Surf City Open Air Dining Program

Photo of waitress taking order
As a result of COVID-19, the Governor's Order to prohibit indoor dining, and to promote social distancing, the City has created expedited permit processes, FREE OF CHARGE, to allow food service businesses to temporarily expand outdoors.

Expanding onto PRIVATE property (shopping centers, private parking lots, etc.)

Complete a Temporary Emergency Use Permit.  Once complete, submit the application via one of the following ways:

Turnaround time is typically 1 week. There is no fee for this application.  For additional information call (714) 536-5241 or email [email protected].

Expanding into PUBLIC property (sidewalks, public parking spaces, etc.)

Complete an Outdoor Dining Encroachment Permit. Once complete, submit the application via one of the following ways:

Turnaround time is typically 1 week. There is no fee for this application.  For additional information call (714) 536-5431 or e-mail [email protected]

For businesses with an existing ABC Alcohol license ONLY

Complete a Temporary Catering Authorization Application from Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). Once the application is complete, submit it to the ABC Santa Ana Office at 2 MacAurthur Place, Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA  92707, (657) 205-3533.  Turnaround time is typically 5 days but may vary. The cost for the application is $100.

For additional questions, you may contact:

ABC (alcohol licensing questions)
2 MacAurthur Place, Suite 200
Santa Ana, CA  92707
(657) 205-3533
Email:  [email protected]

Photo of waitress serving

Additional resources for business operations during the pandemic can be found at http://www.hbbiz.com/services/covid-19-business-resources.


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Since its inception in 2016, the Homeless Task Force has had more than 1,600 occasions to assist individuals with housing referrals, mental and physical health referrals, bus passes, DMV forms, gas cards, food, mailing addresses, and family reunifications

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