Cincinnati officials are working to set up "pick-up and drop-off" zones near city restaurants providing carryout and food delivery. The move comes after many of these businesses were forced to shut down their dining areas to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Council Member Chris Seelbach made the proposal Monday in a motion saying "this has dramatically altered the livelihoods of numerous Cincinnatians and their businesses."

The city administration issued a memo saying it's working on a plan to make metered parking spaces available at no cost for 15 minutes for food pick-up and drop-off.

City officials are studying locations for this effort, and businesses interested in pick-up and drop-off areas can call 513-352-6280, or email matthew.hulme@cincinnati-oh.gov.

"After identification and approval of appropriate areas, the administration will publish a map that identifies the location of each zone," states the memo, which indicates the areas will be marked by signs, "No Parking Except Food Pick Up and Drop Off – 15 minute Limit."

Parking meters in these areas will be reprogrammed to provide an initial 15 minutes of free parking, similar to a policy in place in the Central Business District.

The city's parking enforcement officers and police officers will enforce the policy.

"There will likely be a revenue implication of this policy," the memo said. "We do not know yet what that will be exactly, but we will continue to assess that and balance against the well-being of our small businesses."

Administrators said they may announce further policy changes for parking in the coming days as such changes are considered and evaluated.