SE Valley Times

The City of Tempe recently announced Mayor Mark Mitchell's signing of an emergency proclamation allowing businesses to expand their premises into parking lots and other areas in order to help them conform with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) COVID-19 safety guidelines. 

According to the City of Tempe's website, businesses needing more room to serve customers can apply for a free "expansion of premises permit." The city also stated it would expedite its application review process for the permits that could allow businesses to expand into "the right of way" and even use 12x12 pop-up tents. 

"From closing fitting rooms and taking out restaurant tables to ensure physical distancing to implementing additional hygiene standards, our businesses have been quick to adapt for the benefit of all of us," Mitchell stated in the city's announcement. "Now, as a city, it’s our turn to do more to help them."

The city said it is up to each business to decide on whether to reopen and whether to establish additional safety measures besides what the state is requiring including asking customers to wear masks.