The Bakersfield city council on Wednesday night approved waiving a special permit fee for small businesses looking to expand services outdoors.

In July the city began issuing special event permits for businesses impacted by COVID-19, allowing them to take their services outdoors.

Part of the process was an $86 permit fee.

City councilman Chris Parlier requested earlier this month that the city look into the possibility of waiving that fee, helping businesses already dealing with financial hardships.

On Wednesday, the city council voted 7-0 in favor of waiving the fee.