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Town adopts consolidated outdoor-dining policy to standardize sidewalk/parklet rules and ADA clearances
Summary
The Select Board adopted a consolidated outdoor-dining policy that standardizes permit duration (three-year licenses with annual administrative review), ADA/pedestrian clearance (minimum 36 inches baseline pending legal review) and safety requirements (barriers, fire/health sign-offs); board asked staff to confirm ADA interpretation with counsel.
Town counsel and staff presented a consolidated outdoor-dining policy to standardize sidewalk agreements, parklet/parking-space conversions, ADA clearance, barrier requirements, fire and health approvals, and licensing timelines.
Under the new policy, licenses are issued on a three-year cycle but remain subject to annual administrative reviews and conditions. Staff emphasized that sidewalk and parklet installations that use public parking or rights-of-way must demonstrate traffic- and pedestrian-safety plans and obtain building, health and fire sign-offs. The policy sets baseline pedestrian clearance standards (36 inches) consistent with state guidance as an enforceable minimum while directing staff to seek further confirmation from counsel and relevant agencies on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) implications.
Board members asked that staff ensure the policy language does not inadvertently restrict private-property patios that already have indoor/outdoor liquor approvals; counsel confirmed outdoor alcohol service remains conditioned by the board and the license. The policy passed unanimously; staff will add an official approval date and finalize references to state ADA guidance as requested.
