The Washington City Council has begun the process of creating a new ordinance to allow outdoor seating areas for restaurants.  The first of three readings of the ordinance was made last night.  It’s partially based on similar rules in other places including Iowa City.

The council hashed out some amendments and refinements Wednesday to attempt to make it more appropriate for Washington.  The ordinance addresses rules about where outdoors seating can be, what time of year it can occur, and to provide for a permitting process for businesses to apply through the city.

The council still plans two more opportunities for public comment about the ordinance at which time they also could make changes to it.