The Outdoor Dining Incentive Program is a reimbursement grant of $10,000 offered by the City of Walnut Creek to support restaurants investing in safe, attractive, and functional outdoor dining spaces with constructed PODS.
On July 15, 2025, the City Council of the City of Walnut established the PODS Incentive Program (Program) Guidelines which provided one-time grants to incentivize the expedient delivery of PODS by restaurants in downtown Walnut and improve the outdoor dining feel and create new activity in downtown.
The Program will end no later than December 31, 2025 or when Program funding (defined below) is fully allocated, whichever is sooner.
The City will review, and to the extent necessary, update these Guidelines on an as-needed basis. The City may approve revisions, interpretations, or clarifications to these Grant Program Guidelines at any time.
Eligible Use of Funds
Business expenses related solely to the applicable restaurant that is served by the PODS including but not limited to rent, working capital, inventory, payroll.
Ineligible Use of Funds
- Construction, design and engineering, and permitting expenses.
- Personal expenses of any form.
Eligibility
- Any business eligible under the City’s Outdoor Dining Policy (ODP) with good standing with the City (defined as active business license, proof of insurance, good standing with the Police Department and Code Enforcement, and no outstanding City debt or tax liens) and other agencies and have all required permits with all regulatory agencies including but not limited to:
- City of Walnut
- Alcoholic and Beverage Control (if applicable)
- Contra Costa County
- Contra Costa Fire Protection District
- Must comply with all requirements of the City’s Outdoor Dining Policy including payment of all necessary fees.
- Must be located in downtown Walnut as defined by the overlay in the Outdoor Dining Program.
- Must install a PODS and receive all applicable City and agency permits prior to payment of grant funds.
- Must submit complete application and provide proof of insurance, W9, and property owner concurrence with application for the PODS.
Terms
- First come first served until Program funds are exhausted.
- Maximum $10,000 grant per business.
- Program application must be submitted by December 31, 2025.
- PODS must have inspections completed by the City by December 31, 2025.
- Applicants can apply after the final PODS inspection by the City.
- Funds to be issued within 30 days of application completion.
- Subject to revisions by City Manager.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a completed Program application after the PODS is completed and has passed all necessary City approvals and inspections. Learn more about applying for an Outdoor Dining POD.
Sasa Debuts Walnut Creek’s Second Privately Funded Parklet Through Outdoor Dining Grant Program
We’re excited to announce the opening of downtown Walnut Creek’s second privately funded parklet, made possible by a generous investment from Sasa. This marks a major success for the City’s new $100,000 Outdoor Dining Program grant, adopted by the City Council on July 15, 2025. The grant incentivizes the construction of parklets to enhance the vibrancy of downtown Walnut Creek, which is home to more than 120 restaurants offering a wide variety of dining experiences. This initiative reflects the City’s continued commitment to economic development and a business-friendly environment.
Information by City of Walnut Creek