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Riverside approves outdoor dining code changes and grant support for nonconforming areas
Summary
The board approved an ordinance amending the village code on outdoor dining, giving businesses until Dec. 31, 2027, to bring nonconforming outdoor dining into compliance and allowing facade/grant funds from business districts to help costs.
The Village Board of Riverside voted on May 21 to approve an ordinance amending village code section 7-4-14 to address outdoor eating cafes and to make grants available through business-district facade programs to help nonconforming outdoor dining areas come into compliance.
Director Siren said the ordinance reflects prior board direction and that businesses in business districts along Harlem Avenue can request grants funded by sales tax generated in those districts. Grants will be evaluated through the existing CBD facade improvement program, which staff will amend to include qualifying outdoor-dining improvements.
Under the ordinance, nonconforming outdoor dining areas have until Dec. 31, 2027, to achieve compliance. Staff will notify affected restaurants, explain options to achieve compliance and outline assistance available through grants and the economic incentive program.
Why it matters: The ordinance seeks to balance safety and code uniformity with economic support for restaurants that expanded outdoor seating under earlier, more flexible rules.
Next steps: Staff will prepare a resolution to expand the facade-improvement grant program and will recommend budget allocations during the 2027 budget process to support likely requests for improvements.
