The city has started Mesa Open Air, allowing businesses to temporarily move their waiting areas outdoors to parking spots, sidewalks, green spaces and other places normally off-limits.

“It is a creative, healthy and safe way to enjoy our fabulous weather and give Mesa businesses a big boost,” according to a release.

The city of Mesa is trying to do everything it can during the COVID-19 pandemic to help businesses have a more robust schedule and operate as normally as possible. Mesa Open Air encourages businesses to take advantage of our sunny, comfortable winter and early spring temperatures and safely serve more customers. Mesa Open Air is modeled after the highly successful Mesa Al Fresco program, adopted in September, to help restaurants and bars expand their services outdoors, the release states.

While businesses will need to pay for equipment needed to expand outdoors, permit fees will be waived and the goal is to approve applications within two to four business days. Business owners will need to obtain approval from landlords or property managers and the expansion plans must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, social distancing and other life/safety requirements to protect the public.

Heather Omta, development services small business assistant, will be the central point of contact to receive, review and approve expansion requests. For more information, contact Ms. Omta at heather.omta@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-6451.