Kennewick businesses can apply for temporary expansion into parking lots

KENENWICK, Wash.-- Last week, the Kennewick City Council passed a temporary ordinance that eases parking requirements for businesses in the city, allowing them to move at least a portion of their business outside into their off-street parking.

City ordinance requires businesses to maintain a minimum number of parking spaces based on the number of people the location can hold. The temporary pause on those restrictions allows retail and restaurant establishments in Kennewick to offer services outside.

The move comes after Gov. Jay Inslee and the Washington Department of Health approved Benton and Franklin Counties to move into a modified Phase 1 for reopening, which permits restaurants to resume serving customers on site, but only in outdoor seating areas.

"Waving these minimum parking requirements was a flexibility option for businesses to be able to increase their occupancy," said Evelyn Lusignan with the city of Kennewick. "We passed it for both retail and restaurants who want to use some of their parking."

The minimum parking requirements are waived through the end of the year. Businesses do need to submit a site plan and application online.

While restaurants can serve food to customers outside, serving alcoholic beverages requires permission from the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board.