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Lake Bluff ABR debates requiring review for sidewalk furniture and outdoor dining
Summary
The Lake Bluff Architectural Board of Review discussed whether sidewalk furniture and outdoor dining installations should be routed to the board for review after members raised concerns about picnic tables, pedestrian clearance and aesthetics.
Members of the Lake Bluff Architectural Board of Review discussed whether outdoor furniture and sidewalk dining installations should require ABR review during the June 3 meeting, citing inconsistent aesthetics and narrowed pedestrian clearances on the public sidewalk.
A board member who raised the item said some picnic tables approved by the village look out of place and have seemed to narrow the sidewalk, and asked whether those installations could be routed to the ABR for review when they are placed on the public right-of-way. Board members noted village staff currently issues sidewalk/dining permits that specify how much area may be used and said some tenants have not been in full compliance with the required five-foot clear pedestrian path.
Speakers discussed specific downtown examples: picnic tables that have weathered and turned green, seating arrangements shifting from the face of buildings toward the curb, and concerns about scooters and other obstructions. One board member said some restaurants sought different levels of outdoor seating treatment (more casual versus formal) and that those approvals were handled by the village rather than the ABR.
Participants raised practical questions about timing and enforcement. Board members asked whether a new requirement could be applied retroactively (several said not for the current season) and whether new tenants could be subject to ABR review. A staff member said they would speak with the village manager about how dining applications might be routed to the ABR for future reviews.
No formal motion or ordinance was recorded; board members asked staff to follow up with the village manager and village staff about permit coordination and enforcement.
