The city of Clermont is waiving permit fees for restaurants that are adding temporary outdoor seating during the COVID-19 pandemic in May.

“As a business-friendly city, our restaurants may add temporary outdoor seating options without having to worry about a permit fee during this challenging time,” City Manager Darren Gray says in a news release. “We encourage restaurants to follow guidelines from the governor and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep employees and patrons safe as they reopen for dining with limited capacity.”

Businesses interested in adding outdoor seating of any kind should submit the following information to Clermont’s Building Services Department at inspection@clermontfl.org: site plan showing location of outdoor seating; size of tent (if applicable); number of parking spaces to be used for outdoor seating; number of tables and number of chairs. Questions may be directed to permitting staff at 352.241.7315.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order detailing Phase 1 of reopening Florida went into effect Monday, May 4. It states that restaurants may offer outdoor seating with 6 feet of space between tables and indoor seating at 25 percent capacity. Retail stores can operate at 25 percent of indoor capacity. Bars, gyms and personal services, such as hairdressers, continue to remain closed to services and may continue to sell retail products.

A Phase 1 FAQs list contains helpful information: https://bit.ly/3c3C0WN. In addition, the governor’s slideshow presentation provides further insight: https://bit.ly/2ydBSoN. For more information, visit clermontfl.gov/coronavirus or facebook.com/cityofclermont.