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Council adopts revised sidewalk dining rules to encourage outdoor seating downtown
Summary
Newton City adopted Text Amendment #2020-01 to update the sidewalk dining ordinance, adding design standards (wood or metal furniture) and specifying a 5-foot unobstructed pedestrian path and a 7-foot dining area; adoption was unanimous.
The Newton City Council unanimously adopted a revision to the sidewalk dining ordinance (Text Amendment #2020-01) on Nov. 10 to support downtown outdoor dining as part of the Streetscape Revitalization Project.
Planning Director Randy Williams said the updated draft incorporates stakeholder input and introduces two principal changes: design standards to discourage plastic street furniture in favor of wood or metal furniture compatible with a restaurant’s décor, and measurement standards that require a five-foot clear pedestrian walkway and a seven-foot dining area where sidewalk dining is permitted.
Williams said the proposal had been circulated to downtown restaurants and reviewed by the DNDA board; the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval. During the public hearing, Michael Waltuch asked whether trash receptacles count toward the five-foot clear path; Williams answered that trash cans are not counted in the five-foot requirement.
Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver moved to close the public hearing and the council adopted the amendment on a unanimous vote. The ordinance and related design standards were filed with the city clerk.
