Sidewalk service without barriers approved by Chelan Council

There is now a little more elbow room with less restrictive outdoor seating for food and alcohol service at downtown Chelan restaurants.

The Chelan City Council decided Tuesday night to begin an 18-month pilot program intended to reduce sidewalk congestion by removing railings in front of participating businesses.

The city’s Chad Coltman says instead of railings or other barriers than have traditionally been used on sidewalks in front of businesses, "sidewalk markers will be the delineation of outdoor seating areas."

It's an option for restaurants and wineries serving food and drink that is permitted by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

The Historic Downtown Chelan Association and local business owners shared interest with the city in allowing more flexibility in sidewalk seating areas.

"Maybe it will reduce some crowding on those downtown sidewalks," said Coltman.

The program will be made available through next summer.

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The latest on city of Chelan finances with mid-year data showing expenditures and revenues to-date.

"Revenues are a few percentage points ahead of where they were last year (during the first six months of the year) on sales tax, which is encouraging," Coltman reported. "Lodging tax (a hotel-motel tax) for the second quarter is down a little bit over last year, and that's consistent with some of the trends we're seeing with tourism slowing down."

Year-to-date sales tax revenues totaled $1,030,176, $51,471 more than the same six month period a year ago.

The city’s golf course, RV park and marina are all reporting revenue increases so far this year over 2025 figures.