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Rochelle Park committee outlines new winter review for outdoor dining under state law
Summary
Rochelle Park officials agreed to allow outdoor dining by-right April 1–Nov. 30 under state statute while requiring special applications and local review for Dec. 1–Mar. 31; staff will draft compliance language to balance business use and fire/safety standards.
Rochelle Park officials reopened a discussion of outdoor dining rules on Jan. 22 after zoning and construction code staff flagged safety and parking issues under a recently enacted state statute. Committee members said temporary tents and heaters often occupy required parking spaces and involve electrical and heating arrangements that must meet minimum state and local code standards.
Committee Woman Ora, who brought the topic back for discussion, said the zoning and fire officials asked the township to align its local rules with the state statute and provide clearer local oversight. ‘‘Our zoning and construction code officials are asking that we bring compliance at least to the minimum allowed by the state statute,’’ she said. Several members agreed the main season could be set from April 1 through Nov. 30 with stricter review and an application process for outdoor dining from Dec. 1 through March 31.
Deputy Mayor Miller and Committee Man Trinsky supported minimum health-and-safety standards and fire access requirements; staff were directed to draft permitting language. The administrator confirmed the drafting task and said the Committee would review proposed regulations at the next meeting.
The Committee instructed staff to craft standards addressing parking impacts, structural and tent compliance, heater and electrical safety, and fire access in accordance with the state statute. No formal ordinance was adopted at the meeting; the Committee agreed to return the draft for consideration at a subsequent session.
