Sean Rossman

Democrat staff writer

The Leon County Commission approved a "doggie dining" ordinance at its Tuesday meeting, legitimizing and regulating pets sitting with their owners outside at local restaurants.

The issue was raised after a few new developments requested the ability to let restaurant patrons sit with their dogs outside.

The state Legislature lifted a longtime ban on dogs in restaurants in 2006 and allowed municipalities to set their own standards. Since then, local restaurants have been letting dogs into their restaurants, despite the fact Leon County and the city of Tallahassee never adopted regulations.

Under the new ordinance, which goes into effect July 1, establishments will be required to designate outdoor areas for pooches, adopt sanitation measures and post of at least one sign reminding patrons and employees of the dog rules. Restaurants would have to submit an application, which must include the hours dogs will be allowed to frolic,​ and pay a $100 permit fee. The annual renewal fee will be $50.

County looking to porch the pooches with 'doggie dining' ordinance

To maintain cleanliness, state statutes call for employees to wash their hands after petting dogs. Patrons also are to wash their hands before eating and to not let dogs come in contact with plates, utensils or silverware. Under state rules, dogs must be on a leash at all times and would be barred from sitting on chairs or tables.

Service dogs covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act are exempt from the measure.

The county's ordinance will only apply to the unincorporated parts of Leon County, not the city of Tallahassee. The city, Leon County Administrator Vince Long said, has an interest in adopting its own policy.

Contact Sean Rossman atsrossman@tallahassee.com or follow@SeanRossman on Twitter.