Keeping Downtown's Streateries: Our Plan to Get It Right

If you've grabbed dinner outside on 4th Street or 1st Street over the past few summers, you know streateries have become part of what makes downtown Bremerton feel alive. They started as a quick fix during COVID-19. Today they're a real part of downtown's character, and a real source of revenue and seating for our local restaurants, especially in the busy season.

Right now, they're at risk. The City has asked that the three current streateries be removed by October 15. That's why the Downtown Bremerton Association has sent the City a partnership proposal, backed by an initial $30,000 commitment from DBA, to keep outdoor dining safe, accessible, and open.

The Remedy outdoor dining area glows in the afternoon sun.

The City has a point

We want to be clear: the City is right that streateries need a consistent standard. Most were built quickly and individually, so materials, footprints, drainage, and accessibility vary from one to the next. That's hard for any city to permit and inspect one structure at a time.

The City and the businesses also disagree about whether the current permits are still in effect. DBA isn't taking a side in that dispute. Instead, we're proposing a fresh, written transition, so everyone can move forward without settling that question first.

What we're asking for

Our proposal asks the City for three things:

1. A bridge. Extend the October 15th removal date in writing and issue interim permits through April 30th, 2027 for each streatery that passes a safety check, while owners file complete permit applications.

2. A permanent program. Move forward with the streatery and sidewalk café ordinance the City Council received on September 22nd, or an Administration program that includes the same transition for existing streateries.

3. Shared designs. Let DBA fund optional, pre-approved streatery designs the City can add to its design manual, so restaurants know exactly what to build.

Safety checks now, not later

Under our plan, DBA and City staff would jointly check each streatery within 30 days. That means stable structures with no trip hazards, an accessible route from the sidewalk with no curb step, a clear sidewalk for people walking by, reflective markers facing traffic, clear sight lines at crosswalks and hydrants, and current insurance naming the City.

The City would keep full authority. Fire and traffic staff could inspect at any time, and any streatery with a serious hazard could be closed immediately. No new streateries would be added until a permanent program is in place. Each streatery ends up with a clear outcome: approved under a permit, or removed.

Where the $30,000 goes

DBA's role is to fund and support, not to permit or manage. Our initial $30,000 is intended for optional standard designs and engineering, help with permit applications and required safety and accessibility improvements, and an outdoor dining assistance fund for things like accessible dining surfaces, barriers, railings, and furniture.

We see that as a starting point, not the full cost. Since January 1, 2026, DBA has been designated a Washington Main Street Community, giving local businesses access to the state's Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program. Contributing businesses can receive a state B&O or public utility tax credit worth 75% of their contribution. We'll also launch a community fundraising campaign for residents, patrons, and businesses who want to keep outdoor dining downtown.

We're not inventing this from scratch

Other Washington cities have walked this road. Walla Walla made its streateries permanent in June 2025 and gave existing operators time to meet the new standards. Wenatchee and Everett run established programs too. Bremerton can follow a proven path.

What's next and how you can help

DBA has asked to present the proposal at the Public Works Committee on October 20 and the City Council on October 21. If all goes well, the goal is to open the 2027 outdoor dining season on May 1, 2027, with safer, better-looking streateries.

Here's how you can support downtown outdoor dining:

• Eat outside downtown while you can, and tell our restaurants you value it.

• Business owners: ask us about contributing through the Main Street Tax Credit program. 2027 credits open January 11.

• Watch for our community fundraiser, coming soon.

• Questions? Reach Jessica Combs, Executive Director, at director@downtownbremerton.org.