DDOT's New Guidelines Lead to Streatery Closures in D.C., Sparking Outrage
Recent closures of streateries in Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant have caused public outcry in Washington, D.C. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has introduced new guidelines and fees to align the streatery program with other public space initiatives. This change requires restaurants to undergo a lengthy process to obtain permanent permits, including design approvals, construction permits, and inspections. The Mount Pleasant pizzeria Martha Dear serves as an example, taking five months to secure a permit despite meeting criteria. The number of permitted streateries has drastically reduced from 270 to 39, with many applications pending, particularly in Georgetown. The new requirements address issues like accessibility and safety, but have led to financial and procedural challenges for restaurants. 
