SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- San Diego’s City Council unanimously approved several measures Tuesday they hope will make it easier for businesses to stay open amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The first measure cements Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s executive order allowing some businesses to operate outdoors.
The measure allows gyms, barber shops, churches and nail salons to expand business to private parking lots, sidewalks, and on-street parking.
“Employees can return to work and families can again participate in programs and support our businesses, if they so desire,” said City Councilmember Chris Cate.
Businesses will need to apply for a permit to operate outside, the city says.
The second measure reallocates $700,000 from the city’s Small Business Relief Fund toward helping businesses in underserved communities. Certain businesses will be elidgable for grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
The city provided the list below of eligible businesses:
- Be self-employed, an independent contractor, a sole proprietor, or a corporation with revenues less than $100,000
- Have 10 or fewer employees
- Document a decline in revenue due to COVID-19
“Mom-and-pop shops, especially in communities of concern, are struggling to keep up with changing rules despite doing everything they can just to survive this economic crisis,” Mayor Faulconer said. “Whether it’s allowing a barber to set up shop in a parking lot or providing a grant that helps a restaurant make payroll, we know small changes can make a big difference between closing for now or closing for good.”
For more information on the relief, click here.
