PURPOSE

  1. To allow outdoor cafe and seating areas in public spaces adjacent to shopfronts.
  2. To ensure that outdoor cafe areas do not hinder the free movement of pedestrians.

APPLICABILITY

  1. This Article is applicable to all outdoor cafe seating located on a primary or secondary frontage or on a public sidewalk.

GENERAL

  1. The operator of the outdoor cafe seating is responsible for the proper maintenance of the cafe area at all times, including proper disposal of all trash generated.

CAFE AREA DIMENSIONS

  1. Outdoor cafe seating areas may be located along the face of a building or freestanding within a sidewalk, civic space, or shared space provided a 42 inch clear walkway is maintained on any sidewalk, walkway, or thoroughfare.

FURNITURE

  1. Furnishings may only consist of movable tables, movable chairs, movable umbrellas, required enclosures, and portable or mounted heaters.
  2. All furnishing must be made of safe, sturdy, and durable materials, such as wood, steel, or wrought iron.
  3. When not intended for use during the winter months, outdoor cafe furnishings must be removed and stored indoors.
  4. Standing or stooled table ledges, if provided, must be at least 18 inches in depth.
  5. Heaters are encouraged to extend the use of outdoor cafe seating during colder weather. The following standards apply:
    1. Heating fixtures require approval by the Fire Department.
    2. Heaters may be freestanding or mounted to the underside of an awning.
    3. Portable heaters must be stored indoors when the business is closed.

ENCLOSURES

  1. The perimeter of outdoor cafe seating areas must be defined and enclosed on all sides by any combination of metal fencing, bollards and chain, or planters.
  2. Vertical wind breaks made from textile or other sheeting material may be provided on each end of a cafe area, provided that the wind break is attached to and fits completely under an awning.
  3. Any necessary frames or supports for awnings or windbreaks are permitted.
  4. Metal Fencing
    1. Fencing must be 36 inches or less in height.
    2. The maximum gap permitted between fence segments is 4 inches.