Rome to enforce new rules to regulate covid-era commercial use of the city’s pavements.
Rome has introduced a new regulatory framework governing outdoor seating areas for bars and restaurants, after years of what authorities have described as chaotic and unregulated pavement occupation across the city.
The overhaul, which came into effect on 1 April, is designed primarily to replace the emergency provisions brought in during the covid pandemic, which had allowed businesses to expand outdoors rapidly with minimal scrutiny.
Under those temporary rules, venues could extend their external space by up to 50 per cent on sidewalks in Rome’s historic centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and up to 70 per cent elsewhere.
They could also occupy public ground up to 25 metres from their frontage simply by submitting a basic declaration.
New rules
The new regulation ends that era – though not without political controversy: the centre-right opposition has repeatedly pressed the city council to align itself with a national government extension of the emergency measures, which runs until 30 June 2027. Rome’s administration chose to press ahead regardless.
The new framework recalculates permitted outdoor space on the basis of a venue’s total internal floor area – including kitchens and bathrooms – rather than its street frontage.
Allowances vary by zone. In the UNESCO area, operators may occupy up to one third of their internal surface area, rising to 50 per cent in less sensitive parts and 40 per cent on pedestrianised streets.
In the broader central area outside the UNESCO perimeter, the permitted ratio ranges from one third to two thirds of internal floor space, with platforms of up to three parking-space equivalents allowed in the outer suburbs of the city.
Three zones
The city has also been divided into three main zones with multiple sub-categories.
The most restrictive tier covers the UNESCO site, which encompasses the city’s ancient core – including the Forums, the Circus Maximus and the Baths of Caracalla – as well as the mediaeval fabric (T1), the Renaissance expansion zone (T2), and the 19th- and early 20th-century districts within the Aurelian Walls (T3).
Aesthetic standards have been tightened in tandem with spatial rules. Multi-coloured parasols and plastic furniture are banned in historic and prestige areas.
Tables, chairs, planters and other furnishings must instead conform to uniform lines, using materials such as wood, rattan or understated metalwork, in neutral tones including white and ecru.
Platforms may still be installed within the UNESCO zone, subject to assessment and approval from heritage authorities and the local police.
What happens now?
The deadline for businesses to submit adaptation applications fell on 31 March. A total of 2,747 applications were submitted by the close, with 457 lodged on the final day alone
The figures confirm a heavy concentration in the central Municipio I borough which accounted for 1,268 of the total applications.
Under the transitional provisions, traders who applied may continue using their existing outdoor arrangements while their applications are processed, whereas those who did not submit are considered to have lost their entitlement, with their concession deemed lapsed.
During this transitional period, businesses that applied in time may temporarily retain their old street furniture pending the formal outcome of their application.
Restoring order to public space
Monica Lucarelli, Rome’s councillor for trade and productive activities, said she would convene a meeting with the presidents and directors of the city’s 15 municipal districts after Easter to align inspection procedures and coordinate enforcement with the local police.
In a statement, she added that the council was examining ways to formally notify non-compliant businesses and invite them to regularise their position promptly.
“The effects will be gradual” – Lucarelli stated – “but the goal is a more orderly and balanced management of public space, protecting those who work within the rules and the citizens who have the right to enjoy their city”.
Photo credit: StudioLab Images / Shutterstock.com
