To assist businesses and facilitate the safe restart of our local economy, City Council unanimously passed  an ordinance temporarily waiving minimum off-street parking requirements for restaurant and retail uses in commercial zones. This provides restaurant and retail businesses an opportunity to temporarily utilize up to 50% of their required, existing outdoor off-street parking spaces to increase their occupancy during the phased reopening as outlined in the Governors “Safe Start” plan. Additionally, restaurant and retail businesses may temporarily utilize 100% of their existing off-street parking that is in excess of the minimum required off-street parking spaces as determined by the City of Kennewick. 

Businesses who wish to pursue this new opportunity can submit an on-line application.

There is no fee for this application. Businesses who serve alcoholic beverages need approval from the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board and all businesses must submit a business pledge that they will follow all COVID-19 guidelines and complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan.

COVID-19 Safety Plans must be submitted to the county in which the business is licensed in:

• Benton County – please email to covidplan@co.benton.wa.us or drop in large yellow postal box in the drive lane at the side of Benton-Franklin Health District.
• Franklin County – will use Franklin County Treasurer drop box located in courthouse parking lot next to security building labeled COVID 19 business plans. Or email to covid-19businesssafetyplans@co.franklin.wa.us

Restaurant/Retail Off-Street Parking or Temporary Structure Use