NORFOLK, Va. — Walking across Granby Street, people may notice a lack of outdoor seating now that Norfolk City leaders are cracking down on street-side patios.
Already, the outdoor seating at the Stockpot is completely gone.
"The contractor came and took it all away in a single day," said Patrick Edwards, owner of the Stockpot. "Now it's all in the City of Chesapeake, at my third location."
Business owners are removing, or downsizing patio space after city leaders sent out a fee schedule. Previously these spots used to be free as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city allowed businesses to build "street-eries" to keep business doors open, and have customers eat outside and within the proper social distance requirements.
Now these city-owned spots will have a price tag, and the cost can vary depending on the street it's located on and the type of structure.
Business leaders found out through an email sent to businesses' inboxes.
"Initially it said I needed to pay a thousand dollars," said Edwards. "I sent back 'what is this."'
According to the schedule, semi-permanent structures on Granby Street cost $100 right off the bat. Fees are tacked on depending on the size of the structure, ranging from $6 per foot all the way to $14 per foot.
While some businesses like Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub and Restaurant plan to cut the size of its patio in half, other business owners said it was impossible for them.
"We have 15 seats inside, but this is 16 seats - I have more seats outside than I do inside," said Phillip James, owner of PJay's Kitchen.
James first opened his business at the beginning of 2024. He said his business model heavily involves the outdoor seating, which had already been built by a previous owner.
He said he has no choice, but to pay the price in order to keep his doors open.
"It would jeopardize my business if not," said James. "The revenue of those seats brings a lot to my business, especially as we get into summer."
A spokeswoman with Norfolk City said city leaders will work with business owners to figure out the next steps.
There is no deadline set for when businesses must become compliant, as the spokeswoman said they are working on a case-by-case basis.