Good afternoon,
Under Governor Whitmer's Executive Orders 2020-91 and 2020-92, which allow for the re-opening of restaurants, bars, retail, and offices beginning Friday, May 22, we are excited to welcome the re-opening of your downtown businesses, which are the heart of our community.
Welcome back, Downtown Marquette!
As you're no doubt aware, the executive order limits restaurants and bars to 50% capacity and retail to 25% at this time. We realize these temporary capacity limitations may pose a challenge to operations within the confines of your business walls. To that end, we have been working closely, quickly, and cooperatively with the City of Marquette to facilitate measures for using public sidewalk and private parking lots for outdoor seating and merchandise displays, allowing you to expand your operations outdoors during the COVID-19 recovery period. I'm pleased to announce that Mayor Smith and the City of Marquette have generously agreed to waive the fees for the permitting of sidewalk cafes and outdoor merchandise displays on public property and to temporarily suspend the Special Land Use permitting process for Outdoor Food and Beverage Service on private property.
Sidewalk Cafe and Outdoor Merchandise Display Permits (on Public Property)
Businesses interested in applying for an outdoor merchandise display or sidewalk café permit
on public property
must submit an application packet to the City Clerk’s office for license review. This includes a diagram of the proposed area as well as other documentation, including proof of appropriate insurance and (if applicable) a copy of your MLCC outdoor service permit. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. This process can be completed in approximately 1 day. The waiver of fees for this year's permit expires at 4:30 p.m. on June 30, 2020.
City of Marquette Outdoor Merchandise Display
Annual fee: $55 (waived through June 30, 2020)
City of Marquette Sidewalk Café Permit (with alcohol)
Annual fee: $185 (waived through June 30, 2020)
City of Marquette Sidewalk Café Permit (without alcohol)
Annual fee: $130 (waived through June 30, 2020)
Contact:
City Clerk’s Office
Phone: 906-228-0430
Special Land Use on Private Property
Mayor Smith's emergency declaration temporarily suspends the Special Land Use permitting process typically required for outdoor food and beverage service
on private property
. The suspension allows for businesses to establish outdoor seating areas on their own property, effectively expanding their seating capacity. The suspension will remain in effect so long as an active Executive Order of the Governor imposes seating and distancing limitations on these establishments.
Business planning to expand outdoor seating on private property are required to register with the Marquette Downtown Development Authority. Please complete the following form to submit your registration:
Please note that during this time, all food and beverage service must still follow the mandates found in the Executive Orders, as well as any requirements from the Marquette County Health Department. Additionally, all streets and public ways must remain open for traffic and ingress and egress for public safety must be maintained.
City of Marquette Public Service Announcement:
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I wish you all the best as you begin to re-open your stores, restaurants, and offices. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Salmon
Executive Director
Marquette Downtown Development Authority
(906) 228-9475
