The State Senate has voted unanimously to extend outdoor dining activity at restaurants through March 31, 2022. 

Danbury Senator Julie Kushner says expanded outdoor dining was clearly a bright spot when considering the hardships and restrictions that came with this public health crisis.  While this was helpful to restaurants throughout her district, Kushner believes this could potential help in revitalizing Danbury’s downtown, and lead to many positive changes.  

Local zoning officials can allow or expand outdoor dining through an expedited approval process by granting permits without significant paperwork such as site surveys or traffic studies, outside of information that could impact public health, safety or the environment. Any applications filed would be responded to within ten days of receipt, and any appeals process after a potential rejection would need to be filed within a week. 

In the future, the legislation could be expanded to enable permanent expanded outdoor dining in its current state.