This is a notice from the City of Novato. Take note that the city will allow outdoor dining under special rules and permitting.
New County Order Allowing Outdoor Dining & Retail Effective June 1
Marin County is moving into the next round of its COVID-19 pandemic response, with further reopenings under the shelter-in-place order. As of June 1, outdoor retail, office space, outdoor dining, and curbside library services join childcare and summer/sports camps as business sectors allowed to reopen to patrons and employees if guidelines from Marin County Public Health are followed. New guidelines for those industries to safely reopen are available at MarinRecovers.com.
To help make the transition to outdoor dining and retail easier, Downtown Novato restaurants and retail establishments interested in providing or expanding outdoor service options can apply now for temporary use of public right-of-way for outside dining and retail at novato.org/outdoorbiz.
The City of Novato will process applications as they are received. Businesses interested in applying must comply with City insurance requirements as well as City standards for outdoor merchandise display and outdoor dining and seating. Please note, dining establishments with already permitted outdoor space need not apply.
Businesses preparing to reopen must complete a Site-Specific Protection Plan (SPP) to define how a business will reopen in a safe and clean manner for patrons and employees. A SPP plan template is available on MarinRecovers.com to guide businesses through the planning process. The template combines state-level guidance published in the California State Resilience Roadmap and local Marin County public health policies.
Since Marin began sequentially reopening the county on May 4, 19 sectors of business have been allowed to reopen with public health guidance. Guidelines for the next stage of openings will include outdoor religious services and indoor retail. Barring any surges in disease transmission, those are expected to be released by June 12 to begin June 15. An overview of Marin’s business reopenings to date can be accessed online.
The State of California continues to determine the limit for allowable activities, while being clear that counties are responsible for addressing local needs based on their individual circumstances. Marin County Public Health staff is constantly monitoring public indicators of COVID-19 to inform future business reopening phases. As the state allows for higher-risk activities, Marin County Public Health works with industry leaders to develop reopening guidelines that consider current COVID-19 activity and special considerations for Marin’s most vulnerable populations.
“Our challenge is to balance the risks of reopening with the harms associated with shelter-in-place restrictions,” Willis said. “COVID-19 is still with us. As we lift restrictions at the policy level, it’s more and more in our own hands as individuals to prevent spread. We are counting on all our residents and businesses to do their part as we move forward together.”
Reopening guidelines for the following are available on MarinRecovers.com.
•Office Space
•Outdoor Dining
•Outdoor Retail
•Curbside Retail
•Summer/Sports Camps
•Childcare for all kids
•Pet Grooming
•Golf and Tennis/Racket Clubs
•Outdoor Recreation Businesses
•Recreation Rental Businesses
The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services’ coronavirus website remains the authority for local COVID-19 case data and medical information.
Stay Informed
Visit the City of Novato COVID-19 webpage at novato.org/coronavirus to sign up for email or text message updates from the City, as well as for information on impacts to City services, City facility closures and cancelled and postponed events, what to do if you are feeling sick, and tips on how to reduce your risk of exposure.
Novato businesses and workers impacted by COVID-19, visit novato.org/COVID19biz for a listing of resources including information regarding unemployment, disability and paid family leave benefits; small business loans and grants; tax assistance; non-profit support; as well as information on workplace health and safety.
For up-to-date information on what other local agencies are doing in response to COVID-19, please visit the following websites:
Marin Health and Human Services: marinhhs.org/coronavirus
Novato Unified School District: nusd.org/coronavirus-covid-19
North Marin Water District: nmwd.com
Novato Sanitary District: novatosan.com
Marin Transit: marintransit.org
Golden Gate Transit: goldengate.org/district/news-media
SMART: sonomamarintrain.org
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