see the new al fresco dining code as a boon for their businesses as well.
“I think it’s a great thing for the community and that all the downtown businesses will benefit from it. People are going to love it,” said Rori Summers, owner of Bird Street Vendors and Downtown Business Association board member. “I think it will bring more people and more revenue to downtown. Instead of doing a grab and go with their drinks or food, they’ll take the option to sit outside, look around to see what’s going on, what other stores there are, take a break and refuel for more shopping.”
