Georgetown Sidewalk Extensions & Streateries
An update.
The Georgetown BID has some updates on Georgetown’s streatery program. Launched in 2021 and fueled Georgetown’s post-pandemic economic recovery, it continues to shape our public realm and has further activated our commercial district – currently supporting outdoor dining for 43 restaurants. Since installing the streateries and sidewalk extensions, crashes and serious injuries have also been reduced on M Street and Wisconsin Avenue by 50%, making our roads safer and more comfortable for all users.
Four years in, the streatery program run by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is transitioning from a temporary program to a permanent one. To comply with DDOT’s new city-wide permanent guidelines, the BID and food establishments will be applying for new permits to keep streateries where desired and approved, while removing sidewalk extensions, bus stop extensions, and streateries that are no longer desired or eligible under DDOT’s new program. For the benefit of the community, below are some changes that we can all expect to see throughout Georgetown.
Temporary Streatery Program Coming to an End
DDOT’s Temporary Streatery Permit program expires on November 30, 2025 (extended from July 31). Moving forward, all food establishments must obtain a Streatery Design Permit from DDOT to bring their structures into compliance with DDOT’s new permanent program. Food establishments will be responsible for maintaining and managing all components of their outdoor dining, from permitting to paying an annual public space maintenance fee.
New Streatery Permitting Process
In keeping with DDOT’s new guidelines, the BID is securing a Block Permit for M Street & Wisconsin Avenue. While the Block Permit is intended to evaluate existing and proposed curbside uses, the Streatery Design Permit (obtained by food establishments) will show the design and construction details for all outdoor dining features. The Georgetown BID’s Block Permit application will be submitted to DDOT at the end of August. Streatery Design Permits, which will be the responsibility of all food establishments, are due to DDOT in September. New DDOT permits will be in place by November 30. For more information on both the Block Permit and the Streatery Design Permit, head to DDOT’s Public Space Activation webpage.
Streatery Removal Timeline & Next Steps
Non-permitted/approved streateries, sidewalk extensions and bus stop extensions are being removed throughout the summer and fall, as follows:
To support the removal of non-compliant streateries, DDOT and the Department of Public Works (DPW) are helping businesses remove the debris of deconstructed streateries from public space. Businesses no longer interested in operating their streatery must email streateries@dc.gov by October 1 to request to be added to the Streatery Debris Pick-Up List. DDOT will notify businesses of their upcoming debris pick-up date. All structures must be fully demolished by their pick-up date and piled neatly within the existing streatery space for pick-up by DPW.
