BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The City of Bakersfield is looking to "streamline" the application process for businesses to get a Special Event Permit in order to operate during the pandemic.

The new application is attached and can be found on the City’s website as well as on the City’s COVID-19 webpage.

The process to receive the COVID-19 Special Event Permit has been expedited to about five business days, compared to normal Special Event Permits, which can take up to 30 days to process.

The permit allows restaurants and other businesses to close off streets, sidewalks and parking lots to set up seating and vending areas. Officials are requiring businesses to apply because only certain streets are eligible for closure and only up to half of a parking lot may be closed off.

The application processing fee is $86.