New guidelines, grant program, likely to bring more outdoor dining to Fall River

(FALL RIVER, MA- August 1, 2022)- Just in time for the height of outdoor dining season, the City of Fall River has released new guidelines for outdoor dining, with a streamlined permitting process. The latter is meant to make it easier for businesses, who are still recovering from the pandemic, to create or enhance areas that will add seating capacity to their establishment. The new guidelines, which include mock-ups of approved layouts, and the outdoor dining permit application, can be found at https://www.fallriverma.org/new-outdoor-dining-guidelines-and-applications-for-fall-river-restaurants/.

In addition, applications are being accepted for a new Outdoor Dining Grant Program. All Restaurants, cafés and other food service businesses in the city are eligible to receive up to $2,000 for setting up outdoor dining at their establishment. To apply, a business must have all the necessary permits from the City of Fall River for outdoor dining and related service prior to submission. The requested funds can be used for a variety of outdoor dining-related expenditures, including construction materials, safety structures, furniture, and lighting. Grants will be awarded on a first come/first serve basis as funds last; a total of 10-12 awards is expected to be made.

This funding is available through the City of Fall River along with MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) and is being administered through Viva Fall River and City of Fall River Planning Department. The application for the Outdoor Dining Grant Program can be found at https://www.vivafallriver.com/outdoor-dining-grant/.