This survey is now closed.

Chula Vista Outdoor Dining Survey

The City of Chula Vista received feedback from the community on outdoor dining and vending options from June 17,2025 to June 29, 2025. This input will help guide the development of City policies related to outdoor dining.

Outdoor dining consists of the following: sidewalk cafes, curb cafes, food trucks and sidewalk vending. Below are some definitions to help guide your responses:

Sidewalk cafe: Tables and seating set up on the public sidewalk directly next to a restaurant or cafe.

Curb cafe: A platform or patio built on a street parking space (typically where a car would park), allowing for outdoor seating.

Food truck: A licensed, mobile kitchen inside a vehicle that prepares and sells food in designated areas.

Sidewalk vendor: A person selling food from a small cart or stand in public spaces, typically selling items like hot dogs and ice cream, setup does not include table and chairs.

 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and shared their experiences.

1. How would you primarily identify yourself?

Business owner
Resident
Both (resident and business owner
Visitor
Other
Closed to responses

2. Rank which type of outdoor dining you enjoy the most?

Closed to responses

3. Do you feel there are enough outdoor dining options in your area?

Select one

Yes
No
Not sure
Closed to responses

4. Have you ever avoided outdoor dining or food vendors in Chula Vista due to safety, cleanliness, or accessibility concerns?

Select one

Yes
No
Not sure
Other
Closed to responses

5. How comfortable are you dining next to street traffic (e.g., curb cafes)?

Select one

Very Comfortable
Somewhat comfortable
Not comfortable
It depends on the setup including barriers and protections in place
Closed to responses

6. How important is it that outdoor vendors follow clear rules for safety, trash removal, food handling, cleanliness?

Select one

Very important
Somewhat important
Not important
Closed to responses

7. Sidewalk cafes – Do you support allowing more sidewalk cafes (tables and seating placed on public sidewalk next to businesses) in commercial areas of Chula Vista?

Select one

Yes
No
Not sure
Only in areas with wide sidewalks
Closed to responses

8. Curb Cafes – Would you be in favor of converting street parking spaces into curb cafes to expand outdoor dining options?

Select one

Yes
No
Not sure
Depending on location and parking impact
Closed to responses

9. Food Trucks- Where would you most like to see food trucks operating in Chula Vista?

Select all that apply

At special events
At sporting events
Downtown Chula Vista
Near business districts/areas
Near schools
Parks and near trails
I do not support food trucks
Closed to responses

10. Would you be interested in seeing a designated food truck corral or outdoor food market in Chula Vista? (A food truck corral is a dedicated space where multiple food trucks operate together; a food market may include vendors, carts, and small stands.)

Select one

Yes – I would visit regularly
Yes - I would visit occasionally
No – Not interested
Maybe – depends on location and offerings
Closed to responses

11. Sidewalk Vendors – What is your level of support for sidewalk vending (e.g., food carts, stands) in public spaces?

Select one

Strongly support
Somewhat support
Do not support
Support only with stricter regulations
Closed to responses

12. What is one thing the City of Chula Vista could do to improve your outdoor dining or vending experience.

Closed for Comments

13. Are you a business owner?

Yes
No
Closed to responses

14. How would you rate your understanding of the current permitting process for outdoor dining or vending in Chula Vista?

Select one

Very clear
Somewhat clear
Confusing or unclear
I was not aware a permit was required.
Closed to responses

15. As a business owner, what challenges (if any) have you experienced with outdoor dining or vending?

Select all that apply

Permit process
Cost of setup
Design or space limitations
Accessibility standards
No major challenges
Vandalism
Not applicable
Closed to responses

16. If you are a food truck owner or operator, what challenges have you experienced operating in Chula Vista?

Select all that apply

Limited locations
Permit or regulatory issues
Enforcement or unclear rules
Lack of demand
No major challenges
Not applicable
Closed to responses

17. Do you believe that nearby food trucks or sidewalk vendors positively or negatively impact your business?

Select one

Positive impact – brings more foot traffic
Negative impact – competes with my business
Depends on the proximity and type of vendor
No impact
Not sure
Closed to responses

Would you like to receive updates on outdoor dining and be notified of upcoming milestones and events? If so, please provide your contact information.

Contact Information (Optional)

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