Village temporarily waives tent permit fees, extends expiration date for outdoor seating

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY (Oct. 13, 2020) – As a way to further assist village businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village Board on Oct. 13 unanimously approved temporarily waiving fees associated with tent permits

In September, the board agreed to extend the outdoor seating permit expiration date by more than three months. Business owners who were previously granted outdoor seating permits will not have to reapply until March 14, 2021. Prior to approval of the extension, permits were set to expire on Nov. 25.

While commercial tents are subject to obtaining a separate permit from the Building Department, all fees will be waived until March 14, 2021. Tents must also comply with village code and the fire code of New York State.  

During its meeting on June 22, the Village Board unanimously approved a code change to streamline government operations by eliminating the requirement that outdoor seating requests have to be referred to and reviewed by the Planning Board before moving to the Building Department.

The Building Department has the authority to validate outdoor seating permits without the request being reviewed by the Planning Board.