In a recent survey of over 3,000 people, Salem residents said they wanted more outdoor seating in restaurants.

Starting July 1 the fee for the renewal of an existing outdoor café will be lowered from $80 to $38.50.

According to the City this stays in competition with communities similar in size to that of Salem.

Many of the restaurants in the downtown area already provide outdoor seating. The Downtown Restaurant Council along with the Chamber of Commerce and the West Salem Business Association are going to help raise awareness of these locations.

The city Public Works Department has made a commitment to streamline the sidewalk seating permit process.

To be approved businesses must allow for an ADA required five-foot wide unobstructed pedestrian pathway. Road signs, fire hydrants and other obstructions will have to be cleared of proposed seating areas.

Other requirements are a certificate of insurance, a safety barrier for seating located along a building, and Liquor Control Commission Approval from restaurants serving alcohol.

Some downtown merchants hope that the City expands this program to include retailers, allowing them to place for-sale products on the sidewalk. This would encourage sidewalk sales and other outdoor events throughout downtown.