Covid-19 resources

COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY STRATEGY

The City of Hoboken COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Strategy permits businesses to expand outdoor space on the sidewalk, create shared outdoor spaces as strEATERIES and Parklets, and creates a framework for businesses to operate further into the street during scheduled road closures. As re-opening guidelines from the State of New Jersey allow for 25% indoor capacity, the City of Hoboken is proactively maximizing outdoor space for businesses to provide safe areas for customers. Learn more by reviewing the Hoboken COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Strategy presentation and Winter Outdoor Dining presentation. #hobokenstrong #lovelocal

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Review the Winter Outdoor Dining presentation for a summary of all guidelines

Parklet and strEATERY permits currently expire on October 31, 2020. Permit holders must apply for a permit extension by October 15, 2020 and receive City approval to continue operating until December 31, 2021.

Apply for a Parklet or strEATERY extension permit to continue operating until December 31, 2021

Any strEATERY or parklet that has not received permit extension approval shall remove their strEATERY or parklet by November 1, 2020.

New Jersey Alcohol Beverage Control COVID-19 Extension of Premises permits expire on November 30, 2020. An approved parklet or strEATERY extension permit is separate and apart from any liquor license approval and does not constitute an extension of any ABC permit.  

Outdoor Dining Setup

Hours of Operation

• The hours of operation for all outdoor dining has been revised and is now the same for all sidewalk cafes, parklets and strEATERIES: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday – Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to midnight Thursday - Saturday.
• All cafes, parklets and strEATERIES should be vacated and broken down by the end time.
• Sponsor is responsible for ensuring that the last seating allows for adequate time to meet these hours of operation.

Outdoor Dining Setup

• MASK UP sign should be posted in outdoor dining area.
• NO MASK NO ENTRY sign should be posted at entrance.
• 6’ egress for pedestrians must be provided in a straight path that is clear of any obstructions.
• Tables and chairs must be set 6’ apart measured from the back of opposite facing chairs or from table-to-table where they are set side by side.  
• No standing occupancy is allowed in the outdoor dining area.
• Waiting customers are not permitted to congregate.  Recommend taking reservations or cell phone numbers to call customers when their table is ready.
• Customers must wear a mask to and from the restroom.
• 6’ social distancing marks should be placed on the floor for restroom lines.

Download the MASK UP sign or NO MASK, NO ENTRY sign

If you are asked by a City employee to adjust some part of your outdoor setup, please cooperate, as we are looking out for your best interest and the best interest of Hoboken residents

Entertainment

• NO DJs and NO amplified music, broadcast announcements or speakers are allowed in outdoor dining areas including sidewalk cafes, strEATERIES, parklets, and Summer Streets. Live acoustic music is permitted until 10 PM.
• All outdoor entertainment should end by 10 PM.
• TVs and projectors are allowed but must be on mute.
• TVs and projectors cannot be permanently attached to the structure, and must be returned inside at the end of the day.
• Sound from indoor speakers or entertainment should not be plainly audible beyond the property line.

Heat

Propane Heaters

• Propane or any other heater with an LP cylinder requires a permit from the Hoboken Fire Department.
• Heater cannot be placed within 5’ of building, under an overhang or canopy, or within 5’ of anything combustible.
• Fire extinguisher must be located within 25’ of heater.
• Patrons must not interact with heater.
• Heat tank cannot be stored inside or within 10’ of the establishment (heater can, but tank must be removed).
• Heater must be removed during storms or snow events.
• Heater must automatically turnoff when tipped over. Tip drill shall be performed to ensure safety.
• Heater must be UL listed with classifications and safety instructions from manufacturer. Personnel must understand the functionality of the heater.

Electric Heaters

• Electric heater requires approval from the Hoboken Building Department.
• Fire extinguisher must be located within 25’ of heater.
• Patrons must not interact with heater.
• Heater must be removed during storms or snow events.
• Heater must be UL listed with classifications and safety instructions from manufacturer. Personnel must understand the functionality of the heater.

Structures or Seasonal Canopies

• Per EO 163, “food or beverage establishments are permitted to offer in-person service at outdoor areas, defined as open air spaces that either 1) have no roof or cover or 2) have a fixed roof or temporary or seasonal awning or cover, with at least two open sides that would comprise over 50 % of the total wall space if the space were fully enclosed.”
• Shade, seasonal canopies, sheds, or other structures more than 50% enclosed would be considered indoor dining.
• Temporary “pop-up” seasonal canopies less than 10’ x 10’ do not require a permit. Larger canopies require approval from the Hoboken Building Department and Hoboken Fire Department.
• Seasonal canopies must be removed during storms or snow events.
• Structures may remain during storms or snow events, if approved by the Building Department (i.e., for wind loading and weight of snow).
• Businesses in the Washington-Hudson Historic District or Terminal Historic District (see map in permit extension application) shall not attach seasonal canopies to their building and shall not drill or otherwise create holes in the building façade without first obtaining a Certificate of No Effect from the Historic Preservation Office.
• All installations should be either free-standing to not affect the building or should be designed so as to avoid non-reversible damage to the façade.

Snow Removal

• All outdoor dining establishments must comply with City Code Chapter §168-8 Snow Removal.
• Approved strEATERY materials should be broken down and stored securely during a snow event. strEATERY materials shall not impede pedestrian operations or City snow removal operations.
• Approved parklet extension permits will require a snow removal plan (see permit extension application) describing how the sponsor will safely remove snow from the parklet and from 4’ in all directions adjacent to the parklet within 6 hours following a snow event.
• The City of Hoboken, by order of the Chief of Police or the Office of Emergency Management, may require a strEATERYto be the removal or restrict the set-up of strEATERIES for reasons of public safety.
• Parklets on Snow Emergency Routes may be required to be removed for reasons of public safety. The City of Hoboken reserves the right to require the removal or temporary relocation of any parklet, within 14 days of written notice to the sponsor, for purposes of street repairs or other municipal work in or around the location of the parklet.  The City further reserves the right to remove or have removed or relocated any parklet, upon order of the Chief of Police or the Office of Emergency Management, in the case of an emergency or imminent hazard, or for reasons of public safety.

Use the map below to locate a strEATERY or Parklet for outdoor dining.

Hoboken's Small Business Recovery Strategy includes flexible options to facilitate outdoor expansion by local businesses, and permits the following types of outdoor capacity expansion through an expedited approval process.

The application process provides general design guidelines for sidewalk cafes, stEATERIES, and parklets. Every application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to accommodate different locations and types of businesses. New applications for expanded sidewalk cafés, strEATERIES, and parklets will be accepted until October 1, 2020.

Parklet and strEATERY permits currently expire on October 31, 2020. Permit holders must apply for a permit extension by October 15, 2020 and receive City approval to continue operating until December 31, 2021.

State ABC COVID-19 Extension of Premises permits are valid through November 30, 2020.

Restaurants must abide by the Outdoor Dining Protocols and Process to Expand Premises for Liquor License Holders outlined in the Governor's Executive Order 150 and New Jersey Department of Health Executive Directive 20-04.

Summary of Options for Expanding Outdoor Capacity

‍Sidewalk Cafe Expansion

Daily outdoor sidewalk cafes can extend hours of operation by one hour on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays.

Sidewalk cafes can expand area with or without barriers, so long as 6 feet of sidewalk width is maintained. Businesses can expand outdoor cafes to adjacent properties with the neighboring property owner’s consent.

Tables in the sidewalk cafe must be 6 feet apart measured from backs of opposite chairs to promote social distancing.

How to Apply

Apply for a Sidewalk Cafe before October 1, 2020

A sidewalk cafe is the outdoor eating space that is on the sidewalk and is directly associated with a restaurant or bar. Parklets and StrEATERIES are in the street and separate from this application process. See applications for parklets and strEATERIES below.

1. Download the sidewalk café application
2. Send application and all required documents together via email to hpc@hobokennj.gov‍
3. Your application will be processed as quickly as possible and your license will be returned to you via email.

‍License Renewal

The license renewal process has been streamlined for this year and the fees have been waived.  You only need to submit the completed application form, confirmation of insurance.‍

If you want to expand your café area beyond where it has been in past years, either further out into the sidewalk or in front of a neighboring business (as permitted by the COVID-19 business recovery ordinance) you will also need to provide the following:

1. A sketch of the expanded café area including length and width of the café and the width of the sidewalk.  Measure from the outer edge of the café to the curb and from the cafe to any existing obstructions such as trees, lampposts, benches or bus shelters; and
2. If expanding in front of another building/business, you must submit two letters: one from the owner of the neighboring building and one from the business owner approving your use of their sidewalk.

Those businesses that have already obtained their 2020 Sidewalk Café License will have their fees for 2020 credited to 2021.

New Licensees

Applicants who have not held a Sidewalk Café license previously must file a complete application and all of the required documents. The application must be accompanied by:

1. Proof of insurance;
2. Health Department certification;
3. A letter from your landlord authorizing use of the sidewalk;
4. An architectural drawing of the café area with detailed measurements of the café and sidewalk.
5. New applicants proposing to use space to the right or left of their own storefront must also supply letters from the owner of the neighboring building and the owner of the adjacent business.

Sidewalk café fees are waived for 2020.

Questions? Please contact Zoning Officer Ann Holtzman at aholtzman@hobokennj.gov.

Liquor Licenses

If you are a liquor license holder and plan to expand your café area beyond what is already covered by your liquor license you must apply for a “COVID-19 Expansion of Premises” license.  This fast-track application is available on the State ABC POSSE Portal.

Your expansion of premises must be approved by theHoboken Police Department (Lt. Kucz), ABC Board Secretary (Suzanne Hetman), and the State ABC Division before alcoholic beverages may be served in the expanded area.

Questions? Please contact Lt. Kucz at kuczc@hobokenpd.org

strEATERY: new outdoor shared spaces

Daily outdoor, shared public space that temporarily converts curbside parking spaces for outdoor dining where take-away food and beverages can be consumed.

Dining space must be separated from adjacent parking and travel lane using moveable safety barriers such as barricades, planters, bollards, or similar structures.

Tables in the strEATERY must be 6 feet apart measured from backs of opposite chairs to promote social distancing.

How to Apply

Apply for a new strEATERY before October 1, 2020

Questions? Please contact City Engineer Kim Craft at engineering@hobokennj.gov

Apply for a strEATERY extension permit to continue operating until December 31, 2021

Questions? Please contact Casey Wolff at cwolff@hobokennj.gov

Liquor Licenses

If you are a liquor license holder and plan to expand your capacity beyond what is already covered by your liquor license  into a strEATERY or parklet you must apply for a “COVID-19 Expansion of Premises” license.  This fast-track application is available on the State ABC POSSE Portal.

Your expansion of premises must be approved by theHoboken Police Department (Lt. Kucz), ABC Board Secretary (Suzanne Hetman), and the State ABC Division before alcoholic beverages may be served in the expanded area.

Questions? Please contact Lt. Kucz at kuczc@hobokenpd.org.

Parklets: new outdoor shared spaces

Seasonal outdoor, shared public space that temporarily converts curbside parking into a mini-park as a platform extension of the sidewalk. Parklets can be used for retail or outdoor dining where take-away food and beverages can be consumed.

Dining space must be enclosed from adjacent parking and travel lane using built-in safety barriers such as planters, benches, walls, railings, and bollards.

Tables in the Parklet must be 6 feet apart measured from backs of opposite chairs to promote social distancing.

How to Apply

Apply for a new Parklet before October 1, 2020

Questions? Please contact City Engineer Kim Craft at engineering@hobokennj.gov

Apply for a Parklet extension permit to continue operating until December 31, 2021

Questions? Please contact Casey Wolff at cwolff@hobokennj.gov

Liquor Licenses

If you are a liquor license holder and plan to expand your capacity beyond what is already covered by your liquor license  into a strEATERY or parklet you must apply for a “COVID-19 Expansion of Premises” license.  This fast-track application is available on the State ABC POSSE Portal.

Your expansion of premises must be approved by the Hoboken Police Department (Lt. Kucz), ABC Board Secretary (Suzanne Hetman), and the State ABC Division before alcoholic beverages may be served in the expanded area.

‍‍Questions? Please contact Lt. Kucz at kuczc@hobokenpd.org.

Open streets for businesses

Outdoor, shared public space that temporarily close up to 3 contiguous blocks of specific roadways on Sundays from 9 AM - 8 PM and Thursdays from 6 PM - 11 PM (schedule may change).

Open Streets expand outdoor seating capacity for businesses with additional space, as opposed to congregating or a “block party.” The City provides required police, sanitation, and barricades for scheduled road closures.

Open streets for business build off pilot open streets on Jefferson Street , Park Avenue, and Adams Street to facilitate additional socially distanced space for pedestrians for biking, walking and jogging.

How to Apply

Apply for an Open Street before October 1, 2020

Questions? Please contact City Engineer Kim Craft at engineering@hobokennj.gov

Liquor Licenses

Existing licensee must file for an "Event Permit Expansion of Premises" application for approval by the NJ State ABC. The area in which alcohol will be served/consumed must be gated from the rest of the open street. Security from the licensed establishment must secure the entry and exit of said area to ensure identifications are checked upon entry for legal age and liquor does not leave gated area.

Your expansion of premises must be approved by the Hoboken Police Department (Lt. Kucz), ABC Board Secretary (Suzanne Hetman), and the State ABC Division before alcoholic beverages may be served in the expanded area.

Liquor License Questions? Please contact Lt. Kucz at kuczc@hobokenpd.org.

Expanded Retail Use of Sidewalks

Retail businesses and services can use the area in front of their stores to display merchandise during business hours. Any new temporary signage associated with the retail use shall comply with the Zoning Code.

No application is required.

Fees

Sidewalk café fees are waived for 2020, and those with existing 2020 licenses will be credited in 2021.

The City is exploring various options with the Hoboken Business Alliance and other groups to help subsidize the cost of the streateries, parklets, and open streets.

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Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla signed an executive order permitting gyms and fitness clubs to utilize certain City fields, parks, and other facilities in order to facilitate safe, socially distanced outdoor workouts. The executive order was signed in anticipation of a reduction in capacity and limitations within certain gymnasiums and fitness centers during a gradual re-opening, and difficulties of social distancing in certain indoor locations. The City encourages fitness clubs to utilize outdoor space as much as possible for workouts given recommendations from the CDC.

Owners or managers of fitness centers can now apply to host outdoor classes of up to 15 people in certain outdoor parks and fields, with strict social distancing guidelines of at least 6 feet between each participant at all times. The gyms and fitness clubs utilizing the field space will, in exchange, host additional free Fitness in the Park classes for the Hoboken public.

How to Apply

Apply to Host Fitness Classes at a City Facility

Gym owners may apply to utilize outdoor space in certain city fields and parks. Each application will be reviewed by City staff on a case by case basis, with gym owners asked to provide additional information about the proposed outdoor workouts. Gyms will be restricted to certain activities given the requested location of outdoor space, and priority will be given for morning locations.

The City’s ability to accept any applications, in whole or part, is further subject to space limitations on the area(s) requested by the applicant, and any other unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

Questions? Please contact Director of Health & Human Services Leo Pellegrini at lpellegrini@hobokennj.gov.

Employees of any local Hoboken business are eligible for rapid, COVID-19 testing through the Riverside testing location in Hoboken. The testing expansion reflects Hoboken’s commitment to assisting small businesses with additional safety precautions in preparation for a gradual re-opening. Employees of Hoboken businesses do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms in order to receive a test.

Registering for a Test

To register for a COVID-19 test, the Hoboken business owner or employee should call the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) hotline in City Hall at 201-420-5621, Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm to register for an appointment. Business owners can also call the hotline and provide a list of employees over the phone.

Arriving for a Test

The Riverside Medical Testing Site is located under the 14th Street Viaduct between Jefferson and Madison Streets. Employees can either walk or drive to the testing site at their designated time. Proof of employment at a Hoboken business, such as a copy of a paycheck, tax form, or signed letter from the owner of a business, is required at the time of testing. If an employee does not have health insurance, the City will pay for the cost of the test. Walk ins are not permitted.

Riverside Medical has provided COVID-19 testing to over 2,000 Hoboken residents since early April. COVID-19 testing is available to all Hoboken residents with or without symptoms, with results provided within 15 minutes on site after receiving the test.