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Planning board approves downtown encroachment text amendment restricting canopies and on‑street dining on Harrison Avenue
Summary
The board unanimously approved a text amendment that (1) forbids canopies and balconies within 10 feet of the curb on Harrison Avenue and (2) disallows outdoor dining in on‑street parking spaces on Harrison Avenue while permitting sidewalk cafes elsewhere pending design review and a sidewalk cafe permit.
The Planning Board on Aug. 11 unanimously approved a text amendment to the Unified Land Development Code that narrows permitted encroachments in the downtown zoning district, including a Harrison Avenue exception. Under the amendment, canopies and balconies in the downtown district may not be located within 10 feet of the outer face of the curb on Harrison Avenue. The amendment also states that sidewalk cafes may be located on sidewalks or in on‑street parking spaces generally, but explicitly excepts Harrison Avenue: sidewalk cafes will not be allowed in on‑street parking spaces on Harrison Avenue although sidewalk cafes on the widened sidewalks there remain permitted. Staff said sidewalk cafes and any on‑street dining would still require a sidewalk cafe permit and design review. Board members discussed typical sidewalk widths on Harrison Avenue (staff said average sidewalks are about 18 to 20 feet) and confirmed the change preserves sidewalk space on Harrison while allowing cafes on adjacent sidewalks subject to permitting. The motion to approve passed 5‑0.
