NEW YORK — Outdoor dining on sidewalks and curbsides is closer to becoming a permanent fixture around the city.

The City Planning Commission on Monday unanimously approved a text amendment that removes zoning rules which prohibit outdoor dining structures.

The plan now goes to the City Council for final approval.

The New York City Hospitality Alliance put out a statement saying the yes vote is an important step in developing a sustainable future for the outdoor dining program.

Opponents of the plan who have attended community board meetings to voice their concerns argue the structures add litter, create more noise at night and eliminate an already shrinking number of parking spots.

The pandemic-driven "Open Restaurants" program began in June 2020 under an executive order by former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who signed legislation extending it for another year this past July.